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Business comes first most of the time, but I’m determined to fix things. I’m taking Brooke to Bermuda for a long vacation soon. It’s a business trip, but I’ll make sure I spend quality time with my little girl.
Chapter 3
CARI
Just as I'm about to flip my fried egg, my phone buzzes and my heart sinks to my ankles when I see the name on the screen—Jett Knight.
My boss is FaceTiming me from Monaco?
That’s never happened before. Panic squeezes my chest as I smooth down my hair, feeling a slow wave of paralysis. Should I answer? Is this about Brooke? What if it’s an emergency?
I swipe to accept the call.
Jett’s familiar, intense gaze widens slightly, and he tilts his head—his classic tell that he’s surprised or caught off guard. I’ve spent enough time around him to know his every microexpression. “Hey.” His voice is rich and smooth, like velvet wrapping itself around me, leaving a trail of heat in its wake.
Damn him.
Even from thousands of miles away, he manages to scramble my insides and effortlessly pull me under his spell.
I hate that he has this power over me. I hate that he does it while lounging in some luxury apartment half a world away, with his girlfriend draped around him like an accessory. “Did you mean to call me?” I ask, keeping my tone flat, hoping it hides the traitorous warmth creeping up my neck. I hate that he has this effect on me even when I’m in the comfort of my own home and out of his kingdom.
His brows furrow as he studies me, probably trying to figure out where I am. “Yes, that’s why I called you.”
My stomach flips. “You’ve never FaceTimed me before,” I blurt, my mind whirring. Monaco ... He’s in Monaco and the time difference must be ... what, six hours ahead? I smooth my hair again, stepping away from the kitchen and into the hallway, out of earshot from Eliana.
“Sorry to disturb you at home.” He shifts slightly, and behind him, the sky is painted in hues of gold and pink, the kind of sunset that makes one stop and stare. I feel a pang of envy. I know exactly where he’s staying. It’s the kind of place with seven-star service and views that make you gasp in awe. He doesn’t own a place in Monaco. Not yet, anyway, but it’s probably just a matter of time before the Knights stake their claim there too.
I know everything—where they’re staying, his meetings, even the restaurants I suggested for his precious downtime. It was torture planning this trip and there were times when I couldn’t help but imagine myself there in place of his girlfriend.
“I was just talking to Brooke. She FaceTimed me, which is why I didn’t think before calling you.”
My irritation melts at the mention of his daughter. Brooke is everything Jett isn’t—sweet, warm, and full of joy. “Is everything okay?” A flicker of worry gnaws at me. She’s back home with her nanny in that sprawling apartment. I wonder if she’s lonely.
“She’s fine. She reminded me of something I meant to ask you.” He sighs, rubbing the back of his neck. “I’ve been so busy—”
“You’re always busy.” My words come out sharper than intended. He just nods like that's a fact of life. “What is it?”
Before he can answer, my gaze drifts to the background, where Alicia is lounging on the balcony wearing nothing but his shirt. The oversized fabric swallows her, but it’s impossible to miss the half-buttoned front. I grit my teeth. She’s tall, leggy, effortlessly stunning, and there’s no doubt what happened before she slipped into his clothes.
He clears his throat, drawing my attention back to him. “I should have asked before, but ... Anna’s going to a bachelorette party this weekend, and Brooke’s birthday is—”
Of course. I knew this was coming. He forgot. And now, like clockwork, here I am. His go-to fix-it girl. “You want me to help out at Brooke’s party,” I finish for him, my voice tight. It’s always something with him. Always asking for more.
“No.” He shakes his head so vigorously, I'm scared he'll give himself whiplash. “No, it's not that at all.” He pauses, keeping me on edge. If it's not that, then why is he calling me?
“Brooke was upset. She's growing older now and becoming more aware, and she told me she's really sad that her mommy is never there.”
“Oh.” I put a hand to my chest. I've always had a special place in my heart for that little girl. Ever since I found out how young she was when her mother passed away.
This year especially, Brooke's misfortune sits heavier on me. I was twenty-three years old when my mom passed away. Brooke was two. I’m certain she doesn't even remember her mom. “I'll be there,” I tell him. I don't need to hear the rest. Jett doesn't need to convince me.
I will be there.
“I'll help out, if I'm needed,” I offer. Anything to make Brooke's party so amazing that the little cherub won't even have time to feel sad. Besides, I have ulterior reasons for wanting to be there, because I got so carried away with the planning of her party. I took it right out of Anna’s hands when Jett told me that Anna was making a half-hearted attempt organizing the event. Brooke not having the party she dreamed of was something I couldn’t live with. If she had a mother, her mother would have done it. I offered to take it on and ended up planning the entire thing. Now I’m itching to see how the party ends up.
Before I can respond, Eliana sidles up next to me, and I can already sense her annoyance when she sees Jett’s face on my screen. She steps away and mimes hanging up, rolling her eyes in disapproval. She’s never liked how much Jett leans on me—or how I let him.
“Why's he calling you at home?” she mouths, shaking her head.