by Sam Crescent
Pushing those worries aside, she enjoyed his loving. It had to be enough for now. It just had to be.
****
One month later
“I think my dad is seeing someone?” Bella said.
Rebecca glanced up from where she was flicking through a bridal magazine, and frowned. “Really?”
“Yeah, really. I went to see Sandra at the florist shop, and she told me that he was buying lots of red roses. In single flowers as well, not just as a bunch.”
It was hard for Rebecca not to smile. Every single day he had brought her a single red rose. She had loved it, finding it to be romantic.
“You shouldn’t believe everything you hear.”
“Come on. It’s my dad. He has the worst taste in women. It’s probably a model that wants to get in with the boss so that she could have any contract she wants.” Bella finished their salad, and took a seat beside her.
Jackson was on a business trip, and it was a Saturday night. Rebecca was having a night off from the restaurant, and had hired another chef to take over. It was allowed, she’d been told. Putting the bridal magazine down, she took the food, digging in with relish.
“So, what are you going to do?”
“I don’t know. I want my dad to be happy, but I also don’t want it to be with some skank whore who is only after his money.”
“What if she’s not? What if she loves your father?” Rebecca asked.
“Then I wouldn’t have a problem, would I?” Bella sighed. “Sorry, I shouldn’t be stressing you out. So, any news on the ‘laid’ front?”
Rebecca frowned. “Laid?”
“You know, a couple of weeks ago I stopped by at the restaurant and you were stressing out, even more so than usual. I told you what you told me, that you needed to get laid.”
“Oh, right, yes. No, there’s no one. Have you picked a dress yet?”
Bella shook her head. “No. I suck at this kind of thing. It makes me miss my mom so much, you know.”
“I know. You could have mine.”
“No thanks. Your mother is a little crazy,” she said, smiling. “Did I hear right from Oliver, they’re trying to get you to agree to go on a date?”
“Yes. You’re right on that. For Easter, some rich billionaire’s son is staying with my parents, and they want me to come for dinner. They don’t want me to make it. They have a cook for that.” She rolled her eyes. “I’m not going. I’ve told them so.” She also wasn’t interested in being bridal bait for her parents.
Jackson told her she should go, and make it plain to her parents that she didn’t want to be married, and even tell the other guy, who she didn’t even know the name of.
On the one hand, she completely agreed with him. On the other, nothing ever worked out with her parents the way she wanted it to.
“Would you like me and Alaric to come? Hey, wait, we could make it a huge family event. I’ll get Dad to arrange it so that we can all do a big family thing. It would be so awesome.”
Bella was already on her cell phone, dialing. Rebecca had a mouthful of chicken, and was shaking her head.
Chewing quickly, she swallowed a large bite, and winced as it went down, seeming to scratch her throat. “Stop. You really don’t need to do that. I’ll be fine. Honestly.”
“Hey, Dad, I just had a great idea.”
Rebecca closed her eyes, and listened to Bella organize everything. This was the punishment she got for luring Bella into trouble all those years ago.
“He agreed,” Bella said. “He thinks it would be great. I’ll just call Alaric.”
Bella got up from the sofa just as Rebecca’s phone beeped.
Pulling out her cell phone, she saw it was a text from hot dad. It was the name she had called Jackson years ago.
Hot Dad: I’ll get to see my competition.
Rebecca: There is no competition, and you know it. This is going to suck balls.
Hot Dad: I love it when you suck my balls. Even better when I lick that creamy pussy.
Her cheeks heated, and her pussy went slick, remembering his tongue was there not too long ago.
“It’s all set,” Bella said, taking a seat beside her. “It’s going to be one big awesome family event.”
“I can’t wait.”
****
“What did you want me to say?” Jackson asked.
He watched as Rebecca paced his office. She could keep on doing that. He wasn’t going to pass up the spicy chicken sandwich that she had made him. The scents were driving him mad. His mouth was watering, and she had even included some cheesy fries. They were all homemade of course, and they were so good.
“I can’t believe you’re eating after all of this,” she said.
“There’s no reason not to eat. Why wouldn’t I eat?”
“I don’t know, because your darling daughter has got it into her head that we should all get together at some charming meal. My parents, the guy they want me to marry, oh and Alaric is going to be there.”
Yeah, he didn’t like the thought of watching the guy her parents wanted her to marry. Still, he was hoping that he’d get the chance to show that little fucker that no one was going to win Rebecca. That was him. She belonged to him.
“That’s not going to stop me from eating.”
“You’re not helping me here.”
“It’s going to be fine. I thought you’d like it with the backup. I’ll be there, you know.”
She rolled her eyes. “This doesn’t help.”
“It’s going to be fine. Now, take a seat, and then take a breath. Relax, and focus your mind.”
Rebecca took a seat, but she didn’t relax, nor did she take a breath.
Putting his sandwich down, he got out of his chair, and rounded the desk to sit on the chair next to her. Reaching out, he cupped her cheek, and ran his thumb across her bottom lip.
She was so beautiful. Her hair was pulled back into a bun with a few strands falling around her face. He stroked her cheek, and couldn’t get over how lucky he had been. “You need to calm down.”
He saw his words didn’t have any effect on her, and she even released a little growl. “It would be easier if I didn’t have to worry about you, or about Bella finding out.”
“Don’t worry about me. I will not do anything to embarrass you.”
“That is so not what I meant, and you know it.”
He laughed. “I know it’s not. I won’t hurt the guy they’re trying to set you up with. I do have more manners than that. Second, don’t worry about Bella. She’s so caught up in marriage, it’s why I thought it was a good idea. Your mother wants a wedding, my daughter is getting married. It’s a great way of steering the conversation away from you and fuck-head getting married, to Bella.”
She sighed. “This is why you’re the businessman. You know how to handle everything, including me.”
“I’m not handling anything. I’m just helping you deal with your problems.” He pressed a kiss to her lips. “Now, can I eat my sandwich that you slaved away at.”
“It wasn’t much. I was marinating the chicken overnight. That book you got me is nearly half full. Some of the stuff I’ve written down I’ve put a big ugly cross in front of,” she said.
“I thought it was impossible for cooks to get anything wrong.”
“Nope. We can get things wrong all the time.”
He sat at his desk, and took another large bite of the chicken sandwich. It was heaven. The chicken was juicy, and crispy, and so full of spicy flavor.
Glancing across the desk, he saw that she was still nervous. Finishing his sandwich, he got up, and took her hand. “Come here.” He walked her toward the windows.
“Are you going to throw me out?”
“Not a chance. Look out over the city, and even look down.”
She jerked back a little. “I’m scared of heights.”
“I’m not going to let you fall, ever.” He held her hand, and he stood behind her. She leaned back, and slowly, he felt her
relax.
“It’s so busy.”
“When I need to think, or clear my head, I come and stand here in this exact spot. I look over the city, and I watch the people go by. I’m responsible for a lot of people. They rely on me to do my job so that they can continue to do theirs.”
She nodded. “That’s a lot of power.”
“It’s not about power at all. I’m being responsible. There is so much out there that is on offer for you, Rebecca. You’re too busy worrying about what is right in front of you, instead of looking further outside of your box. You could do anything, be anything. The whole world is at your fingertips. Your parents can say no, and the world can try to hold you back. Will you let it?”
“This doesn’t feel like it’s about the dinner anymore,” she said.
“It’s about a lot more than that. You’re your own person, Rebecca. Don’t let anyone control you, not even me.” He spun her around and cupped her face, staring into her eyes. “You have so much to offer this world. It is an honor and a privilege to know you. Don’t worry about the dinner. You’re so much better than that.” He loved this woman more than he ever thought possible.
Jackson didn’t know when his feelings changed, or when he wanted so much more. It could have been their visit to the zoo. No, it wasn’t the zoo. It was long before that. She was like a shining light in all of his darkness. She made him better. She made him want things that he had closed his mind and heart off from ever happening. If it wasn’t for Rebecca, he knew he wouldn’t have been so open to Alaric.
She made him want so much more.
Tears were in her eyes, and the smile that was on her lips, twisted something within him. “Thank you.”
He pressed a kiss to her lips. “Don’t be thankful. You deserve it.”
Chapter Eight
The dreaded dinner
“I have to say, Jackson Reed, I was shocked at your suggestion. It has been so long since we had a family get-together,” her mother, Sophie said.
Rebecca stared at her mother, and saw that she was actually flirting with him. Sophie’s hand was on his knee, and she was leaning in quite close.
“He’s been really busy,” Bella said. “It was my idea, actually. I knew I remembered how much fun we had last time.”
“We certainly did,” her father, Robert, said.
She was at her parents’ place for Easter, and it was as terrible as she imagined.
“Rebecca, dear, did you know that Ethan is going to be the helm soon? He’ll own an entire fleet, and entire market,” Sophie said.
Ethan was the son that was there.
Rebecca smiled at him. He seemed nice. He’d been sweet, and kissed her hand. He’d done the whole gentleman thing. His father and mother were … different. His mother had her tits hanging out, and looked to be the same age as Ethan. So, probably she was his step-mother.
“He’s getting there. I’m training him,” Ethan’s father said.
She had missed his name. “I’m going to go and see what is taking dinner so long.”
Leaving the sitting room, she made her way into the kitchen to see Nancy, the cook. “Are you okay, Becca, love?” Nancy asked.
“I’m fine, I think. Can we poison my parents’ drinks without them knowing?” she asked, taking a seat at the counter.
Nancy laughed. “You wouldn’t even hurt a soul, and you’re talking about murder.”
“Mom won’t stop flirting with Jackson, and Dad is constantly staring at the stepmom in there.”
“Ah, the surgically enhanced one. Yes, she was in here an hour ago giving me a list of everything she couldn’t eat. She’s all skin and bone. From the looks of this, she hasn’t had a good meal in months.”
Rebecca laughed. She adored Nancy.
“How are things going in that fancy restaurant?”
“It’s going.”
Nancy sighed, and placed a hand on her hip. Rebecca watched her with a smile, realizing she copied a few of her mannerisms. Leaning on the counter with a hand on her hip. When she was waiting for something to come out of the oven, she folded her arms. This woman had been the real mother in her life. She cared about her so much.
“You hate it, don’t you?”
“It’s fine, Nancy.”
“I’ve been sent to come and get you,” Ethan said, making her turn toward him.
“Right.” She looked at Nancy, who handed her a drink of fresh orange juice.
“Dinner will be ready shortly.”
Nodding, she took her drink, and followed Ethan out of the kitchen.
“I heard you were a chef.”
“I am.” She took a sip of her juice. “Do you enjoy your business with boats?”
“It’s a little more than just boats.”
“My bad, sorry. I didn’t mean to offend.”
“You didn’t, not at all.”
She stood at the entrance of the sitting room, and looked in to find her mother still caressing Jackson’s thigh, but she was talking to Alaric and Bella.
“Your friend likes them old.”
“They’re in love. I’d leave them alone.” There may have even been a snarl to her voice as she looked at him.
He held his hands up. “Sorry. So, how about that date?”
“What date?”
“You know our parents want us to work together, right?”
She smiled. “Ethan, no offense, but my parents can want all day long. I don’t follow them.”
“Really? So they own your restaurant?”
Rebecca gritted her teeth, and she said nothing.
“Oh, I know all about that. You see my father has been telling me for years that I need to settle down. He adores your family so much, and he can see our two families working together. Joining forces.”
“It’s not going to happen. I have no interest in being a wife for business.”
“Ah, you want the fairytale. The love, the relationship, maybe the big family, with the house and everything else attached to it.”
She stared at him, seeing a coldness inside him that she’d never noticed before. “You know what? When I do marry, it won’t be to a condescending prick like you.”
Entering the room, she took a seat beside Alaric, wishing her fresh orange was something a great deal stronger. She could really do with a large glass of wine.
“You okay?” Alaric asked.
“I’m fine.”
“Honey, did you hear how wonderful Alaric and Bella’s big day is going to be?” Sophie asked.
“Yes. I’m helping her plan.”
“What about your dress?” Sophie asked.
“It’s already picked out. We go for fittings soon.” She took another sip of her orange.
“Maybe you should cut back on the calories, honey? To be able to fit in the dress, you need to look your best.”
“I think Rebecca looks fine. She’ll be a beauty just like my daughter,” Jackson said.
Hearing his compliment heated up her whole world. She glanced over at him, and smiled.
“Yes, I know, but that doesn’t mean she shouldn’t be worried. She’s a chef, and surrounded by food all day.”
“I have a really good diet that will help. The pounds will drop off you,” stepmom said.
Rebecca just smiled, and then Nancy announced that it was dinner.
Entering the room, she was disheartened to realize that she was going to be sitting beside Ethan. Opposite her was Jackson, and with him there, she knew she could handle whatever was thrown at her.
“So, Ethan, it’s a big step taking over your father’s company,” Jackson said.
“It is a big step, but it’s one that I’ve been training for my whole life. I believe I will step right into the role without any problem.”
“The one thing a businessman needs is a family. With the right woman on his arm, he’ll be unstoppable,” Robert said.
Kill me.
Kill me now.
“I can see what you’re saying, Robert, but you
see, first he needs to prove himself. Rebecca already has. Don’t you think she should have someone who is equal to her?” Jackson asked.
She was in love. There was no other word for it.
She tried her hardest to keep the smirk off her face. It was hard to do, but she looked over at Jackson, and there was no mistaking the twinkle in his eye.
“I’m with Jackson here,” Alaric said. “Marriage is a two-way street. I know I’m looking forward to the day I can finally call this woman my wife.” Alaric took Bella’s hand and kissed it.
Marriage talk went out of the window. As per usual, the men talked about sports. She spoke with Bella, and her mom spoke with the stepmom.
The dinner was actually a success, and she was so happy to be leaving her family home, and driving back to her small apartment.
Of course, Jackson wasn’t too far behind her, which she loved. The moment she stepped foot into her apartment, Jackson wrapped his arms around her, picked her up, and took her right back to her bedroom.
She released a giggle, resting her head against his chest.
“When that fucker followed you, I wanted to kill him.”
“I wish you had. I didn’t want him, Jackson. You’re the only one that I want.” She kissed his cheek, and he turned his head, staring into her eyes.
“I don’t want to share you, Rebecca. I never have. Your parents, they won’t like you being with me, but I know I’ll treat you a hell of a lot better than that asshole.”
He was saying all the right words. It was on the tip of her tongue to tell him how much she loved him, yet she held back, biting her lip, she smiled at him. “You’ll never have to share me. I belong to you.”
Jackson placed her on the floor, and she reached for his clothes. He shook his head. “No, I want to hold you. That’s all I need for tonight, holding you.”
“Okay.” She would like that. “We couldn’t really do a lot anyway.”
“Why?”
“It’s that time of the month for me. I was going to show you a little attention.” Her cheeks were heating.”