Page 41 of Fractured Faceoff

I opened my mouth to argue but then closed it again, my mind racing. The idea of moving in with Jared seemed insane and yet... practical. "I'll think about it," I finally said, looking away.

He didn't push further but his tone was insistent. "Well, don't think too long. We have a show to put on tomorrow, especially if we're going to HR to tell them about this."

"What?" I felt like the ground was shifting beneath my feet. This was moving too fast.

"It's part of the plan," Jared explained calmly. "If we’re serious about this, HR needs to know we’re together now. Wasn't that your stipulation?"

I took a deep breath and nodded slowly.The reality of what we'd agreed to was sinking in faster than I’d anticipated.

His truck pulled up in front of Autumn's townhouse community. I stared at the entrance for a moment before turning back to him.

"Thanks for dinner," I said quietly.

"Anytime," he replied with a small smile.

Jared got out of the truck and walked around to open my door. I blinked, surprised. "What... what are you doing?"

He chuckled, shaking his head. "You really were with an asshole, weren't you? Sugar, I'm walking you to your door. It's what a gentleman does."

"You don't have to do that," I pointed out, glancing around. "No one's around."

"You think I'm doing it for the spectacle?" He raised an eyebrow. "Isla, while you're with me, you're my responsibility. It's my job to see that you're safe until you get inside."

I wanted to argue with him, but the determined look in his eyes told me it was pointless.

"It's in my nature," he added, a smirk playing on his lips. "I am Southern after all."

I sighed, knowing I wouldn't win this battle. He closed the truck door and placed a hand on my back, leading me up to Autumn's doorstep.

"This is where we'd kiss goodnight," he murmured as we reached the door. "If this was real, of course."

"But it's not," I said flatly.

His eyes sparkled with mischief. "It's not."

I sighed again and pulled out my keys. "Thank you," I said softly.

"Thankyou," he replied, his gaze never leaving mine.

We stood there for a moment, the air thick with unspoken words. Jared reached out and gently curled a long strand of hair behind my ear, his finger lingering on my cheek.

"Good night, Isla," he murmured, his voice low and intimate.

A shiver ran down my spine at the sound of his voice. Before I could react, he leaned forward and kissed my cheek. His lips lingered on my skin longer than necessary.

Finally, he pulled away and took a step back. "Until tomorrow."

"Tomorrow," I echoed quietly.

With one last look, Jared turned and walked back to his truck. I watched him go before turning the key in the lock and stepping inside.

The warmth of Autumn's home greeted me, but all I could think about was the feel of Jared's lips on my cheek and the strange sense of anticipation building in my chest for what tomorrow might bring.

"What... was that?"

I turned to find Autumn standing in the doorway, her red hair catching the light like a halo. Her blue eyes, striking and intense, were wide with curiosity. She was dressed in pajamas, her beauty both ethereal and grounded.

“What... was that?” she repeated, stepping into the living room.

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