Page 24 of Charming Deception

“Uh, sure.” If it were mine. “I mean… wow.” I’m shocked, that’s all. This yard is a gardener’s paradise. It’s my idea of paradise, anyway, and Cole knows it.

He winks at me.

But Jameson is so stiff. Different from my first impression of him in the street, when I could’ve sworn he was undressing me with his eyes.

Now he seems so closed off. Cold, even.

Because now that he knows who I am, he’s no longer interested in the view?

“Thank you. It’s really generous of you.” I direct that at Jameson. Because bottom line, I need this job.

He replies with a gruff, “No thanks necessary.”

“It’s just temporary, though,” I assure him. “Until I get on my feet, find a job, save up some money and get my own place to live.” I know, whatever Cole says, his best friend doesn’t need me as a gardener.

I’m the only one in need here.

I swallow my wounded pride about it, though. Sitting here, fatigued from the last two brutal days, with these two successful men, I’m aware that they’re trying to help.

“It’s no rush,” Cole says. “And you can always come live at my place, when it’s ready. For as long as you want.”

Well, shit. What do I say to that?

I don’t think I could live with my brother, certainly not longterm. Does he really want to live with me?

“When will it be ready?”

“Six months. Maybe less.”

Jameson’s eyes are fixed on the water glass in his hand. There’s been a slight frown on his face all through dinner, like there’s some problem he’s trying to solve.

I have the feeling I’m the problem.

I can’t live in this man’s house for six months. Even if I’m earning my keep as his gardener.

Besides the fact that I doubt very much he’d want me here that long, I’m not ready to be thrust into the proximity of a man I find so attractive for months on end. His nearness muddies my thoughts and does crazy shit to my body.

His light-blue eyes lift to mine, and suddenly, it’s hard to breathe.

I try to smile at him.

He doesn’t smile back.

* * *

We pour a celebratory glass of champagne to toast my new job. Cole’s idea. I’m still trying to mentally adjust to the fact that my new employer is the most fuckable man I’ve ever met, when Cole’s phone buzzes.

He pulls it out, and gets to his feet. “It’s my agent, about tomorrow. I need to take this. You guys hang out.”

“Oh. Uh…” I don’t really have anything else to say as Cole strides away and disappears into the house, leaving me alone with Jameson.

Silence falls.

I take a gulp of my champagne, swallowing loudly.

“He didn’t tell you about tomorrow, did he?” Jameson’s voice is somehow soft and rough at the same time. Like velvet when you rub it the wrong way.

“No. What’s tomorrow?”

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