When the engines started, her hand gripped the armrest. Without thinking, I covered it with mine.
“It’s smoother than commercial,” I told her.
She nodded, relaxing beneath my touch. I left my hand there a moment too long before pulling back, pretending to study my tablet.
The jet began to roll. Sutton turned to the window, eyes wide with wonder.
“Thank you,” she said softly. “For bringing me. For trusting me.”
“You’re the reason this will work.” And I meant every word.
Her cheeks flushed, and she bit her lip. Christ.
As the plane lifted, she let out a quiet gasp, pure joy lighting her face as the city fell away below—a grid of lights and Christmas decorations stretching into the distance. I watched her instead of the clouds. And I knew—this trip would change everything.
If I was lucky, it wouldn’t destroy me in the process.
3
SUTTON
The hotel was ridiculous.
Like, social-media-influencer-with-a-trust-fund ridiculous.
Marble floors so shiny I could see my imposter syndrome reflected back at me. Crystal chandeliers that probably cost more than my entire degree, draped with garland and red velvet bows. Even the bellhops looked like they’d been scouted from a luxury lifestyle campaign—all of them sporting festive gold name tags with tiny wreaths.
I stood beside our mountain of luggage—okay,hismountain—trying not to look like the intern who’d snuck into a billionaire’s vacation. My single red suitcase screamedTarget clearancenext to Jameson McKnight’s sleek black carry-ons that probably came with an NDA and a concierge service.
The flight here had already been surreal. Two hours on a private jet—yes, private—pretending I belonged there while quietly losing my mind over warm cookies, champagne, and a seat with a massage function.
We’d talked the whole time. Mostly work—Stella, the expo, all the safe, professional topics I’d rehearsed. But then it drifted.Restaurants. My roommates. His favorite coffee shop. Little, normal things that made the terrifyingly attractive man across from me feel less like my boss and more like temptation in a tailored suit.
Now, standing in the Salt Lake City lobby, reality set in. We were about to spend the weekend working side by side. Representinghiscompany. No pressure at all.
Jameson turned from the front desk, his expression unreadable, and something in my stomach dropped.
“What’s wrong?” I asked.
“Small issue with your room.”
“Issue?”
“The heating system’s out. They’re sending maintenance, but it won’t be fixed until tomorrow. Hotel’s full—no other rooms available.” He raked a hand through his dark hair, and I’d already learned that gesture meant he was annoyed. “So I moved your reservation to my suite. It has two bedrooms. Both with doors that lock. You’ll take the main one—it’s larger and has the better view.”
I blinked. “You’re giving me the main bedroom in your suite?”
He shrugged, all calm authority. “You’re here because I asked you to drop everything and fly across the country on short notice. The least I can do is make sure you’re comfortable.”
“But it’s your suite.”
“Sutton.” His voice softened, but his eyes stayed firm. “It’s fine. Two bedrooms. You’ll have complete privacy.”
I should’ve protested. Should’ve insisted on another hotel or taken the cold room. But the truth was, the idea of being in the same hotel room as him sent a rush of warmth through me that professionalism couldn’t quite smother.
“Okay,” I said finally. “Thank you.”
Something eased in his expression—relief, maybe. “Come on. Let’s get settled before we head over to the expo center.”
