Page 138 of A Very Merry Mistake

“So you’ve dealt with that all of your life?”

I shrug as the car zooms off. “They stopped following me for a while because I wasn’t trainwreck enough. It was nice. However, they’re milking our relationship at the moment.”

Several articles have been printed about us online. You’d think we were a football player and a pop star with how much they’ve recently mentioned us.

“I’m not upset about it,” Jake says. “Just shows the world that everyone can find love, even a Stubborn Susan.”

I snicker. “I agree, but I don’t like what they’re saying,” I tell him. The lies are what pisses me off the most, because Jake wanted me when he thought I was a real estate agent who didn’t know how to pump gas.

He leans in and mutters into my ear, “Who cares? We know our truth. And that’s all that matters.”

“Always so logical,” I tell him, snuggling into his warmth.

“I don’t want your money, Claire. Just your love. Wouldn’t matter if you were broke.”

“After I meet with my lawyer and see what my father is up to, I might be,” I say.

Jake captures my mouth with his and rubs his nose with mine. “Doesn’t matter to me.”

It’s how I know that the relationship we have is different. Jake doesn’t care about my career, money, or what I can offer; he only wants me. That’s it. I’m unsure what I did to deserve this man who’s so willing to stand by me as I face my father’s retribution.

An hour later, the car stops, and we’re dropped off outside my penthouse. Jake interlocks his fingers with mine, and I lead us inside and up the elevator. He smirks, watching the elevator climb the floors until we’re nearly at the top.

“What’s that expression for?” I ask when the doors slide open. He shakes his head as I go to my door and unlock it. My penthouse is clean; all the food wrappers are gone, and it’s spotless.

His mouth falls open as he walks to the wall of windows that overlooks the city. “Are you kiddin’ me? This view is incredible.”

I look at the golden lights and see where the ball will drop tomorrow. “It is. I’m jaded to it, though.”

Jake’s hand slides past my cheek and around my neck as his mouth devours mine.

“I have a confession to make…” I whisper.

“Yeah?” he says, tucking hair behind my ear, a gesture so simple but one I adore.

“I’ve always wanted to…” I swallow hard and look at the windows. I don’t even have to say it.

“Fuck against them?” A devious smirk touches his perfect lips.

“Yes, at night,” I admit. “I’ve never brought a man here. Not even those I dated.”

He searches my face. “Never?”

“No. This was my refuge, my safe space.”

Jake’s strong arms wrap around me. “Will you give me a tour?”

I interlock my fingers with his. “I’d love to.”

In each room we enter, Jake is amazed. The bathroom, my office, the kitchen. It’s a state-of-the-art penthouse with a view of Times Square. I lead Jake to my bedroom, where an entire wall of windows looks out over the city, just like in the living room. “Beautiful,” he says, but when I turn and look at him over my shoulder, he’s staring at me, not the city.

He takes a step forward and turns his head. “Your snow globes.” They’re neatly displayed on a glass mirrored shelf. “You have so many.” His eyes scan over them.

“That’s why I have that rule of only buying one. I’m having these shipped to Merryville, along with a few other things, too,” I explain.

“What will you do with this place?”

“Keep it for us to visit. And my sister might move in and sell her place. She’s planning to start traveling again and even mentioned visiting Merryville.”

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