Page 47 of Love Beyond the Illusion
I smile. “I’m good, thank you. It’s nice to meet you.”
“We’re all so excited to see Jack with a woman. We were getting a little worried he’d never settle down,” he says, patting Jack on the shoulder.
Jack shifts on his feet, and my cheeks turn red like they always do when someone references himsettling down with me.
“Thanks.” Jack dismisses. “How’s everything going with the crops so far?”
“Really good. I’m sure your mom filled you in already. You’re coming to the management meeting on Friday, correct?”
Jack nods. “Yeah, I plan to start attending them this month.”
“That is just great. I know everyone’s really excited about you stepping in.”
Jack’s face softens. “That’s good to know.”
“We’re all rooting for you, Jack. I can only imagine what you will do around here with your degree and marketing experience from the big city,” Edward adds. His energy is warm and kind, reminding me of someone’s favorite grandpa who always has good stories and an ear to lend in times of need.
“I will be implementing some changes, but nothing we all can’t handle.”
Edward briefly turns to me. “So, are you moving up here to help out or—”
“She’s a flight attendant,” Jack interjects, gently squeezing my hand. “She’ll probably want to continue that, but she’ll still visit often.”
Not sure of what to say or if I can add anything else to what Jack said, so I simply smile and nod.
“Oh, be careful. This place is majestic and tricky. The land will suck you in and never let you go,” Edward gleefully warns, returning to his leather office chair. “Look at me. I’ve been here for almost thirty years.”
“You never know,” I tease, glancing at Jack.
Jack tilts his head in my direction with a surprised look on his face. “Good to know.” Then, he turns his attention back to Edward. “Is Marybeth here?”
“Yes, she’s here today. Probably running around somewhere bossing people around.”
“I would expect nothing less.” Jack extends his arm over the top of the desk to shake Edward’s hand, but Edward stands and comes out from behind the desk to give Jack a proper handshake. “See you soon.”
“It was great meeting you,” I tell him as I’m ushered into the hallway.
“You too. I’m sure I’ll see you sooner than you might think,” he calls out.
Once Jack and I are out of earshot, he turns to me. “I appreciate you playing the part so well, but you don’t have to say things you’re uncomfortable with.”
I turn to face him fully. Our bodies are almost flush in this narrow hallway. “What do you mean?”
Jack’s eyes dart around, checking to ensure we are alone before angling his head down to mine. “Saying that,you never knowif you could ever see yourself up here.”
“How do you know if that was a true statement or not? You don’t know my plans.”
“Well, was it?” he retorts. Jack’s breath dusts my lips, making them tingle.
I shake my head, confused by his sudden interest in such an empty statement that was only made in the heat of the moment. “I don’t know. We are supposed to be pretending, right?”
“Yes, this is just an act. Let’s not forget that.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
Jack backs away. “Nothing. It doesn’t matter. We have more people to meet.”
Confused by the sudden turn in our conversation, I try to shake it off. Why did he get defensive?
