Page 293 of Billionaire Temptations

Carter and Jules left, and Jackson sat down on the edge of the bed.

“I’m sorry, Emily. I’m sorry I hurt you.”

My head was filled with so many thoughts that I couldn’t sort them all out. All I could remember was the pain and heartache I felt when he walked out of my apartment that night and never looked back. I was also angry that it took something like this for him to see me. The tremendous guilt I felt over losing our baby overwhelmed me, and I didn’t make for very good company. I didn’t want anything from Jackson because I was past that point. I would tell him about the baby when I returned because he had the right to know. But I was also going to tell him that I was relinquishing him of all parental duties and that I’d be raising the baby alone, just like my mother did with me. And now, he was here, apologizing and doing everything possible to make me believe that he was sorry. But what he didn’t know was that a protective wall once again surrounded my shattered heart so I would never experience that kind of pain again.

Jackson

Emily wouldn’t respond to my apology, and she was distant. I knew she was upset about the baby, and I didn’t want to bringit up to her. But I wasn’t going to stop trying. I loved her and was going to get her back no matter what it took. She was my life, and I realized that and would spend every day letting her know whether she wanted me to or not. Emily Wade was going to be my girl. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, maybe not in a month. But we would be together as a couple in time.

Chapter Forty-Two

Emily

I had spent a week in the hospital recovering, and each and every day, Jackson walked in with a smile on his face, a new bouquet of flowers, and a box of chocolates. He was irritating me. I was so wrapped up in the accident and the loss of the baby that it was all I could focus on. My dad and friends visited me every day, and Katie and Noelle assured me that the store was in good hands and that they were taking care of everything.

I left the hospital with a cast on my arm and wasn’t allowed to return to work for at least another week. I still had to be careful with the injuries I had sustained. As soon as Jackson opened the door to my apartment, I looked around at the two suitcases that were sitting in the hallway.

“What are those?” I asked.

“Those are mine.”

“Why are they here? In my apartment?”

“Because I’m staying with you.”

I let out a light laugh. “No, you’re not.”

“Yes, I am. I wanted to take you back to my place, but I knew you’d be more comfortable in your home, so I decided to move in until you’re one hundred percent better.”

“You’re not in charge of me, and you’re not my keeper.”

“Actually, I am. I appointed myself, and your friends and father agreed.”

I took in a sharp breath. All I wanted was to be alone.

“I’m fine,” I spoke through gritted teeth.

“No, Emily, you’re not. You heard what Carter and Jules said. You need total rest this next week to heal properly—end of discussion. I’m staying here and taking care of you, and I don’t want to hear another word about it. Couch or bed?”

“Couch. I’m sick of lying in a bed.”

“I think the bed would be more comfortable for you,” he spoke.

“I said the couch!” I yelled as I headed towards it.

“Okay. The couch it is.”

“I don’t understand this, Jackson. We are not a couple. You are not responsible for me.”

“Not yet, we aren’t.” He winked.

“Excuse me?” I shot him a look as I tried to get comfortable on the couch.

“We will be, Emily.”

“The hell we will. I no longer believe in relationships. You can thank yourself for that.”

He sighed. “Yes, I know, and I’ve apologized a hundred times to you.”

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