Page 23 of My Totally Unfair Deal

“At least.”

“In that case...” I lift my sad little water. “I would really appreciate some alcohol.”

“You can appreciate it by watching me enjoy it.” He grins, licking a stray drop off his bottom lip.

“Now—try again. Introduce yourself to me, Miss Hart.

ELEVEN

HARRISON

Ihang back at baggage claim, watching Eliza’s every move.

She’s standing near a pole, chatting with her friend Janey on the phone, looking shockingly… shy.

Completely unaware that every man passing by does a not-so-subtle double-take.

Even in that awful terry-cloth Hello Kitty dress, she’s a damn vision.

As I take note of the way she bites her bottom lip—something she’ll definitely need to unlearn for business meetings—my phone buzzes.

Jackson.

“Hey,” I answer.

“Did y’all make it in okay?”

“We’re fine. I was going to text you once we got to the car.”

“Makes sense,” he says. “I, uh… I need another favor.”

“This is already a pretty big one.”

“It still falls under the same umbrella, I promise.” His voice shifts—lower, heavier. The easy laughter from earlier is gone.

“I’m renting out her suite while she’s away—helps me keep the barn’s lights on,” he says. “Just... don’t let her come home for breaks or anything. Keep her busy so she never finds out, okay?”

“Jackson, I can give you money for stuff like that,” I say. “It’s not a big deal.”

“Don’t ever offer me a dime again,” he snaps. “I haven’t hit rock bottom, and I don’t plan to—because you’re already helping me with what really matters. Got it?”

I don’t respond.

“Thanks, man.” He fills in the silence. “Tell Eliza to call me before she goes to bed.”

“Jackson…”

“I really appreciate it. Keep me posted. Bye.”

He hangs up before I can get a word in, and I spot Eliza stepping toward the baggage carousel. She slides a hand under the handle of her suitcase just as I walk over to take it from her.

“I could’ve sworn we covered this already,” I say. “Do I need to repeat the lesson?”

“No, it’s just a habit,” she replies. “I’ll try not to let it happen again, so please don’t spank me,Dad.”

“Is that your way of telling me you’re into a daddy kink?”

“What?” Her cheeks flush bright red. “I was being sarcastic.”

---