Page 33 of Most Likely to Deny Love

“And even if there isn’t,” Emily continued, refilling both our glasses, “you’ll know right away and can come up with some excuse to decline his offer. No harm done.”

“Except for the part where I have to face him every day knowing I kissed my boss and it was terrible,” I groaned.

“Trust me, it won’t be terrible.” Emily’s confidence was unwavering. “But you’ll never know unless you try.”

I let the possibilities swirl around in my mind. The thought of walking into my mother’s house with Jack Sullivan by myside, of seeing the shock on their faces, of having someone in my corner for once... it was tempting. More than tempting.

“I’ll sleep on it,” I finally said, unable to commit fully but no longer dismissing the idea outright.

Emily’s answering smile was triumphant, as if she already knew what decision I’d make come morning.

And maybe she did. Because despite all the reasons this was wildly inappropriate and potentially disastrous, I couldn’t stop thinking about Jack’s offer. About his hands on my waist, steadying me. About the intensity in his eyes when he’d said, “I could do it.”

About what it might feel like to kiss him, even if it was just to test our chemistry for a charade.

Sleep was going to be a long time coming tonight.

MIA

My heart pounded against my ribs as I walked toward Jack’s office, second-guessing myself with every step. The hallway felt miles long, each heartbeat a reminder that I was about to cross a line I couldn’t uncross.

Emily’s words from last night echoed in my mind:The man’s eyes follow you around the room like you’re magnetic north and he’s a compass.

Was that true? Or was I about to make the biggest, most embarrassing mistake of my life?

When I reached his doorway, the sight of him stole my breath. He stood in front of his desk, rolling up his shirt sleeves, eyes focussed on an open file on his desk.

The casual intimacy of watching him like this, catching him in an unguarded moment, made my mouth go dry.

Get it together, weirdo.

I knocked hesitantly on his open door, the soft sound cutting through the quiet.

Jack turned, and something flared in his eyes when they landed on me. Heat pooled low in my belly in response, a warm, liquid sensation that made my knees feel suddenly unsteady.

“Mia. Come in.” The way he said my name sent goosebumps rippling across my skin.

I stepped cautiously inside, my hand trembling slightly as I closed the door behind me. The soft click of the latch felt oddly final, as if I’d just sealed my fate.

“I’ve um...” My voice squeaked embarrassingly, and I cursed under my breath, clearing my throat before continuing. “I’ve thought about your offer.”

He stood perfectly still, watching me with those intense eyes. “And?”

“And I’d like to accept.” The words tumbled out in a rush, leaving me breathless.

Jack stared at me, his expression completely unreadable. The silence stretched between us, making my stomach twist with uncertainty. Had he changed his mind? Had the offer been some kind of weird test? Was this just about to be the most awkward, embarrassing moment of my life? Fuck.

“If it’s still on the table, that is,” I stammered, suddenly wanting to crawl under his desk and hide.

“It’s still on the table.” His voice was deep, steady, revealing nothing of what he might be thinking.

“Great.” I exhaled, relief and terror mingling in my chest. “Then yeah, I’d like for you to be my fake boyfriend for my sister’s wedding. And, um, some family events in the lead up, if that’s okay.”

“It’s no problem.”

An awkward silence fell between us. I shifted my weight from one foot to the other, suddenly unsure what to do with my hands. Should I shake on it? That seemed ridiculous given what we’d just agreed to.

“When would you like to start?” Jack asked, saving me from my spiraling thoughts.

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