Page 258 of Billionaire Temptations

“Whatever.” I sighed.

Pulling my phone from my pocket, I dialed Emily’s number as I walked up the stairs to my bedroom.

“Hello,” she answered.

“Hey. I have some bad news. I have to cancel for tomorrow night.”

“Why?”

“Listen, can you come over tonight? I’ll explain everything.”

“Sure. I’m just leaving the shop. I can be over in about thirty minutes.”

“Have you eaten?” I asked.

“Not yet.”

“Good. Terrance made some chicken thing with asparagus and red potatoes.”

“Sounds good. I’ll see you soon.”

“Bye, Emily.”

I threw my phone on the bed, took off my suitcoat and pants, and changed into something more comfortable—a pair of black Nike fleece pants and a gray t-shirt. Having dinner with my mother tomorrow to hear about her pending divorce shouldn’t have bothered me, but it did, and I really wanted to see Emily. Normally, when something bothered me, I liked to sit alone in the comfort of my home, but not tonight. I wanted or needed her here with me, and I wasn’t sure which bothered me more.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Emily

The elevator door opened, and the moment I stepped into the kitchen of Jackson’s penthouse, I was greeted by the warm aroma of an amazing smell. One that made the hunger pains in my belly go wild.

“Hey,” I spoke as I set down my purse.

“Hi.” Jackson smiled as he set down two plates at the kitchen table. “Have a seat. Dinner is served.”

I sat across from him and placed the napkin in my lap.

“So, what’s going on?”

“When I came home today, my sister was here. I’ve been summoned to have dinner with her and my mother tomorrow night. Apparently, my mother wants to have a little chat with us.”

“About?”

“Jules and I both agree that, more than likely, she’s going to tell us she’s getting divorced.”

“Gee, I’m sorry, Jackson.”

“Don’t be. It was inevitable.” He pushed his half-full plate away.

I could tell he was upset, and for the first time since I’d known him, I’d never seen the sadness sweep across his face as I did at that moment. Pushing my plate away from me, I got up from my chair and climbed into his lap.

“It’s always inevitable. We both know that,” I spoke as I ran my finger down his cheek.

“I know.” A light smile crossed his lips. “What was it your mother used to say?”

I let out a laugh. “Umm. She said a lot of things.”

“About happily ever after?”

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