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Maybe there is some truth to what he told me. I kind of believe him. I like to think that he was open with me last night, when he confessed to his feelings. This man isn’t a liar, and even though he’s a pain in the ass and a brutal, arrogant businessman most of the time, when it comes to something like this, I think he’d tell the truth.
I understand it better now in the light of day. We’re from different worlds. There’s no way it could ever work between someone like Jett and someone like me. Even if it’s just a summer fling—one night of passion—so that we can both get each other out of our systems.
All those times I wondered if that sizzle between us was just in my head, and he’s now telling me it wasn’t. That he’s been feeling the same for a while.
But he still rejected me.
I need to leave with my head held high, and I intend to do just that. But before I do, I'm going to teach him a lesson. I’ll show him.
Jett is waiting for us downstairs in the grand hallway. I kept him waiting because I couldn’t decide on what to wear.
He looks up, his eyes now bright blue and wide as his gaze trails down the length of me. Brooke and I hold hands as we come down the stairs together.
He shoves his hands in his pockets, looking as debonair and charming as ever. I put Brooke's hair in pigtails, and they bounce as she races down the few steps to her father.
“Daddy, do you like my dress?”
“I love your dress, sweet pea.”
“Do you like Cari’s dress?”
I note the tight set of his jaw. I can tell that he doesn't want to look at me, but now has no choice. He throws a cursory glance my way. “It’s lovely, but I like yours better. Come on, let's get going.”
They walk on ahead of me. Hand in hand. It's a cute sight, and it warms my heart. I can already see how happy Brooke is on this trip. This means so much to her. As for Jett, were it not for the horny devil I met late at night, I'd say he was softer too. Different. Less guarded.
And for me, dangerous.
Brooke chatters away, talking about the ponies as we climb into the SUV. She seems obsessed with them and I’m happy to let father and daughter have their conversation as I stare out of the window.
Jett and I lock gazes every now and then. We're still distant with one another and haven't talked. We reach our destination, and Brooke gets out of the SUV first. I make to leave from my passenger door, when he grabs my wrist lightly, his thumb sweeping over my pulse point in soothing strokes that both excite and calm me. It immediately transports me to last night at the bar, and I feel that familiar throbbing between my legs.
“I appreciate you giving up your evening to come here tonight.” He sounds a little gruff, as if it pains him to say it.
“I didn't do it for you. I did it for Brooke.”
“I appreciate that.” I wriggle my hand free. “I didn't want to mess up your social life,” he adds.
“You haven't.”
His nostrils flare and he looks like he’s fighting tonotsay something.
I feel like … he might really be ... jealous.
As if I need further confirmation, his blazing eyes pin me in place and I can’t move. I know all his cues because I have studied this man for so long and stolen secret glances at him when he didn’t even know he was being watched. I know his moods, when he’s happy and sad. And my heart surfs along a wave of anticipation at the thought that he can’t stand the idea of me being interested in another man.
I hold my breath, daring to believe that my wildest fantasy is coming true. Am I even ready for this? He says he has feelings for me. And if he gives in, what do I do? He's so much more worldly, mature, and wealthy. We live in different universes. I'm torn, feeling adrift and wondering if I should settle for someone like Rory, because I don't think I'm ready for a man of Jett's caliber.
But Aunt Scarlett’s words bounce around in my head.
It’s been a tough year. Go for it, Cari. Have some fun.
Ithasbeen a tough year, and I do need to get this man out of my system. He gave me that red dress for a reason. He seemed almost reticent, like a man fighting his demons, when he dismissed me. But I'm determined to have some fun. I deserve it. A week of our trip is already behind us. The next two will fly by in a heartbeat, and after that I only have a week left at work.
I'll be out of Jett's life for good. So, if he pushes me again, I'm going to go for it. I'm going to channel my inner vixen and live this fantasy before we head back to real life in New York.
We get out of the SUV, and I sidle up to him.
“There's something you should know,” I tell him, with a confidence that is alien to me. Fear blankets his expression, and it makes me wonder what he thinks I'm about to say. I move closer and tiptoe so that my lips brush his ear. My heart thumps so loud that I fear he's going to hear it, but I say it anyway. “I'm not wearing any panties under this dress.” I move my head away because I want to see what my words do to him.