Page 45 of Mr. Aster
Sebastian
Darcy could’ve won an Oscar for her performance at dinner this evening; in fact, with those bullshitting skills, she should consider looking into a career as an actor. It would pay more than whatever she made with that crackerjack, Juniper. I was most impressed by how she’d managed to turn her mood around from the woman caged in misery on the car ride here to the woman who seemed to adore me while she sat beautifully at my side, sipping on her wine, and delicately eating each course that was served tonight.
“So, while the lovely ladies gossip about the love affair you and Darcy are enjoying,” Jim said as he slid his hands into his pockets, standing at the back of the car where we waited for the ladies to finish in the bathroom, “give me the facts.” He eyed me with the same look I’d give any other man I believed was lying.
“Facts are, I’m in way over my head with her, but I had no other option than to follow my heart.”
“You expect me to fall for that line of shit?” Jim said with a smirk.
If I gave myself away, Jim would eat me alive, so I held my own. This was the first candid dinner that Jim and I had shared, and as friends, I had to admit that I liked his integrity and had the utmost respect for him. I didn’t want to lie to the man, but I also didn’t want to offer up the truth because I knew Jim Mitchell well enough to know that he would never let me hear the end of it. That, and since Darcy did so fantastic tonight, I’d hate to be the one to slip and blow our cover because then we’d both look bad, and I just couldn’t do that to her.
“I know it’s sudden and, quite frankly, ridiculous,” I said after searching for the right way to get Jim off my ass about this, “but it couldn’t be helped. As someone who took a lot of shit for dating one of your employees, being questioned by everyone, you must understand.”
I’d known about Jim and Avery’s situation for a long time. After all, it wasn’t every day that a man with the reach and power Jim possessed got involved with an employee and ended upmarryingher. It was one thing to have the passing, torrid affair, but tomarry the help? It made more than a few shock waves in the social stratosphere.
“Well, I’m not questioning her status. I was wondering how Sebastian Aster had fallen for William Burke’s daughter so quickly,” he chuckled, humor radiating from his expression.
“She wasn’t in true form tonight for you to see the woman I fell for,” I chuckled, “but trust me when I say that I tried to resist. Her charms just got the better of me.”
“I get it,” Jim became more serious. “And I know it’s not my place to say anything, but Darcy came through and helped me with that nutcase. Since then, she’s become quite close with Avery and our kids. I just hope you know what you’re doing.”
“You’re concerned about my parents’ arrival, and I understand that,” I said, knowing he didn’t want Darcy hurt. “Trust me when I tell you they will go through me to speak to her. It will not be like what John allowed with his wife. That whole situation?—”
“No, not that,” Jim interrupted me. “At first, I thought you both were bullshitting Avery and me. However, a couple of moments, like the concern she showed for you when you spoke briefly about your wife, made me think Darcy’s heart might be in danger ifyoudidn’t share her feelings. As I said,” he stated as I stood in silence, shocked that Jim had caught something I didn’t, “it’s not my place to intervene in anyone’s relationship. I would just hate to see a vibrant and happy young woman like her get hurt.”
“I understand that,” I said, a bit concerned myself before remembering there was nothing to worry about. Little did Jim know, Darcy fucking hated my ass, and I was only standing here in this tiny parking lot pretending to love her because of her devious idea to punish me for being an asshole since the moment I set foot in her parents’ home. “And I promise you I would not have bothered entering a relationship with her, knowing I might hurt her.”
That was me being honest. Hell, maybe rule number one in all of this should’ve been no falling in love with each other at the risk of hearts being crushed. I knew I couldn’t handle a heartbreak situation, and I was sure Darcy wouldn’t either. Last I checked, even though we both had made enemies out of each other, we were still human.
“Have you already set the ground rules with your parents before they arrive?”
“My parents know better than to question me. However, I’m quite sure they’ll be on the investigative prowl with Darcy and her parents, and I’m prepared to deal with that once they’rehere,” I answered, thinking about how Darcy had caused more trouble than this charade was worth by alerting my parents to ourrelationshipbefore I could.
“Very good,” Jim said, nodding and acknowledging the women as they approached.
Jim reached out to shake my end, and as we all bid our farewells, I used the opportunity to study Darcy for a moment.
She was beautiful, and if I was honest, I enjoyed seeingthisside of her—lively, friendly, and vivacious. It brought a smile to my face to see how attractive she was when she wasn’t acting like the battle-axe wife I wouldn’t marry in a million years.
“You did well role-playing tonight,” I said as we settled into the car, ready to leave.
I selfishly hoped she’d stay in her warm and friendly mood if I paid her a compliment.
“You did, too,” she answered, quickly transforming back into the Darcy I knew too well.
At least you don’t have to worry about hurting her. Jim may have seen something in her, but it was because she was a good actress. Not because she has feelings for you. Nothing could be farther from reality.
When Jim mentioned his concerns about Darcy getting hurt, it raised a flag with this idea of fake dating. Sure, I could be a ruthless man, but that was in business. Playing around with a woman’s heart, however, was unlike me.
As iron-clad as Darcy’s feelings might be, I was sure they were no match for Margot Aster. If Darcy was upset about the changes I wanted to make to her home, just wait until she met my mother and heard about all the changes she’d like to make for Darcy. My mom would tear her apart, from the shade of white on her teeth to the way she held a glass. It wouldn’t be nice, and I don’t think Darcy understood how ruthless MargotAster could be when she wanted to, especially when it came to women who were viewed as threats to her sons.
“Well…” I struggled to think of something to say.
Odd, this is not like me at all.
“Well, what?” Darcy said with a small laugh, prompting me to smile at her. “Dear God, are youfinallyat a loss for words?”
“I believe I am,” I answered truthfully.
