Page 72 of The Wrong Promise

My heart thumps in my chest as I begin to panic. I’m fucking scared to even fake it with him. It’s too much. I could say I’m feeling unwell again. Do I stay or do I go? After everything Jobe has arranged for the night, it would be a waste of money and energy if I backed out. Since Sir James is going to be there, we have to fake it since he believes we are a couple. It’s not strictly necessary, and yet, Jobe wants this between us.He wants me tonight.

He doesn’t know that I know. I keep asking myself,Is it our last night of faking it?

He takes my hand and leads me out of the apartment. Then, like a gentleman, he opens the car door and assists me with my dress to slide into the car. Nothing Jobe Hendricks does feels like pretend. His eyes hold mine when we speak, and I catch glimpses of his gaze lowering and checking me out. His voice is deep yet tender and also on the brink of cracking. None of it feels like pretend, especially the way his fingertips trail lightly up and down my arm.

From the moment we arrive, he is right by my side. His hand has a strong hold around my waist when we speak to his business acquaintances in the foyer. Minutes later, his hand clasps onto mine as he leads me into the ballroom. He cannot keep his hands off me. Every touch and stolen glance is very, very real.

The sexual tension between us is about to crack.

We weave past several round tables covered in white linen until we come to the front of the room. Harrison is standing by the table. He shakes Jobe’s hand, then mine,introducing us to his wife, Rachel, who is stunning in a navy sequined gown. Her dark hair is styled off her neck with curls pinned in an updo.

“Congratulations,” I say to her and Harrison. “You look amazing. I can’t believe you’re a new mom. What did you name your son?”

She holds my hand and beams a big smile. “Callum. He’s two weeks old and so tiny compared to the girls but doing well.”

Callum James. “CJ. I love that.”

She grins at me. “So do I, though Sir James isn’t partial to abbreviated names,” she whispers.

As if cued, Sir James comes forward. “Good evening, Jobe,” he greets and shakes his hand. Then he turns to me and holds out his hand, his eyes meeting mine, and I struggle to look away. He is different tonight, as though he is unsure of me.

Maybe it’s because the contract has been signed, and he’s waiting to see what Jobe does with his former company, though it doesn’t explain the serious gaze for me.

Natalie stands and holds both my hands, nudging her husband aside. “Zara. You’re radiant.”

“Thank you. And you’re beautiful, Lady James.” While she is in her fifties, she could pass for a woman of forty. Elegant, sophisticated, and fun to be around. I imagine she has her work cut out for her with Sir James.

“Please, call me Rachel,” she whispers. “No need for formalities here. Unlike Ernest, he always likes to be referred to asSir.” She winks at me, and I almost let out a giggle. “I’m sure you’re in need of a champagne, darling.”

She hands me a flute, and I thank her before taking our seats. Behind us, other guests file in and find their table.

“We have rearranged the seating,” Rachel tells me. “Ernest’s eldest brother is coming along with our nephew.They were able to come after your friend, Penny, and Jobe’s brother couldn’t attend.”

“I apologize for the late notice. Penny is very ill and upset they couldn’t make it.”

“It’s fine. Our friends and family are always available and waiting. Ernest has five brothers, none like him,” she whispers. “Though Edward, his oldest brother, has a smaller business and does rather well for himself. His son, Oscar, and he run a tight ship.”

Oscar.

“Here they are. Ernest will introduce you.”

Oh, my fucking God. Big O.

After being introduced to Edward, Oscar walks over to us and beams his friendly smile at me. “Nice to meet you, Zara,” he says after we are introduced.Do we pretend we don’t know each other?

He shakes Jobe’s hand. “Congratulations on the takeover.”

“Thank you, Oscar James,” he says and gives me a side eye as though I should have known this.

Before we say anything more, the announcer asks everyone to take their seats.

Oscar leans in close. “Your secret is safe with me as long as mine is with you. Though I have to ask, are we still pretending?”

I shake my head. “I’m not,” I say honestly.

Finally, he mouths and winks at me and then moves to sit with his father.

As I take my seat between Natalie and Jobe, I think about what Oscar said. His secret…

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