Page 218 of Billionaire Temptations

I couldn’t help but chuckle. “I can understand that. They certainly have their issues, which were passed down to me and Jules.”

“You know, Jackson, not every relationship is like that. My parents have been happily married for thirty years. People can get married and stay together.”

“I’m sure some can.”

“You don’t believe that if Jules and I got married, we’d be together forever?”

“I don’t know, Carter. You and Jules have an amazing relationship. Do you really need a piece of paper to solidify that?”

“Yes. Actually, I do. I want to make her my wife. I don’t want to introduce her as my girlfriend for the rest of my life.”

“I really wish I could understand where you’re coming from, but I can’t. My parents didn’t paint this amazing picture of how wonderful and fulfilling marriage is. They only showed us that you get out if things get bad or tough.”

“I understand that, but see, my parents did paint the perfect picture of how it can be when two people are deeply in love, and that’s what I want with Jules.”

“And you think having a grand party with a ton of people and declaring your love in front of them will make any difference?”

“I do.” He finished off a second slice of pizza.

I felt bad for the guy because he wholeheartedly believed that he and Jules would be together forever. Who the hell knew? Maybe they would be. I just didn’t want him to pressure my sister into something she was unsure of.

“What do I do, Jackson?”

“Do you love my sister?” I asked with seriousness.

“More than anything in the whole world. I’d die for her.”

“Then you’ll wait for her answer. And if she tells you no, you won’t let it change anything about your relationship.”

“I couldn’t anyway. If she says no, then I’ll respect her decision.”

“You’re a good man, Carter, and just to let you know, I got your back.”

“Thanks, man. I appreciate it.”

After finishing off a large pizza and two beers later, he left to go home to his girlfriend, and I went back to doing some work in my office. Thoughts of Emily crept through my mind, and I wanted to take her out again. But I’d wait a few days until popping into her shop to ask her.

Chapter Thirteen

ONE WEEK LATER

Emily

Evelyn and I were in the back, looking over the rack of clothes she had designed when Katie came in with a wide grin across her face.

“Excuse me, Miss Wade. There is a gentleman here to see you.”

“Who?”

“I do believe his name is Mr. Jackson Caine.” She spoke in a fake Southern accent.

A flip in my belly caught me off guard as I stood there for a moment. Following her out of the backroom, I smiled when I saw him standing in front of the counter, dark blue designer suit and all.

“Hello there, Mr. Caine. What can I do for you?”

“Hello, Emily. It’s good to see you again.” The smile on his face widened.

“Good to see you too.”

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