Page 99 of His Secret Gift

What are you up to?

Chapter 30

Tricks and Deception – Jack

I’ve left Bryant at the bar, and with Jenkins gone to god knows where, I have nothing to do but hang out in the apartment.

After calling down to reception and asking for someone to come and spot clean the couch, I feel comfortable sitting on it. Before that, I didn’t want to see or smell any remnants of Jenkins’ naked ass on it.

Ugh. Fucking bastard.I can’t get over how stupid he could be to throw his family and career away for sex with a relative stranger.

Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy sex just as much as the next guy. But I wouldn’t jeopardize anything for it. I mean, for christ’s sake. There are other ways we can handle ourselves when we’re away on long trips like this.

Not that I’d have to worry about that… or at least, I hope I won’t have to.The latest kiss with Kayla reminded me how badly I wanted her—and even a little peck was enough to send me off the chart. I can’t begin to imagine what sex with her would be like. Well, I can. And I have, often. I just mean what it would actually be like in the act.

However, a knocking on the door distracts me from those fantasies.

“Oh.” Part of me wished it was her on the other side, but it’s Harper. “What’s up?” I was angry when she first showed up, but I appreciated everything she’d done to help me prepare for my meeting with Yannis.

“Jenkins is whining to everyone about how you fired him.”

Oh.“Well, good. Hopefully the others will learn from his transgressions.”

She walks in and puts her small purse on a nearby chair.

I didn’t exactly invite you in, but okay.

“It was all so pathetic. The blubbering and crying. I had to get out of there.”

Compassionate as ever.“So, you came here?”

She shrugs. “I figured you might be lonely with everyone else partying.”

“Oh, no. I’m okay.” I’m standing with my arms crossed, and she plops down on the couch before crossing her legs. Unlike the sweats she was in when I saw her at the bar, she’s wearing a long, cocktail gown.

“Well, aren’t you going to offer me a drink?”

“Ah. Um, okay.” I look in the mini bar and see a small bottle of rum. “Rum and Coke?”

She tilts her head to the side. “That works for me.”

“I don’t have any ice…”

She raises to her feet and accepts the bucket. “I’ll go get some.”

“Great. Thanks.”

In her absence, I do my best to concoct her cocktail.

“None for you?” she asks after returning.

“Nah.” I flick my wrist at her. “I want to be awake and fresh tomorrow morning.”

“That’s right.” She pouts. “I can’t believe you’re leaving so soon.” Then, she traces the rim of the glass before seductively licking her finger.

I have to say, I’m not a huge fan of her behavior, but I’m also extremely grateful for my sobriety in this moment.

“Yeah, well. We can’t stay forever. Right?”

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