Total pages in book: 68
Estimated words: 61851 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 309(@200wpm)___ 247(@250wpm)___ 206(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 61851 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 309(@200wpm)___ 247(@250wpm)___ 206(@300wpm)
Un-fucking-believable. Of course his mother had been there and refused to believe the black-and-white proof. “Did I know about what, Mom?” he snapped. “That Claire sabotaged Jessica’s campaign by leaking unauthorized photos online that she stole? Or maybe that Claire had bullied Jessica since high school? Or wait, did I know about Claire threatening Jessica to stop dating me or things would end badly for her? Are any of those things enough for you to choose from, or do you need a few more?”
“Don’t be so sarcastic,” his mother said in that pretentious tone he hated.
He ignored her comment. “It’s not an accusation, it’s the truth and I’m sure Jessica showed you the proof.”
His mother was quiet for a moment, then came back with, “If she’s trying to ruin Claire’s reputation—”
He barked out an incredulous laugh. “Claire has already done that to herself.”
“I don’t know why you’re sticking up for Jessica—”
Oh, he’d had enough. “I’m sticking up for her because she was wronged by what Claire did,” he shouted back, certain his hard, stomping pacing would leave grooves in his office carpet.
“Well, maybe you ought to listen to Claire’s side of things,” his mother said. “That maybe the only reason she did it was because she loves you and you wouldn’t listen or give her another chance.”
“So it’s my fault she can’t take no for an answer? That she resorted to stealing and attempting to destroy another woman’s reputation for her own gain?” He jammed his fingers through his hair, feeling as though he wanted to rip out a few strands in frustration and anger. “She doesn’t love me. She loves my money and the social status it gives her, and the fact that she’d tear someone down to get what she wants—someone I care about—is unforgiveable.”
His mother made a sound of disgust. “I really don’t know what you see in that girl.”
Derek wasn’t going to justify her comment with a response. “I’m done with this conversation, and I’m done with you interfering in my life. Just like Nikki, I’m done. I am dating Jessica, so get fucking used to it.” He disconnected the call and resisted the urge to throw his phone across the room.
Out of the corner of his eye, he caught movement at the open doorway and thought it was his secretary until he turned and saw Jessica standing there. Her big, round eyes told him that she’d caught a good portion of that heated conversation.
“God, she’s horrendous,” he said, already calmer now that Jessica was here and he could see for himself she was okay. He strode across the room and pulled her into his arms for a hug, which she tentatively returned.
When he pulled back and really looked at her face, he noticed her gaze and expression were guarded. He was so used to Jessica being mostly an open book, and his chest tightened with unease. “Are you okay?” he asked.
“Yes, I’m good,” she replied, and while she was outwardly fine, it was the emotional issues that concerned him. She was more subdued than he’d ever seen her.
Thinking maybe she needed a bit of space after what she’d just gone through, he walked back to his desk and set his phone on the surface, but he couldn’t avoid what she’d overheard.
“So . . .” He turned around and rested his backside against the edge of the desk. “My mother just gave me her skewed version of events,” he said in a wry tone. “But I want you to tell me the truth about what happened at Sadelle’s.”
Keeping her distance, which he didn’t like at all, she explained everything from the moment she walked into the restaurant to her triumphant exit. Clearly, she’d slayed and owned the confrontation, and he was so damn proud of her for keeping her cool while definitely making her point.
When she was done, she walked to his office door and closed it behind her. Though he wished she had something sexy in mind to celebrate her victory, when she turned to him, her serious expression made his gut clench with panic.
She lifted her solemn gaze to his as she approached. “I was, uh, hoping you and I could talk.”
His throat suddenly felt dry, and he swallowed hard, trying not to assume the worst, which was difficult with the reserved vibes she was giving off. He was so used to Jessica’s vibrant personality and her vivacious spirit, and this cool side of her made him feel like she was trying to put as much emotional distance between them as possible.
“Talk about what?” he asked, resisting the urge to grab her and haul her into his arms.
“This thing between us,” she said, twisting her hands in front of her, revealing the doubts and insecurities she was fighting.
Oh, yeah, he knew exactly where this conversation was headed, and he refused to let her end their relationship. As much as he wanted to take charge and explain his vision of their future, he needed to hear her out. “This thing?” he asked, refusing to let her minimize their feelings without calling her out.