Page 6 of Somewhere Without You
Of course they did. I knew Grant had money. He was a senior software engineer for Bishop Enterprises, a multibillion-dollar tech giant known for it’s cutting-edge AI and clean design.
Bishop.
I twisted in my seat to look at him, realization striking like a flashbulb.
“Wait. . . are youtheJackson Bishop?” I asked, my soft brown eyes going wide.
His lips curled into an amused grin.“I don’t know abouttheJackson Bishop—but I amaJackson Bishop.”
How had I not recognized him? His face had been splashed across the covers ofTime, Forbes,evenPeople.The tech world’s golden boy turned media darling. And yet, somehow, I’d mistaken him for a casual family friend.
I sank a little lower into my seat, feeling small.
“Oh,”I managed, scrambling for something—anything, that wouldn’t sound painfully stupid.“You look. . . different in person.”
It’s funny how a title alone can change the way you see someone. Five minutes ago, he was just a friendly guy picking me up. Now, I suddenly felt like I didn’t belong in the same car.
Jackson tilted his head, amused.“Different as in better? Or worse?”
My cheeks flushed.“Better. I mean—not that you looked worse before. Obviously. You never looked bad. That’s not what I meant. . .” The words kept tumbling out, clumsy and fast, as if sheer momentum could rescue me from total humiliation.
Jackson chuckled, clearly enjoying my flustered state.“So. . . better,”herepeated, leaning back casually, one arm draped along the back of the seat.“That’s a relief.”
I gave him a sidelong glance.“Don’t let it go to your head.”
“Too late,”hegrinned.“I’m very fragile, you know. Compliments only inflate my ego by dangerous amounts.”
“Oh, you poor thing,”Iteased, shaking my head.“Must be so hard being wildly rich, famous, and attractive.”
He laughed.“You think I’m attractive?”
I opened my mouth, then closed it again. Dammit. I’d walked right into that one.
“I thinkyouthink you’re attractive,” I said, trying to salvage my pride.
“Mm,”hemused, feigning deepthought.“Iamknown for being devastatingly humble.”
I rolled my eyes, but couldn’t hide my smile.“You’re ridiculous.”
“And you’re cute when you’re flustered.”
That stopped me.
My breath caught, his eyes lingering on mine a little longer than necessary. I looked away first, pretending to focus on the view outside the window. Palm trees whipped past, sunshine gilding everything it touched.
When we finally pulled up to Katherine’s house, I blinked in surprise. It wasn’t the extravagant, gated estate I’d expected from someone married to a senior engineer. And definitely not what I imagined for a close friend of a billionaire. Instead, it was charmingly understated. A classic American Craftsman with a wide, welcoming porch, tapered columns, and a steep, sloping roof.
The driver, who remained silent the entire trip, stepped out and began unloading my luggage, but Jackson was already there, waving him off.
“I’ve got it,”hesaid, effortlessly lifting my bag like it weighed nothing.
From the doorway, Katherine’s warm voice rang out.“The sun looks good on you.”
I glanced up to see her leaning against the frame, arms folded, eyes crinkling with amusement.“Sorry for the mix-up,”sheadded.“But apparently, it comes with VIP perks.”
“Apparently,”I echoed as Jackson stepped beside me, his shoulder brushing mine.
Kat’s gaze flicked between us.“Thanks for picking her up, Jackson.”
