I want to settle down. I want a partner to thrive with, to talk about work at night, and bounce ideas off.
However, it’s been a struggle so far. All the men I’ve met are too threatened by my success, afraid I’ll strip them of their masculinity.
Wankers.
Despite Jackson’s nighttime activities, on paper he would be the perfect partner. He is among the hardest-working people I know, and has only ever celebrated my success.
I look past his possessive, dominant side because he’s considerate and loves his sister and nieces to death. He would give the skin off his back to help someone in need.
However, sometimes, that’s not enough… because his overshared dick negates all of it.
Well…
Maybe not all of it, but most of it.
Lately, though, our relationship has been slightly strained. I’m not sure Jackson sees it, but since our Vegas ordeal, something has shifted for me personally.
I’m not mad per se, but I’ve realized how much I want a happy ending with someone, and how much I deserve it. I resent the fact that I had a drunken wedding I barely remember, and that Jack sure as shit doesn’t.
Once we came home, it hit me. It was like a bigfuck you, Annabelle. Teasing me that I can’t actually have him.
He’s not mine.
My heart drops at the thought, slowly breaking, knowing he’ll never truly be mine.
Jack’s myfakehusband, and to be honest, it’s made me feel like shit ever since.
“B!” Jack’s raised voice snaps me out of my thoughts.
I turn my head, and those cheeky dimples are on full display.
“I asked why you look so fucking hot right now?”
And then there’s that. Jack is a complete flirt. He’s been like this his whole life, which has never bothered me. Until now.
I slide my hand out of his and turn toward the window. “I’m going to the office early. Today’s the DeLuca lunch.”
I can feel the air change as he sucks in a deep breath. “Oh fuck, B. I’m so fucking sorry. I forgot. God, I’m an asshole.”
“Yeah, you are.” I won’t sugarcoat it to make him feel better.
He unbuckles and slides closer, and I hate that I love the feel of him pressed up against me.
He puts his arm around me, and I can’t help myself as I lean my head against his shoulder.
I love this feeling.
“Well, so you know, I’m sure you’ll be happy to hear I’ve already received my punishment tonight.” He huffs and squeezes me around my shoulders, bringing me closer to his chest.
“What are you talking about?”
“That fucking lunatic was back tonight, the same guy as last time. Making eyes at me. Only this time, he kept inching his way toward me. I couldn’t even fucking move away because the other guy next to me kept trying to jerk off in the corner.”
“What?” I burst out. “Are you kidding me?”
“No, I am not.” He shivers with disgust, “What fucking shit luck do I have?”
I shake my head in amusement and say, “This would only happen to you.” I laugh again, and snuggle into this side.
