Page 53 of Love to Hate You

“Nice view,” he murmurs. His gaze lingers on me a moment too long then he turns his attention to the skyline.

I’m a little surprised and uncomfortable that he’s so close. “I like it,” I say. I clear my throat. “Thank you for stopping by tonight.”

“Thank you for seeing me so late,” he says and turns to face me.

On the verge of taking a step back, I cross my arms instead and hold my ground. Jordan is an attractive, older man but I thought he had finally realized I wasn’t interested. Something seems to have changed, though, as he studies me.

“When it comes to women, I don’t play games anymore, Charlie,” he says. “So, I’m going to be blunt. I’m very interested in you.”

Oh, God.

“Before you say anything, I want you to know that any woman I date, I treat like a princess. I buy them the best of everything and spoil them rotten. I respect them and I listen, Charlie. I listen to every word and, if it’s in my power, I will grant them whatever they want.”

“Um, that’s nice, but-”

“I want you to think about what we could potentially have together.”

“I’m sorry, but I don’t date clients, Jordan.”

“If that’s what’s stopping you, I’ll terminate the contract. You’re worth it.”

I’m about to tell him that I’m seeing someone else when he takes me by complete surprise, swoops in and kisses me. His lips move over mine, cold and thin, and it’s nothing like when Nash kisses me. It’s the complete opposite and I pull away just in time to see Ivy watching us, marketing report in her hands.

Fuck.Her timing is always impeccable, and I do not need any rumors going around the office about me and Jordan Lowe. I pinch the bridge of my nose as Jordan steps back and slides his hands into his pockets.

“You can leave those on my desk,” I say, unable to meet Ivy’s gaze. I feel horrible. Like I cheated on Nash or something.

“Sure thing,” she says and it’s not hard to hear the cheeriness in her voice. When I finally look up and our gazes meet, I see triumph in her eyes.

Dammit.She’s going to try to use this against me. I just know it.

After Ivy leaves, I motion for Jordan to have a seat and then sit down in my chair with a sigh. “I respect you, Jordan, but I’m just not romantically interested in you. I’m sorry.”

“Because of Nash?” he asks.

“What?” I try to play dumb, but Jordan Lowe is as sly as a fox. He must’ve seen something. Maybe an exchange or a lingering look between Nash and me.Who knows?

“Don’t pretend, Charlie. If it’s Beckett you’re interested in, then I can handle it. Just tell me the truth and let me down easily.” He flashes me a charming smile.

I clasp my hands together, place them on top of the desk then figure why the hell not be honest. “We’ve been seeing each other,” I finally say. “Despite my better judgement, I’m exploring things with Nash, and I think-” To my horror, my voice catches.

“You’re falling in love,” Jordan finishes with a knowing look. But he doesn’t sound bitter at all. Quite the opposite and he almost looks happy for me.

“It’s complicated,” I say. “But, yes, emotions are getting involved.”

Jordan nods. “I’m not sure if you know this or not, but I was married before.”

“Really?” I had no idea.

“Elizabeth was the love of my life,” he says, eyes lighting up. “We met in college, got married right after graduation and had three children. She was my world and when cancer took her ten years ago, I knew I’d never find another woman as special as her.”

“I’m sorry, Jordan.”

“The truth is once you find that once in a lifetime love, no one will ever be able to take their place. You can try, you can date, you can sleep with other people, but there’s always a little hole in your heart and soul. If Nash is your person, don’t let him go, Charlie.”

Is Nash my person?“How do you know?” I ask and lean forward. “I mean, how do you really know for certain if someone is the right one for you?”

“Because you can’t imagine your life without them,” Jordan says.

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