I groan, shaking my head. “It doesn’t matter. What matters is my parents want me to bring my fake boyfriend to the family beach house alongside fuckingGarrett, and—”
Chris settles a hand on my arm. His knowing gaze captures mine.
“Think about this logically, Aaron. If your parents liked your—” He air quotes his words.”—fake boyfriend, enough that they want you to bring him to the beach house so your dad can make a decision—aboutyou—”
I feel the seriousness of his words.
“Fuck, Aaron, you didn’t come halfway to quit. I know you.”
I sigh, my heart in my throat. “I’m not quitting, I just—”
Chris holds my gaze steady.
“Then you better call your boyfriend and pack your bags, because this is it. This is the shot you wanted, so don’t be a fucking pussy andtake it.”
I pull out my phone, staring at the black screen, his words echoing in my brain.
“What if he says no?” I ask, my voice shaking.
Chris lets out a heavy breath. “Don’t give him a reason to say no.”
I purse my lips as he speaks. “Give him a reason to say yes.”
Yeah, that’s easier said than done.
Chris looks towards the door. “We should head back. I’ll go first.” I nod, staring at my phone as the door shuts.
Give him a reason to say yes.
“It’s just a job,” I say to myself as the wheels start to turn, as hope starts to fester, and I know Chris is right. I need to find a way to pull this off. Failure is not an option. Not if I want to be CEO ofEveremore, not if I want to take my family’s business into the twenty-first century.
So I open my text thread and find his number.
I let out a breath as I tap out my text.
Me: I have a job offer to discuss with you. Can you meet me tonight? Coffee? Same place?
I’d normally meet a man or a client over drinks, but something tells me drinking and Jacob wouldn’t be a good mix right now, all things considered.
For a moment, I think he’s not going to answer. That maybe he’s not near his phone or worse—he’s purposefully ignoring me, but then I see those tiny bubbles flashing on the screen.
Prince Charming: I’m on a date right now.
Fuck. I should have thought about that…
I mean, I know he’s a professional, but I feel kind of slighted given everything that happened that he’s already out with some other guy probably charming his pants clean off. It pisses me off.
Me: Do you have a date at 4:30?
I know it’s snarky and bitchy, but I can’t help myself. Three hours is the Foxy minimum. I know that. It’s one thirty, so he’s either going to be wrapping up soon or it will be over by four thirty.
Prince Charming: No.
Me: Then meet me at Sunrise. 4:30. Please.
Me: It’s important.
I don’t know why I send that last text, but the minute I do, I regret it. It is important. At least, to me. But I can’t expect Jacob to just drop everything to meet me when clearly he has plans and work, and—
