by J. L. Perry
‘Really. Will you come with me?’
‘Yes,’ I say without hesitation, even though butterflies swarm in my stomach at the thought of going. I’m not even sure why, I’ve attended these kinds of events a thousand times in the past. I guess this is the first time I’ll be going as someone’s date instead of their client—as Jade the person, not Jade the escort.
‘Great,’ he replies, pulling me into his arms. After placing a kiss on my forehead, he turns towards our guest. ‘Jade Davis, this is Brendan. He’s a stylist and friend of my brother’s.’
‘It’s lovely to meet you,’ he says, taking my hand and placing a kiss on my knuckles. ‘You’re simply stunning.’ He shifts my arm out to the side as his eyes travel the length of my body. ‘It’s going to be an absolute pleasure working with you, Miss Davis.’
‘Thank you,’ I reply, forcing a gracious smile. I’ve received compliments on my looks my entire life, but I don’t think I’ll ever be entirely comfortable hearing them. And although the look Brendan gives me isn’t sleazy or creepy, Brock picks up on my uneasiness.
‘Can you give us a second alone?’ he says to Brendan, before leading me back into the main foyer. ‘Are you okay?’ he asks, cupping my face in his hands.
‘I’m fine.’ Because I am, but I don’t elaborate.
‘He’s gay,’ he says. ‘You have nothing to worry about.’
I let out a small laugh. He’s obviously misread my uneasiness. ‘He can try all he wants,’ I reply, sliding my arms around Brock’s waist. ‘I only have eyes for one man.’
‘Really. And who would that be?’
‘I’m not sure if you know him,’ I say. When he growls, I laugh. I place a soft kiss on his mouth. ‘You,’ I whisper.
It’s hard for me to put myself out there like this. When you’ve been rejected your entire life, you come to expect that from everyone you meet. So letting your true feelings be known is only setting yourself up for heartache.
Brock gives me the most beautiful smile, revealing his perfectly straight teeth. ‘I’m glad to hear that because I only have eyes for you too, sweetheart.’
I finally manage to convince him that I’m comfortable being alone with Brendan, so Brock heads into his home office to do some work. I hate that I’ve been keeping him away from his business for the majority of the week.
While Brendan takes my measurements, his assistants wheel in two racks full of beautiful gowns. I’m used to this kind of treatment, but I’m touched that Brock has gone to so much trouble to please me.
I jump when I hear the front door slam shut, it makes my heart rate accelerates. I hate being on edge like this. What if it’s M?
‘Anyone home?’ I hear a male voice call.
An attractive young man comes barrelling into the room a few seconds later. ‘Well. I’ll be damned,’ he says, approaching me. ‘You must be the woman who’s captivated my brother’s heart.’
‘Shut up, Joshua,’ Brock snaps from behind him as he enters the room as well. While Brock appears to be unimpressed by his brother’s outburst, Joshua seems quite amused. I even hear Brendan snicker beside me.
‘I’m Joshua,’ the new arrival says, extending his hand to me. ‘I’m the good-looking one in the family.’
I laugh. He’s very handsome. His features are similar to Brock’s, but in my eyes, he has nothing on his brother. Brock is perfection in every sense of the word.
‘I’m Jade.’
‘Wow. I can see why my brother is so taken with you.’
‘Ignore him,’ Brock says, coming to stand beside me and draping his arm possessively over my shoulder. ‘What brings you here, anyway?’
Joshua winks at me before turning his attention to his brother. ‘I just needed to see her with my own eyes.’
‘I don’t understand what the big deal is.’ Brock’s words only seem to amuse Joshua more. When my gaze moves to Brock, I find his eyes narrowed.
‘Calm down, bro, you did well,’ Joshua says, placing a hand on his brother’s shoulder.
Brock clears his throat while shoving his free hand into his pocket. He’s clearly uncomfortable with this situation. They’ve totally lost me. I have no idea what they’re talking about.
‘Well, you’ve seen, now you can leave.’
‘Nope,’ Joshua says, taking a seat on the couch and placing his feet on the coffee table. ‘I think I might hang around for a while.’
‘How did you get in here anyway?’
‘I still have my key.’ Joshua removes it from his pocket and dangles it from his finger. I can tell he’s enjoying getting under his brother’s skin, but despite that, I like him. My gut instincts are usually pretty spot on. Their playful banter tells me they have a good relationship. I’ve heard the way Brock talks about Joshua, so I know they’re close.
‘If you’re going to continue to drop in unannounced, you can return it.’
Joshua chuckles before shoving the keys back into his pocket. I find myself envying their relationship. I pined for a sibling growing up. I still do. A real family of my very own—someone who would love me unconditionally and make me feel like I wasn’t so alone in this world.
The pair of them sit on the couch while my fitting continues. However, I only get to try on three of the dresses that Brendan brought to the house. The moment I enter the room wearing the strapless emerald green gown, the guys unanimously choose it. They all say the colour of the dress makes my green eyes pop. It feels weird parading around in front of them, even though it’s something I’ve been forced into doing my whole adult life. Being on show is something I’m not fond of. Remembering two of the men are gay and the other is Brock makes it a little easier.
Once the decision’s made, Brock stalks across the room towards me. ‘You look breathtaking. I’m going to enjoy stripping you out of this dress and fucking you tonight when we get home,’ he whispers so only I can hear. His finger lightly skims a path down my neck and comes to a stop at my cleavage just above the bodice of the dress, making a shiver ran through my body. I have to clench my thighs together at the desire that washes through me. The effect he has on me is so strong.
Bring it on, Mr Weston … bring it on.
Brendan and his assistants leave a short time later. He measured my feet before leaving, saying he’d have some shoes delivered to the house later that day. When they arrive, I instantly fall in love with the gold strappy heels. He also sends a small gold clutch to accompany them. He has exquisite taste.
I guess Brock can see how comfortable I am with his brother, because after we ate lunch he left me with him while he ran a few errands. I was fine with that. Brock has been cooped up in this house with me all week and I’m sure I’ve been holding him back from doing a lot of things.
Besides, it gives me the perfect opportunity to pick Joshua’s brain and get a little inside info on Brock.
*
When I exit the ensuite, I find Brock standing on the other side of the bedroom, in front of the mirror. He’s already dressed in his tux and tying his bowtie. I take a minute to drink him in. His strong back and broad shoulders are accentuated in his tailor-made jacket. My eyes move towards the reflection in the mirror and I’m again left breathless by him.
The moment he notices me watching him, he swings around. His lips curve into a smile as his eyes move down the length of my body. Being dressed up is nothing new for me, but I find myself hoping he likes what stands before him. Appearance has never been high on my agenda. On M’s yes, but never on mine. In this moment though, it means everything. I want to look beautiful for him. I want Brock to be proud to have me by his side tonight.
Something has shifted between us recently. I think we’ve both let our guard down—I know I have. It’s hard for me to let people in when I’m so used to being rejected. For some reason, Brock is different. The things he makes me feel both frighten and thrill me. For once in my life I’m willing to remove the barrier I erected around my heart years ago. Only for him. He’s the first person in my life who’s
ever made me want to take that leap of faith. I only hope I don’t come to regret it.
Dropping his hands from his tie, he stalks across the room and pulls me into his arms. ‘You look stunning,’ he says, placing his lips against my neck. My hair is slicked back into a tight bun at the nape of my neck. Since I didn’t have my hairstylist for tonight, it was the best I could do. My makeup is done to perfection, smoky eyes and my signature red lips. ‘God, you smell amazing. How am I going to be able to keep my hands off you tonight?’
‘You’ll manage,’ I reply. ‘Let me do this for you.’ I tie the bow quickly and flawlessly. It’s one of the many things I learnt during my training to become an escort.
I love looking after him. I can’t even put into words how wonderful it’s been. Even with the uncertainty of M hanging over our heads, these past few days have been the happiest times of my life. If I’ve learnt anything over the years, it’s nothing good ever lasts, so you should enjoy every second while you can.
‘I bought you something when I went out earlier,’ he says, reaching into his coat pocket and pulling out a blue velvet box. ‘I hope you like them.’
My hands are trembling slightly when he passes the box to me. Tears sting my eyes the moment I lift the lid. Inside is a mass of teardrop-shaped emeralds, strung together to make the most exquisite pair of earrings I’ve ever seen. ‘They’re beautiful,’ I whisper. I don’t know what else to say. Nobody has ever bought me anything this extravagant before.
‘When I saw you in the dress this afternoon, I felt compelled to get you something to wear with it.’
‘They’re perfect,’ I say, brushing my lips against his.
‘I knew nothing I bought would ever be able to outshine your beauty.’ He lets out a small sigh. Our eyes lock, but neither of us speak. Time seems to stand still as we gaze at each other. Butterflies settle in my stomach as I’m suddenly overwhelmed by the feelings I have for this man.
‘You’ve already done so much for me. I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to repay you.’
His fingers tenderly glide across my cheek. ‘I’m pretty certain there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you.’
Tears burn my eyes. ‘Thank you,’ I whisper as I pull him tightly against me.
I know I’m thanking him for more than the earrings.
*
BROCK
We’re both quiet on the drive to the function. I crossed a line before we left. It’s a line I was certain I’d never cross. But that was until Jade came into my life. As I stood gazing into her eyes after giving her the earrings, something happened that I can’t put into words. It was like a sucker punch to the chest. A kind of epiphany, you could say. The feeling hit me like a tonne of fucking bricks, and I’m not sure what to think about it. I’m in way over my head here.
‘You ready?’ I ask, lacing my fingers through hers as we walk towards the function centre. Tonight is huge for me. Jade is the only girlfriend I’ve ever had, so bringing her here to meet my family and work colleagues is a big fucking deal. I’m apprehensive, but also excited to show her off to everyone. I’m pretty sure she’ll love my mum. My dad is a whole other story.
‘Ready as I’ll ever be,’ she says, tightening her grip on my hand. She seems nervous.
‘I think it’s only fair to warn you that you’ll be meeting my parents tonight.’
‘Really? Your parents? You’ve never mentioned them before.’
I shrug. They’re not my favourite subject. ‘My mum’s okay most of the time, but our relationship is a little strained of late. Let’s just say they weren’t very accepting when Joshua came out.’
‘Oh,’ she says as her pretty green eyes widen. ‘That’s a shame.’ Yes, it is. Josh told me today that Mum has been calling him daily since they’ve reconnected. I only hope it lasts. He’s been hurt enough.’
‘How is your relationship with your father?’
I was afraid she’d ask me that. ‘My dad’s a prick.’ It’s best to prepare her because you never know what to expect from that man. I don’t bother elaborating, she’ll find out for herself soon enough.
‘Oh.’
I feel all eyes on us when we enter. Jade squares her shoulders and I have to repress my smile. I love her strength. I hope tonight is a pleasant experience for her. As we cross the room, I stop to greet a few of my colleagues. The shock on their faces is evident when I introduce Jade as my girlfriend. I guess I should’ve expected that with my reputation, but it annoys me nevertheless. Is it so hard to believe Brock Weston has a girlfriend?
Who am I kidding? Even I can’t believe it.
As we make our way to the table where my parents are seated, my gaze lands on Clarissa. Fucking great. She has nothing to do with our company, so I don’t see why my father insists that she always attends. Her face lights up when she sees me, but the moment she spies my date, her smile turns into a frown. She better keep her fucking distance. I won’t tolerate her upsetting Jade tonight.
‘Brock,’ my mother says, beaming, when we reach the table. I do love her, but I don’t approve of her behaviour sometimes. I know my father intimidates her, he tries to intimidate everyone, but I wish she’d grow a backbone. Her husband is a damn snake and she deserves so much better.
‘Mother.’ I lean down and place a kiss on her cheek.
‘Who’s this lovely lady you have with you tonight?’ She’s always been polite to my dates, even if she doesn’t agree with my philandering ways.
‘This is my girlfriend, Jade. Jade this is my mother, Elaine.’ A smile spreads across her face when my words register.
‘Your girlfriend!’ Mum repeats in shock.
Yes, I have a fucking girlfriend. Maybe I should’ve put an announcement in the company newsletter in preparation for tonight.
Standing, my mother embraces Jade with a warm hug. ‘It’s so lovely to meet you.’
‘It’s lovely to meet you too, Mrs Weston.’
‘Please, call me Elaine.’ When she finally lets go, Mum wraps her arms around me as well. This is the loving and caring mother I have missed. ‘I’m so happy for you both,’ she says. I see tears glistening in her eyes. Fuck me. By the way she’s carrying on, you’d think I’d just told her we were getting married or something.
I look at my father and immediately know he’s not impressed. Fuming would be a better word. Fucker. He better not start any shit tonight.
‘Father, this is Jade Davis. Jade, my father, Maxwell Weston.’
‘It’s nice to meet you, Mr Weston,’ Jade says sweetly, extending her hand to him.
Nodding his head curtly, he briefly takes her hand giving it a half-hearted shake. The rude prick doesn’t even stand. When I see Jade’s face drop, I have to control the urge to lunge at him. I hate that I have this arsehole’s blood running through my veins.
‘Ignore him,’ I whisper in her ear when Jade straightens. ‘I told you he was a prick.’ She smiles up at me when I drape my arm over her shoulder and place a soft kiss on the side of her head. I notice her smile doesn’t quite reach her eyes, and again I want to throttle my father.
After seating Jade next to my mother—and away from that prick—I head to the bar to grab us both a drink.
I almost crash into my father when I return to the table. Lifting the drinks in the air, I come to an abrupt stop.
‘You brought that fucking whore here?’ he seethes. His words both surprise and worry me. Does he know who Jade is, or is it just a general comment? Maybe he’s just been associating with Clarissa for too long. She always refers to my women as whores.
‘Watch it, old man, you’re already skating on thin ice.’
‘I’m just speaking the truth. I raised you better than that.’ His comment makes me laugh.
‘Like father like son,’ I retort, side-stepping him. I need to put some distance between us, and fast. ‘And if you refer to her as that again,’ I add, looking over my shoulder, ‘I won’t be held responsible for what I do. And that’s not a threat, it’s a
promise.’ Because, by Christ, it is. Jade has no control over her past. I won’t stand by and let anyone disrespect her.
‘You better turn up to the office on Monday, or so help me …’
I was thinking of returning to work Monday, but not now. I’ll go back Tuesday just to spite him.
*
JADE
Thankfully, Brock stayed by my side for most of the night. His mum seems really lovely and kept making conversation with me, but unfortunately I can’t say the same about his father. I tried my best not to look at him after the unfriendly greeting he gave me. The one time I did, I found him glaring at me. I gather he doesn’t approve of me dating his son.
Meeting Elaine and Maxwell Weston made me think of my own parents. I hate that I have no family to introduce Brock to. I’ve wondered about them a lot over the years, but I try not to do it often. It hurts too much. My mother died, but my father obviously didn’t want me, because he gave me up. That speaks volumes. He mustn’t have loved me, otherwise he never would’ve done it.
Why am I so unlovable?
After dinner, Brock heads back to the bar and I’m left sitting with his parents again. My heart drops when his mother says, ‘I’m just going to duck to the ladies’ room.’ Everything in me wants to go with her so I’m not left here alone with Maxwell, but that’s childish. If I can live with M for years, I’m sure I can sit at the table with this man for a few minutes.
Elaine is only a few step away from the table when Maxwell strikes. ‘You know my son is only having fun with you, right?’
‘Excuse me?’
‘My son is of good breeding, but in saying that he’s also a stereotypical male. We have certain needs, you could say. Men of our standards don’t marry trash like you, so don’t get too comfortable. He’ll throw you aside when he’s had his fill, mark my words.’
I gasp at the harshness of his words, before turning away from him. Hopefully that will be enough to make him leave me alone. Briefly clenching my eyes shut, I fight back tears. I won’t give this man the satisfaction of seeing me cry.
His words swim around in my head. He’s right, Brock does deserve better than me. But I already knew that. It doesn’t seem to lessen the sting though. I’d be foolish to think I was anything more than a good time to Brock. A fool is exactly what I’ve been. I truly believed he cared.