“Anything.”
“Give that to Nicholas, okay?” I said. “Tell him to keep it for me for the rest of our trip.”
“Okay!” She rushed off without another word, having no idea of the shattering in my chest.
GAME OVER…
15
JENNA
My chest heaved as I shoved another shirt into my suitcase, my hands moving faster than my thoughts. My cheeks were still flaming hot with embarrassment, and I knew—I just knew—that there was no one at that table who believed Nicholas and I were truly engaged.
This was all for nothing…
As I was folding a pair of sweatpants, Nicholas stepped into the room and slammed the door shut behind him.
“What the hell are you doing?” Nicholas said, his face red.
“Packing everything away,” I said. “The jig is up.”
He arched a brow.
“Mr. Reaves is going to the hospital to talk with Brandon,” I said. “He’s going to find out the truth, and then this entire trip and elaborate pretend will be rendered completely unnecessary.”
He eyed me as I stuffed my bras into a bag.
“And then I get the pleasure of getting back to New York and being the topic of conversation because you just couldn’t help yourself,” I hissed. “You just had to kiss me—excuse me—damnnear fuck me—in front of all my coworkers for this stupid ruse, and you know what?”
“No.” He grabbed my hand and pushed me against the wall. “I don’t. The only thing I know right now is that you’re acting like you’re out of your mind.”
“What part of Mr. Reaves knowing the truth didn’t you understand?”
“I handled Mr. Reaves,” he said. “He’s not going back to the hospital. He’s on his way back to New York on my plane.”
“To tell everyone we’re frauds?” I asked. “To ruin what little of a reputation I have?”
“No.” His voice was terse.
“Who’s going to hire me after this?” I glared at him. “I can’t go back to work for you, and Brandon was right. You used my family like pawns, just for us to lose this silly little game you insist that I play.”
“Okay—first of all,” he said, his voice dropping. He suddenly gripped my hips so hard I lost my breath. “I don’t want to hear your ex-boyfriend’s name fall from your lips ever again. Are we clear?”
I nodded, too breathless to speak.
“I need to hear you say it,” he commanded. “I don’t want to hear you talk about him ever again…”
“Okay…”
“Good.” He reached into his pocket, pulling out my engagement ring. Then he returned it to my left hand, slowly sliding it down with an I-dare-you-to-take-it-off look in his eyes.
“Second of all, no one suspects shit—except maybe Brandon, who’s overdue for a psych evaluation—so you’re panicking and packing for no reason. And lastly?—”
He pinned my body against the wall with his hips. “I did not damn near fuck you back in New York. I was showingtremendous restraint, but I’m honestly tired of pretending I don’t want you.”
He stamped his mouth over mine, and my eyes widened as he claimed me with a kiss so long and deep that it made my knees weaken.
He yanked my hair out of its bun, sending my hair down to my shoulders.
