Page 61 of Wed to You

Jagger’s brows drew together in a scowl. “My father works hard to get at Kaden’s assets. Mine too. Fortunately, I’m smarter than him.” He turned to her. “I know I’m seen as a shallow millionaire playboy, but really that’s my father. I lived that lifestyle for a few years, but I like to think there’s more to me than that.”

Chelsea pressed a hand to his cheek. “There is more. You’re kind and generous. You’re a great father.”

Jagger turned away, as if he couldn’t take the compliment. “I’m his nephew.”

“Technically. But you’re his parent. And you’re good at it.”

He looked at her again. “You seem surprised. Well, I guess you would be with my background.”

She wanted to contradict him but couldn’t. He was right. “Do you think you’ll marry and have more kids once this thing is done?”

He shook his head. “I don’t think so.”

“Really? Why?”

He laughed. “You sound horrified by the idea. Not everyone is suited for love and ever after.”

“You don’t think you are?”

“I know I’m not.” He finished off his champagne and poured himself more. He held the bottle to her, but she shook her head.

“Why not?”

He shrugged. “I’m just not.”

She frowned. “That’s not an answer.”

“Well, what makes you think I am?”

The memory of Alexis’s conversation about how Jagger had never been loved came back to Chelsea. Her heart ached for him. Not just because he hadn’t been loved, but because he seemed to believe he wasn’t worthy of it. “You’re kind and loving and patient. Someday a woman is going to love you for that, and not just for all this.” Chelsea motioned to the expansive view only money could obtain.

“What about you, Chelsea? You’re not impressed by all this, but I don’t see you falling head over heels for me.”

She swallowed back her surprise. “Well, it’s a two-way street, right? Someone needs to love you, but you need to love them too.”

His eyes narrowed and stared into hers.

Unable to stand the scrutiny, she looked down and took a sip of her champagne.

“You don’t think I’m capable of love?”

She whipped her head to look at him. “Yes. I see it when you look at Kaden.”

“No. I mean romantic love.”

“I’m sure you’re capable of that if you find the right woman.”

He laughed, but there was a hint of derision in it. A part of her wanted to ask him about it, but she kept her mouth shut.

Mrs. Stanton appeared in the doorway. “Kaden is ready for bed.”

Jagger set his glass on the table. “Shall we go say good night?”

Jagger adjustedthe knot on his tie and then turned toward her. Her breath caught at the sight of him. She’s seen him in a suit for their wedding, but it had been white. Today he wore a black shirt and suit with a black tie, making him look more like the devil than he ever had. In all that black, his blue eyes blazed hot and intense. He was the sexiest man she’d ever seen. She had an impulse to strip him of his dark suit and take advantage of his hot body. She wanted to run her tongue over him and feel that soft facial scruff on all her most intimate spots.

He cleared his throat, taking her out of her sexual daydream. He was staring at her with a smirk, suggesting he knew exactly what had been running through her mind. “You like what you see?”

“I think if this business thing doesn’t work out, you could make a living as a male model.”

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