Page 102 of Octane

I love Jackson. I may have just realized how much, but I think I’ve always known, deep down.

“I have to tell you something, but I don’t want you to think it has anything to do with the money, because it doesn’t. I’ve felt this way for a while, and—”

“I love you, too,” he interrupts.

“How did you know I was going to say that?” my tears fall faster.

“Because you were starting to babble. Which is what you do when you’re nervous. Also, when I look in your eyes, my heart calls out to yours. And I can sense the love you feel for me.”

He takes my hand and continues. “I love you, Sawyer. I think I’ve loved you since the moment you first scowled at me in the elevator on the day we met. I fell in love with your spitfire attitude, your drive, your determination, your beauty, your selflessness. I’m deeply, madly in love with you. I know we haven’t known each other for that long, but I’ve been through enough to know who and what I want.”

He cups my cheek and leans in close.

“It’s you.”

He kisses me deeply again, and it makes me crazy. Whether it’s from his words or adrenaline, desire courses through me, and I can’t go any longer without his touch.

“Jackson,” I begin at the same time that his phone rings.

“Hold that thought,” I can see the desire in his eyes. “The last thing I want to do is interrupt this, but I need to make sure all of the gears in our plan are still turning.”

I nod as he pulls his phone out of his pocket.

“It’s Carissa,” he acknowledges before answering. “Hello?”

I lean in to try and hear what she’s saying, and Jackson puts the call on speaker.

“I just talked to my father. He said he’s got the money he owes, and he has a meeting tonight to hand it over.”

“Yeah, I spoke with him a little while ago too.”

“So when can we go get my sister? I want her out of there ASAP.”

“I’m already here, Riss,” I call out.

“Oh, thank God,” I hear her cry in relief. “What happened? Are you okay? Can I come see you?”

I look to Jackson to make sure it’s okay with him.

“You don’t need my permission,” he smiles.

“Yes, come to the penthouse.”

“The code to get up is 5689,” Jackson adds in.

“See you in a few,” she replies, ending the call.

* * *

We heara knock on the door thirty minutes later. It scares me, thinking it could be Daniel, but then I hear Carissa’s voice from the other side.

“Sawyer? It’s me.”

Jackson opens the door, and Carissa practically tackles me to the floor.

“Sassy! I’m so glad you’re okay! I was so worried about you.”

“I’m fine… now,” I admit, looking at Jackson.

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