26. The Real Deal
Colton
Just when I thought we were moving forward, Jane and I took a huge step back. My worst fear came true—she rejected me. Story of my life. The fact that she did it in my old hometown hurt just a little more. But I’m trying to have a positive attitude about it. Yes, I can settle for friends right now. I have time. There are months left before our contract ends, and the last thing I want is to spook her away.
After everything she’s been through, I understand she needs to take things slow. If I’m lucky, she’ll eventually fall in love with me just like I did her. Something is there, I can feel it. Last night, I was convinced. It was more than just a hook-up. But she’s going to need to process it, and when she does, I’ll be there.
We’ve just sat down in the plane when an email pings my phone. It’s from Dexter, my PI. I read his report carefully and exhale a long swoosh of air.
“My PI got back to me,” I say, raising my head. Jane casts me a curious look. Then, her face transforms to a mix of anticipation and dread. I continue, “Zander ODed two years ago.”
“What?” she breathes out. “He’s dead?”
I nod. “You’re safe. He’s never going to find you.”
She leans her head back against the beige leather seat, her eyes fluttering closed. Her chest heaves up and down, and there’s nothing I’d rather do right now than to take her into my arms. But I know that’s not what she needs.
Finally, she opens her eyes again. “Thank you for doing this for me,” she says, her eyes glassy. “I can never repay you for this.”
“No need,” I say. “This wasn’t a transaction, Jane. I just wanted you to be able to rest easy. You don’t have to do anything in return.”
She nods wordlessly, but I can see the gratitude shining from her eyes. I’m glad I could provide that closure for her. And that whatever happened between us last night didn’t break the bond we started building.
The next few days are a whirlwind of meetings and more meetings. It’s always like that when I return after being away, even for such a short period—not that it happens often. Everyone has something to tell me, show me, ask me, and I barely see Jane. But, true to her promise, she reminded me about my mom’s charity and it’s officially in the works.
“Hey, boss,” Max says, entering my office as the sun is setting. “Long day?”
“What gave it away? The new gray hairs on my head or the extra wrinkles?” I joke.
“Both,” he says with a smirk, sitting down across from me. “We’ll finish the afternoon on a lighter note, then. I have good news!”
“Do tell,” I say, sinking back into my chair. “I’ve been putting out fires all day.”
“Investors are starting to express interest in the expansion,” he says with a wide smile. They’ll be in town in a couple of wee—”
“What?” I ask, frowning. “I thought that wouldn’t happen before we actually got married. I didn’t even know you were looking for investors yet.”
“I never stopped reaching out, just in case, and my hunch was right. I guess they’re less conservative than I thought. Time evolves, I suppose. Seeing you in a committed relationship seems to be enough for most people.”
Rage boils inside of me, and I stomp my foot. “Are you kidding me, Max? You talked me into finding a wife and getting married for nothing?” I’m now on my feet, my hands splayed on the desk as my heart pounds in my chest.
Max sinks into his chair. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know this would happen. I really thought—”
“You thought?” I scoff. “Your job is to know things, Max. You made me turn my life around, invite a stranger into my home, pretend to be in love with her,” I say, rubbing my forehead. “I’m throwing a wedding, for God’s sake!”
“I know, I know,” he says. “But on the plus side, the relationship helped. We’re getting closer to our goal, right? We’ll likely find someone to invest soon, and we can get the new business set up earlier than scheduled. If we play our cards right, you won’t even have to marry Jane after all.”
His words hit me like a freight train, and I sit back in my chair. “Thank you, Max. That’ll be all,” I say, dismissing him.
I don’t have to marry Jane anymore.
The relief that should be flooding me doesn’t come. This situation is even more messed up than I thought. My feelings for her are real, and the idea of marrying her no longer felt like an obligation. But what I’m feeling right now is pure disappointment. I want to marry Jane. I don’t want to simply date her. I want to shoot for the ultimate prize, the real deal.
What on earth am I going to do now? She’s not ready yet. It’s all happening too soon, and this development is messing with my plan. I need more time. If we break off the engagement now, she’ll flee. I know she will. I can’t let that happen, because deep down, I know she’s feeling the same way. I saw right through her lie when she told me our night together was a mistake, that we’re just friends. I see it every time I look into her eyes. If there’s one thing I never doubt, it’s my ability to read people.
Jane is in love with me. She just doesn’t know it yet. And I need to make sure she realizes it before it’s too late.
Jane
Between the wedding planning, the charity, and Colton’s work schedule, we’ve barely seen each other since returning from the UK two weeks ago. We still have dinner together every night, but I always pretend to have stuff to do right afterward. I can’t be alone with Colton, because now, I don’t even trust sober me around him. Better to just avoid him altogether. Especially since he’s been more attentive lately. He smiles a lot, and every time, it makes flowers bloom inside my chest. Thank Heavens he lost his British accent, or I would have been a goner.
The wedding is less than a week away now, and the charity event I’m organizing is tonight. Yes, I’m the one organizing it. Colton and his team put the charity together, but something urgent came up at work, and he couldn’t help with the event. So I offered to do it, knowing how much it means to him. With the help of Colton’s PR team, we were able to set it all up in a flash.
I’m now in the dining room, filling up the swag bags we’ll be handing out tonight.
“Jane,” Agnes says, startling me.
“Agnes.” I throw a hand over my heart, regulating my breathing. “I didn’t hear you come in.”
“Can I help you with zis?”
I’m as shocked by Agnes’s soft tone as I am by her offer. I did insist on doing this myself, but the courier will be here to pick them up soon, and I’m only halfway done.
“Sure, thanks.” I nod, and she walks around to the other side of the table. “Just add one of each item to the bags along with the charity brochure.”
She nods back and gets to work.
After a few minutes of working in silence, I say, “Thanks for helping me. And here I thought you hated me.” A nervous chuckle escapes my lips.
Her grim stare drills into my skull, making me regret my words. I should have learned by now that Agnes doesn’t do light conversation. Not to mention I just “accused” her of hating me. Who does that?
“I thought you were just here for ze money,” she shoots back, focusing on her task.
I do a double take, even physically taking a step back. If there’s one thing I never expected Agnes to say to me, that would be it.
“What do you mean?” I frown. “I am here for the money.”
Raising her head, she arches an eyebrow.
I shake my head. “What? I am.” My heartbeat quickens, and I wouldn’t be surprised if she could see it through my blouse.
“You wouldn’t work night and day on zis charity if you were just here for ze money,” she says matter-of-factly. “Look at all ze amazing sponsors you got for zis event. You care.”
My cheeks must now be a flaming red. “So what?” I eek out, tying the bow on my current bag. “I can care and still be here for the money. They’re not incompatible.”
She lets out a light chuckle. “That’s what I used to say too.”
My eyes widen in horror. “What? Colton . . . you?”
Her expression matches mine, and my pulse slows. “He could be my son,” she scolds.
“I know,” I blurt out, almost screaming.
“That’s what I mean. I care for him. As a son. Even if at first, I thought zis was just a job.”
“Do you have any children of your own?” I ask, tucking a brochure into a bag. It feels surreal to talk so casually with Agnes, but I’m glad I am. She doesn’t seem as bad anymore.
“I don’t. That’s why I’m a little . . . protective of Monsieur Green sometimes.”
I quirk an eyebrow. “Protective? I would have said ‘shielding,’ but okay,” I tease.
She answers with a light laugh, and I never knew she had such a pretty smile. Funny how that one feature can make such a big difference on someone’s face.
“You view him as a son, but you still call him Monsieur Green?”
“Ah,” she says, shaking her head. “How do we say again? Old habits die hard.”
“Right. Well, even if you have made my life a tad complicated at times, I’m glad he has you in his life.”
She nods, then gives me a knowing look. “And now, you too. He’s been acting different, you know? Smiling more, looking more at ease.”
I shake my head vehemently. “That has nothing to do with me. We’re just friends.”
“Mm-hmm,” she mumbles, making it clear that she’s not buying it. But I know I’m right. She doesn’t have the full story.
Colton and I have an arrangement, nothing more. Even if I briefly thought that might change after what happened at the wedding, I was clearly mistaken. We’re both lone wolves. This would never work.