by Holly Rayner
He was happy when Bianca began chatting about the owners of Sherwood Ranch, rather than dwelling on the topic of Danielle. Whenever he thought about his sister’s imminent trip to Memphis, he felt a pang of guilt.
If she ever finds out that this whole thing is fake, she’ll kill me, he thought.
I’ll just have to make sure she never finds out.
For the rest of the afternoon and into the evening, Jackson drove the two of them from one address to another, crisscrossing the city multiple times. Finally, at seven p.m., he and Bianca huddled together in the front lobby of the Madison Lux Hotel in downtown Memphis. It was the fifth and final venue on their list, and they had to make a decision about whether to book it or not.
“At least the ballroom is big enough to fit everyone,” Bianca whispered.
Nearby, the hotel manager who had shown them the room stood, waiting for their decision. Though the young man feigned busyness by examining the computer screen before him, Jackson knew that he was keeping an ear tuned to the conversation taking place between him and Bianca.
Jackson couldn’t blame the guy; he probably received a nice bonus each time he secured a booking for the ballroom.
Bianca went on, still keeping her tone quiet. “They don’t allow dogs,” she said with a frown. “And it’s kind of stuffy.”
“And sterile-feeling,” Jackson said, eyeing the black marble paneling on the walls and the pale platinum vanity lights scattered around the lobby. “But we’re running out of options.”
The last two venues they’d visited had been snapped up by couples earlier that day. Apparently, Christmas Day weddings were popular, and couples looking to tie the knot were getting desperate. Even the subpar yet extremely expensive venues were getting booked.
“I vote we just go for it,” Jackson said.
Bianca sighed. “I suppose,” she said, sounding less than thrilled.
Jackson saw the manager’s ears perk up. He looked away from his screen. “Have you come to a decision?” he said hopefully.
As if you weren’t listening to every word, Jackson thought. He approached the counter and paid the hefty deposit with his credit card.
Once outside in the fading winter light, Jackson contemplated bringing Bianca back to her car, which was still parked at the dog park. It didn’t feel right. He didn’t want his night with Bianca to end.
Unfortunately, they’d already stopped for dinner between the fourth and fifth venues, so he no longer had the excuse of a dinner out up his sleeve.
His mind turned over possible ways to extend his time with her as they walked toward his Ferrari. He opened the passenger side door for her. She hitched up her skirt as she got in, and he caught a tantalizing peek of the curve of her calf.
When he was settled into his seat and had said hello to the dogs, who were snoozing in the back, he started up the car. “Hey, how about taking a drive before I drop you off at your car? I could take you out to my old childhood home…”
“The house behind this whole thing?” Bianca said, looking over at him. “Of course I want to see it! Maybe then I’ll understand what all the fuss is about. But will your mom be upset if we stop by unannounced?”
Jackson accelerated as he merged with oncoming traffic. Then he depressed his blinker, signaling a right turn.
Bianca went on. “I only met her once, but she didn’t strike me as the type to enjoy unexpected visits.”
Jackson steered right, onto the interstate’s onramp. “Actually, I have something else in mind,” he said. “We’ll be able to see the house, but we won’t intrude on my mom.”
Twenty minutes later, he took another right, this time exiting the highway. The paved roads he steered down became narrower as he drove, and soon he saw the turnoff that used to be so well-known to him. “Here it is,” he said, his voice hushed. The road curved dramatically and swept up and to the left.
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Bianca grip the door for support as the road banked around the bend. He slowed his speed. There was no need to drive at the speed limit. He wasn’t in a rush, and they were the only car on the road.
Bianca relaxed and rolled down her window. She breathed in the night air, and he saw her smile. “It smells nice out here,” she said. “No more of that smog from the city.”
“Isn’t it wild?” Jackson said with a grin. “The land I grew up on is only twenty miles from the Memphis border, but it’s elevated. Smog settles into valleys. Out here, we’re up high enough to escape it.”
“I love it,” Bianca said. “The sky looks different. And these trees! They look ancient.”
“Just wait until we get to the top of this rise,” Jackson said. “The view is incredible. There’s a wildlife preserve adjacent to the property, with this massive wetland area and all kinds of animals. Maybe we’ll catch sight of something.”
When they finally reached the pinnacle of the winding road, he pulled off onto the overlook he’d had in mind. It was a place he used to visit in high school, back when he’d first obtained his license and was in love with the freedom of cruising around on his own.
“I used to park here when I wanted to get away,” he told Bianca, once the car was still.
He’d rolled down his window a crack to let in the sounds of the night. An owl hooted in the distance; the trees and grasses were alive with buzzing and chirping insects. The sounds hummed and thrummed through his body, like a familiar melody from his childhood.
“Dad was pretty strict about my grades, and once I hit my junior year, he had me work ten hours a week at his office on top of everything else. Sometimes I couldn’t stand the pressure. This was my escape.”
“I can see why,” Bianca said. She looked out through her window. “This is beautiful. I had no idea that it was like this out here. So peaceful. So quiet.”
Jackson gestured in front of him, to a section of the valley below. “See that rooftop down there? That’s the house.”
“Where?” Bianca asked, peering out into the darkness.
Jackson shifted in his seat, so he could see the layout of the valley floor from her perspective. Then he pointed again. “Right there. That silvery patch of moonlight is the pond out in the backyard.”
He breathed in the scent of Bianca’s shampoo. She was so close that he could feel the heat emanating from her body. The soft cashmere blend of her sweater brushed against his hand.
“Yes, I see it,” Bianca said happily. She was still peering out into the darkness. “Jackson, it’s beautiful. Not just the house, but everything out here. I can see why you love it so much. Why you don’t want to lose it.”
She turned, and her face was only inches from his.
Words tumbled from his lips before he could stop them. “Bianca, you’re beautiful,” he said. He stopped pointing and moved so that his hand cupped her jawline. He let his thumb rest on her cheek.
She moved in closer to him. He inhaled and closed his eyes. When her lips touched his, he felt warmth flood his body. The heat built as they kissed, and he found that he wished they weren’t in the car. The console between them felt cumbersome. He wanted to feel more of her—all of her.
His breath came out in hot bursts when they parted. The windows had steamed up, gently obscuring the view beyond the car. That was okay with Jackson—all he wanted to see was right there in the car with him.
“What would you say to a nightcap at my place?” Jackson asked, his voice ragged with desire.
“Yes,” Bianca said breathlessly. “I think that would be a great idea.”
Chapter 12
Bianca
Bianca looked out the window and saw her reflection mirrored back to her.
She lifted a hand and tried to coax an unwieldy wave back into place. The sky was darker now, so she could no longer marvel at the beautiful scenery that the road carried them past. Instead, she found herself dwelling with awe at how good it had felt to finally kiss Jackson.
She longed to kiss him again. Her body thrummed with anticipation, a
nd waves of blissful happiness and excitement washed over her. Jackson turned up the country song that was playing and steered around banked turns with expertise.
Finally, she thought, as she turned to take in the sight of his handsome profile. I finally got to feel his lips on mine. And what a feeling it was! Bianca couldn’t remember ever having been kissed like that—in her whole life.
Over the past few weeks, her attraction to Jackson had only grown stronger. She knew that once they reached his penthouse, she could at last express the affection she’d held bottled up throughout the wedding planning process.
The wedding…
The thought jarred her, almost pulling her out of her blissful state.
If I go home with Jackson right now, what will that mean for our contract? Jackson is paying me to play a part. This night might mess everything up.
She stole another glance at Jackson and her body heated with desire. With her heart thudding in her chest, and a primal need for the man at her side coursing through her veins, she made a decision.
No more thinking about the contract. Enjoy yourself.
You deserve this.
She mentally let go of all thoughts of consequences and instead focused on the beauty of the moment she was living. Her mind drifted over the country song that was playing on the car’s stereo, the soft vibration of the city streets that slid by under the car’s tires; the scent of Jackson’s cologne mixed with her own perfume.
By the time they pulled up in front of the high-rise where Jackson lived, diamond-like stars had popped out of the navy blue sky.
A valet attendant accepted Jackson’s keys, and a doorman ushered Bianca, Jackson, and the two pups through a set of modern glass doors.
Within minutes, an elevator had carried them to the top floor of the building. Jackson unlocked the door to his penthouse and held the door open. Peaches and Rufus trotted through; Rufus seemed eager to get to his food and water bowls, and he was apparently happy to show Peaches the ropes.
Bianca stepped past Jackson but turned and looped her arms around his waist before he could close the door. Her lips found his, and they kissed in the open doorway.
The feel of Jackson’s arms, as they wrapped around her, was heavenly. His hands moved along her back, beneath her sweater. When his fingertips caressed the bare skin of her upper back, an area exposed by her dress, she melted into his arms. She barely noticed the soft click of the door closing, or the fact that they moved as one farther into the apartment.
She was breathless when they parted; fizzing with visceral emotions that she hadn’t felt in years.
Soft cushions of a couch behind her pressed against the back of her legs, and she let herself fall down to a sitting position.
Jackson looked so tall, still standing in front of her. He smiled and eyed her as though she was a prize he’d just won at the county fair. It was clear that he was as pleased with their evening as she was.
“Can I get you a drink?” he asked.
“That would be nice,” Bianca said. If I’ve gone this far, I might as well indulge just a little more.
“I’ll be right back,” he promised.
Bianca was aware of Jackson walking to the far side of the room, where a bar was located.
She slipped off her boots and pulled off her sweater. At the same time, she began to notice her surroundings.
Jackson’s place was designed in a traditional style; the furniture was brown leather with brass buttons, the floors dark, polished hardwood, and the walls painted pale yellow. Thick wooden beams traversed the high ceilings. The seating area she found herself in was larger than any residential room she’d ever been in. She felt almost like she was a guest visiting yet another wedding venue option. Floor-to-ceiling windows lined one side of the space, and looked out on the sparkling lights of Memphis below.
Jackson had two glasses in his hands as he returned to the couch. He handed one to Bianca, then took a seat next to her.
She wasn’t sure what the amber liquid in the glass was, but it didn’t matter to her. She tipped back a mouthful of it and welcomed the warm burning sensation as it poured down her throat.
After only a sip, she set the glass down on the coffee table nearby. Wordlessly, she moved toward Jackson. He set down his glass as well, and then relaxed against the couch.
“Come here,” he said, his voice low and rumbly.
She didn’t need to be asked twice.
As he climbed on top of him and pressed her mouth to his, it occurred to her that every fantasy she’d had about Jackson, late at night as she drifted off to sleep, was now coming true.
The ecstasy of finally connecting with him in this way filled her up until she was overflowing with it. She lost all sense of time. Her fingers moved against Jackson’s shirt, unfastening the buttons one by one. He pulled her dress over her head. When he shifted and then stood up, beckoning for her to follow him, she had no doubt about where they were heading. She followed him to his bedroom, where he lifted her up and placed her on the bed.
After making love for what felt like hours, Bianca curled up next to Jackson. Her whole body was limp with satisfaction, and sleep curled at the edges of her exhausted mind.
“Good night, beautiful,” Jackson whispered in her ear.
“Good night,” she whispered back. The sheets were silky smooth beneath her bare skin, and she felt completely safe in Jackson’s arms.
If this is what being Jackson’s wife will be like, then I’m the luckiest woman in the world, she thought, as she drifted off into dreams.
Chapter 13
Bianca
Bianca eased herself off of the bed, hoping not to cause the mattress to move too much. The bed was massive, and Jackson lay sprawled on top of the sheets, the blanket only half covering him. On the floor by the bed was a large cushion where Peaches and Rufus lay, happily sleeping.
Quietly, Bianca tiptoed toward the door. It was early, and pale pink sunlight created a backdrop to the cityscape that she could just barely see through the beige, translucent blinds over the bedroom windows.
Once she reached the doorway, she paused to look over her shoulder. Jackson was still breathing evenly, his muscular chest rising and falling in a steady motion. The sight of him made her heart ache.
He’s so gorgeous, she thought. Last night was amazing. But was it really the right thing to do?
The reckless confidence she’d felt the night before had disappeared along with the stars. She felt confused, lost, and filled with doubt.
He hired me to play a part. I’m basically an actress, she thought. He’s promised to pay me one million dollars once I fulfill my role. Have I messed all of that up?
This concern paled compared to the more major worry that loomed over her still-sleepy mind. We were growing closer. Now that we’ve slept together, will that change?
A noise in a room down the hallway made her jump. She’d thought she was in the apartment alone with Jackson, but apparently that was not the case. The sound of dishes tapping against each other rang out softly from a distant kitchen.
A chef, she thought. Or a maid. Shoot.
She felt entirely too exposed, standing there in her bra and panties. Hurriedly, she tiptoed toward the sitting area where they’d been the night before. This room was even brighter with morning light, and she caught sight of a door that led out to a balcony just beyond the bar area. Various clothing items were scattered on the floor, coffee table, and couch. She saw her ankle boots, one tipped against the other, just as she’d left them the night before.
The sound of footsteps in the hallway caused her to dart forward and reach for the first clothing item she could get her hands on—Jackson’s button-up shirt. She wrapped it around her torso in one swift motion, just in time.
A maid, carrying a duster in one hand and a small trash bin in the other, walked into the room. She started at the sight of Bianca. “Oh! Pardon me, ma’am. Pardon me.” She began backing away.
“It’s okay,�
� Bianca said, hoping that her presence didn’t bother the woman. “It’s fine, I’m just—” She stopped abruptly, unsure of what to say. What am I doing here? she thought to herself. The question struck her on a deep level, and she found she didn’t know what else to say.
“Excuse me,” the maid continued backing up. “So sorry.”
Bianca hugged her body so that the sides of the unbuttoned shirt overlapped over her stomach. She was glad that Jackson was so built and tall. His shirt easily covered her, almost like a short dress. Still, she felt embarrassed to be seen in it and was relieved when the maid disappeared from sight.
The interaction, brief as it was, left Bianca feeling shaky. The idea of fresh air and some privacy beckoned her, so she crossed the room and let herself out onto the balcony.
The morning was brisk. She reached for a fleece blanket that was folded along the back of one of the patio chairs, then buttoned up Jackson’s shirt and curled up in the chair with the blanket around her.
My car is still at Dove Meadows, she thought. Jackson’s going to have to give me a ride back there.
She let her head fall into her hands. Her mind was spinning with memories of the night before. It had all been so sweet, so good, so beautiful, so satisfying… so exciting. But was it worth it? What would the night of passion do for her budding relationship with Jackson?
She felt confusion stir in her gut. It was a familiar feeling.
Here I am again, she thought. Back where I always find myself—confused and lost. I wish that for once, I could just have some clarity.
A restless sensation filled her, and she stood up and walked to the edge of the balcony. She looked out over the edge and saw cars far below, moving along miniature roads.
Everyone knows their destination except for me, she thought. All those people down there have lives that make sense. Husbands, wives, children…
And what about me? I’ve done what I always do—entered into a confusing relationship that doesn’t follow the traditional path. What’s wrong with me? Why can’t I ever be normal?