Chapter 29
CARI
He hurt me. My conversation with Jett last night unraveled me and sent me into a tailspin as I rushed away.
He told me things that sounded so believable, but made me second guess myself. I remember the way he touched me. The way I touched him. We sat so close together, talked so intimately, our legs intwined in one another’s.
Last night was real.
He told me he'd been thinking of me in ways he shouldn’t have for the longest time. In the moment, it sounded like he was telling the truth, but he blows hot and cold, and now I’m not so sure.
That night was simultaneously the most wonderful thing to happen to me and the worst. I wanted to believe I could have my own fairytale, even if it was just for a night. But a part of me now wonders if Jett is playing with me.
I tell myself I don't care, because I'm leaving. I can do this. I can have some fun, but not if it’s for just a moment or a night, because I give my heart.
And I can’t give my heart to Jett Knight. He’d likely chew it up and spit it out when he’s finished with me.
He’s lonely, and probably frustrated. I doubt he goes without sex for more than a few days. This must be torture for him, being stuck out here with me and Brooke, and no hot girlfriend to wine and dine or shower with gifts.
The man has been commanding and dominating and a brute. He says he has feelings for me. But does he?
After the incredible, surreal, stuff-of-my-fantasies proximity we shared, just when I gave him permission to touch me, he said I needed to leave before he did something he regretted.
He played with my mind and my body. His soft touches—stroking my thighs, turning me on, cupping my face, touching my lip—it comes as easily as breathing to him.
The man is a seasoned player.
Of course he is.
He's had more lovers in a year than I’ve had in my entire life. ? Rory was my longest relationship—lasting all of one year and two months. Before that, there were two others. Short-lived, six-month relationships.
I'm not a virgin, but I'm also not in Jett's league. With him being a decade older, he’s so much more experienced than I am. It turns me on as much as it makes me anxious. He knows how to make a woman feel. Sitting so close to him, with our legs entwined, he strummed my body so perfectly that I was willing to let him do anything. He could have played me any which way he wanted, and I would have let him.
But instead, he sees me as something he’d regret, and that hurts as much as being dismissed.
Men are so weak and pathetic sometimes. I remember Aunt Scarlett and my mom saying that about them, and ? I have to agree.
It took all my resolve and every ounce of courage I could find to come down for breakfast. Jett should have been at work, but apparently he’s taken the day off. I was tempted to hide away from him, but why should I?
I won’t allow him to make me feel bad.
He was uneasy during breakfast. He looked sheepish, too. I felt like I had the upper hand, like I did last night in the bar until he dismissed me.
My stomach twisted in knots as I walked in for breakfast, but Brooke’s cheery, chirpy manner put me at ease. My confidence vanished when her father said we had to go to someone’s house later this evening. I feel like he made it up when he discovered my plans with Jacques.
Apparently, Brooke wanted to go to the Blue Lagoon, but thankfully Jett persuaded her to do something else. He whisked her away to watch a film, and she was so happy that she didn’t even remember to ask if I could tag along.
I am so relieved. I wouldn’t be surprised if he suggested it so that he wouldn’t have to spend the day with me. I don’t want to spend the day with him, or the evening at this so-called party. It’ll be filled with obnoxious rich people, so I’ll just focus on Brooke.
I would have given up my evening with friends for her, if it were true, but I made it up on the spot. After last night, I wanted to see if it would make Jett jealous. I think I did. I can read him just as well as he claims he can read me, and I know he didn’t like the idea of me meeting Jacques and the others. He’s jealous over the idea of me being interested in another guy.
Maybe there is some truth to what he told me. I kind of believe him. I like to think that he was open with me last night, when he confessed to his feelings. This man isn’t a liar, and even though he’s a pain in the ass and a brutal, arrogant businessman most of the time, when it comes to something like this, I think he’d tell the truth.
I understand it better now in the light of day. We’re from different worlds. There’s no way it could ever work between someone like Jett and someone like me. Even if it’s just a summer fling—one night of passion—so that we can both get each other out of our systems.
All those times I wondered if that sizzle between us was just in my head, and he’s now telling me it wasn’t. That he’s been feeling the same for a while.
But he still rejected me.
I need to leave with my head held high, and I intend to do just that. But before I do, I'm going to teach him a lesson. I’ll show him.
Jett is waiting for us downstairs in the grand hallway. I kept him waiting because I couldn’t decide on what to wear.
He looks up, his eyes now bright blue and wide as his gaze trails down the length of me. Brooke and I hold hands as we come down the stairs together.
He shoves his hands in his pockets, looking as debonair and charming as ever. I put Brooke's hair in pigtails, and they bounce as she races down the few steps to her father.
“Daddy, do you like my dress?”
“I love your dress, sweet pea.”
“Do you like Cari’s dress?”
I note the tight set of his jaw. I can tell that he doesn't want to look at me, but now has no choice. He throws a cursory glance my way. “It’s lovely, but I like yours better. Come on, let's get going.”
They walk on ahead of me. Hand in hand. It's a cute sight, and it warms my heart. I can already see how happy Brooke is on this trip. This means so much to her. As for Jett, were it not for the horny devil I met late at night, I'd say he was softer too. Different. Less guarded.
And for me, dangerous.
Brooke chatters away, talking about the ponies as we climb into the SUV. She seems obsessed with them and I’m happy to let father and daughter have their conversation as I stare out of the window.
Jett and I lock gazes every now and then. We're still distant with one another and haven't talked. We reach our destination, and Brooke gets out of the SUV first. I make to leave from my passenger door, when he grabs my wrist lightly, his thumb sweeping over my pulse point in soothing strokes that both excite and calm me. It immediately transports me to last night at the bar, and I feel that familiar throbbing between my legs.
“I appreciate you giving up your evening to come here tonight.” He sounds a little gruff, as if it pains him to say it.
“I didn't do it for you. I did it for Brooke.”
“I appreciate that.” I wriggle my hand free. “I didn't want to mess up your social life,” he adds.
“You haven't.”
His nostrils flare and he looks like he’s fighting to not say something.
I feel like … he might really be ... jealous.
As if I need further confirmation, his blazing eyes pin me in place and I can’t move. I know all his cues because I have studied this man for so long and stolen secret glances at him when he didn’t even know he was being watched. I know his moods, when he’s happy and sad. And my heart surfs along a wave of anticipation at the thought that he can’t stand the idea of me being interested in another man.
I hold my breath, daring to believe that my wildest fantasy is coming true. Am I even ready for this? He says he has feelings for me. And if he gives in, what do I do? He's so much more worldly, mature, and wealthy. We live in different universes. I'm torn, feeling adrift and wondering if I should settle for someone like Rory, because I don't think I'm ready for a man of Jett's caliber.
But Aunt Scarlett’s words bounce around in my head.
It’s been a tough year. Go for it, Cari. Have some fun.
It has been a tough year, and I do need to get this man out of my system. He gave me that red dress for a reason. He seemed almost reticent, like a man fighting his demons, when he dismissed me. But I'm determined to have some fun. I deserve it. A week of our trip is already behind us. The next two will fly by in a heartbeat, and after that I only have a week left at work.
I'll be out of Jett's life for good. So, if he pushes me again, I'm going to go for it. I'm going to channel my inner vixen and live this fantasy before we head back to real life in New York.
We get out of the SUV, and I sidle up to him.
“There's something you should know,” I tell him, with a confidence that is alien to me. Fear blankets his expression, and it makes me wonder what he thinks I'm about to say. I move closer and tiptoe so that my lips brush his ear. My heart thumps so loud that I fear he's going to hear it, but I say it anyway. “I'm not wearing any panties under this dress.” I move my head away because I want to see what my words do to him.
What I see is pure, feral lust. A gasp escapes his lips.
Bullseye.
I walk away. I love that I have that effect on him.
But as he navigates his way through groups of people, I see the reaction he has on many of the female guests. The word must be out that he’s single again. There isn’t a woman on his arm, and though there are a lot of good-looking guys here, Jett stands tall above them all. I don’t know if ? it’s because of his height, or the way he carries himself with poise and privilege. It could also be that his slicked-back, dark hair and that commanding face—all square lines and strong jaw—is hard to miss.
He doesn't have anyone. And he says he wants me.
Abigail, Madison’s mother, comes up to him with a smile on her face and longing in her eyes. My heart sinks to see her here. She rests her arms on Jett’s and leans in letting him kiss her on both cheeks. They talk and I watch, standing by like a third wheel. Alongside her is another woman, someone I haven’t seen before. She’s tall and beautiful, her hair scraped into a tight bun that shows off her stunning features. “So wonderful to see you,” she gushes, moving in for her welcome kisses. “It’s been too long, Jett. We’ve missed you. I’ve missed you.”
I feel out of place in this beautiful world with beautiful people. I stick out like a sore thumb, like a big green alien, but then I remind myself of how good I looked in that dress, when I finally plucked up the courage to wear it. It’s all about perception, and maybe I’ve had too low of an opinion of myself. I’m the one who’s made myself smaller, by making myself believe that anyone—like Alicia and these gorgeous women here—are better than me. Meanwhile, they’re too busy enjoying themselves to even think about me.
“How are you, Tiffany?” Jett asks.
“All the better for having seen you.” She playfully squeezes his hands. “So good to see you, Jett. Let’s let it all be water under the bridge.”
Jett’s smile is so fake, but I doubt that anyone else notices.
“I see you brought the nanny,” she says, barely glancing my way. Jett scratches his neck. It's a tell. He’s unsure how to answer. He could say I’m the PA, but on this trip, I am the nanny. I flash a dazzling smile at the woman.
A large, portly man comes over and talks to Jett. I look away, observing the crowd, and seeing where and how I can escape with Brooke. She tugs on my hand and I bend down. “Yes, sweetie?”
“Can we go and see the ponies?” she whispers.
“Sure, we can.” I was waiting to see if Abigail would say anything to me, but she hasn’t so much as looked my way. I catch the big guy assessing me. “Who is this delightful creature?” he asks Jett, loud enough that I can hear.
I give him a dazzling smile, while thinking that he sounds like a sleazeball. I don’t want Jett to see me looking miserable. “I'm taking care of Brooke,” I reply. “Would you please excuse us? We’re going to see the ponies.” I nod at Jett and leave. I grab Brooke's hand, and I see some of the moms from that disastrous lunch huddled in a cluster, talking and whispering among themselves. I catch sight of Celine and wave to her. She leaves the group and heads in my direction.
“Let’s say hello to Zara’s grandmother,” I say to Brooke. She happily skips alongside me as I walk toward Celine.
“Celine.” I’m so glad you’re here.” My heart blossoms and I feel happy that I came, if only to run into this lovely woman again.
“Cari! Brooke! I’m so glad you’re here. I wasn’t sure if I’d ever get to see you again.” She kisses the top of Brooke’s head and gives me a kiss on the cheek.
Celine radiates sunshine. She has an aura about her, something that makes me feel at peace.
“Is Zara here?” I ask.
“Sadly no. She was earlier, but her dad took her home.” She makes a sad face. “We need to get you two together on a play date.”
“That would be lovely.” Brooke tugs my hand gently, reminding me that we were on a mission. “Celine, it’s been lovely seeing you. Maybe I’ll run into you later, but I promised Brooke we’d go find the ponies.”
“Go, go! My grandchildren had rides on them earlier. Enjoy yourself, young lady.” She smiles at Brooke.
We head off, but I don't know where I'm going, I have no clue where the stables are.We soon run into two girls who look so alike that I do a double take. They give Brooke a big hug and she seems enthralled. She obviously knows them, and through their conversation I discover that they are the daughters of the hosts. They lead us to the stables.
Brooke’s excitement reaches a fever pitch at the sight of the two gorgeous ponies. They have glossy coats of dappled gray and chestnut, and prance gracefully around a ringed off area. They whinny softly, drawing Brooke's wide-eyed admiration.
“Can I ride one?”
Can she? I don’t know, but I don’t want to go looking for Jett to ask him. “As long as she's got the appropriate gear,” I say.
“She will, we promise!”