9
thing offer
attended Grandpa Walker’s birthday gala, dropped off my gift, and left. Jackson Reed had told me last night that he’d taken on a last–minute case and needed to visit a neighboring city to find a witness. Grandpa Walker already knew about my divorce from Connor. He held onto me, not wanting me to leave, until the butler announced Connor’s return. Only then did he relent.
As I stepped out of the main gate, I came face to face with Connor and Chloe. I couldn’t believe it. Was he actually choosing today to make his big announcement? Connor saw me too, nodding briefly from a distance, a curt greeting. Chloe today was exquisitely dressed, looking quite striking. She also saw me and started to
approach, but Connor held her back.
By the roadside, Jackson Reed’s car pulled up. I paid no more attention to Connor, got in the car, and left. Unexpectedly, that case lasted a whole week, far more
complicated than we had imagined. Thankfully, in the end, it was a close call, but we won the lawsuit.
It was three months later before the case finally wrapped up. Spring had blossomed, and the temperatures were steadily rising. And I, too, was celebrating my thirtie th birthday. My parents insisted on throwing a birthday party for me. In these three months, they had gradually come to terms with my divorce and had even started making inquiries about Jackson Reed. With the recent high–profile case, Jackson’s reputation had soared, making them even more eager to meet him. They even subtly questioned my brother about Jackson and me. Whenever they did, my brother would act deaf, his only concern playing with his nephew. Seeing my birthday approaching, they immediately decided to host a birthday banquet. They sent out invitations before even informing me, the guest of honor.
I looked at Jackson, a wry smile on my face. “I’m so sorry, you’ll have to meet them.”
Jackson chuckled, gently pinching my cheek. “I thought you were planning on keeping me hidden forever.” He had just showered, wearing only a bathrobe. Water still dripped from his hair, trailing down his chest and disappearing into the folds of his robe.
1
“Jackson,” I said, my throat suddenly dry. “Are you staying tonight?”
These days, we often spent time together for work, but we hadn’t moved in together. My place was close to the law firm. He would occasionally come over to shower and rest for a couple of hours after being out of town, but he rarely crossed any lines. The one–time things almost got out of hand, just shy of the final step, he still
reined himself in, wrapping me in a blanket and trying to calm his breathing through the fabric.
The more I thought about it, the more something felt off. “Jackson Reed, are you… not capable?”
Jackson froze, then looked at me, his eyes now holding an unreadable emotion. “I just don’t think it’s the right time yet.”
I sighed lightly. Jackson was good in every way, just too old–fashioned. When discussing work, he was as serious as a seasoned politician. But being like that in
private too made me question if he truly liked me enough. “Are you mad?”
Seeing me lower my head and stay silent, he extended a long arm and effortlessly pulled me onto his lap. I poked his firm chest muscles. “I just feel like…. it’s a was- te of such a good physique.” Just for admiring.
He caught my restless hand, his Adam’s apple bobbing. “If you want me to, I’ve never said no.” His words sent a flush of heat to my face. I squirmed, trying to get
away, but he held mé firm. As soon as I settled back down, he cupped my chin and kissed me.
In the vast bedroom, only a small bedside lamp cast a soft glow. The hand resting on my waist tightened, as if he wanted to mold me into his bones, to become one with him. In the dim yellow light, shadows danced. Only low, suppressed gasps filled the room, continuing well past midnight.
