Page 52 of My Forbidden Billionaire

My heart skips a beat at the mention of her name. I can’t help but smile as I think back on our weekend together. Who knew Louisa May Alcott’s house would be the backdrop to the most perfect date?

“It was really great,” I reply, unable to keep the grin off my face. “She’s an extraordinary woman.”

“That’s fantastic! I’m really happy for you, man. It’s great to see you finally putting yourself out there.”

“Yeah...” my voice trails off as I’m reminded that she hasn’t responded to my text today.

Theo’s face scrunches up as he notices my sudden shift in mood. “Is everything okay?”

I debate whether or not to confide in him about it. I feel a little silly being this concerned over one unanswered text. But Theo is my best friend, he’s been with me through everything—he’s practically family at this point.

“I’m just a little worried. Josephine hasn’t responded to my text from this morning.”

Theo’s face softens and he leans forward. “Maybe she’s just busy. You know how crazy her job can be.”

I nod, trying to convince myself that he’s right. But I can’t shake the feeling that something is off. “I know, but it’s not like her to not respond at all. I just hope everything’s okay.”

Theo leans back in his chair, looking thoughtful. “Have you tried calling her?”

“I haven’t yet. I didn’t want to come across as too needy or pushy.”

“Hey, it’s better to check in and make sure everything’s okay than to spend the whole day worrying. Just give her a call.”

I nod, realizing that he’s right. I should check in on her. I pick up my phone and dial her number, my heart racing as it rings.

“Good luck,” Theo whispers, before exiting my office.

After a few rings, she finally answers.

“Hey, Jo, it’s Jacob.”

“Hi, Jacob,” she responds, her voice sounding a little distant.

“I’m just calling to check in. I haven’t heard from you today. How are you?”

“I’m sorry about that. I’ve just had a lot on my mind today.”

“Is everything okay?” I ask, concern lacing my voice.

There’s a moment of silence before she finally speaks. “No ... unfortunately. I—I didn’t respond to you this morning because I’ve been trying to work up the courage to tell you...”

“Tell me what?”

“Well, I found the school rule book last night. And, well ... turns out, Jameson Juniper Hall has an explicit rule against teachers dating parents.” She pauses, and I can hear the strain in her voice. “I’m so sorry, Jacob, but I don’t think we should see each other anymore.”

My heart drops with Josephine’s words.

A part of me knew that this was a possibility, but it doesn’t make it any easier to hear. I struggle to find the right words to say, but before I can speak, Josephine continues, “I know it’s not what either of us wants, but I can’t risk losing my job. With how serious this school takes its rules, I just don’t see any way around this,” she says, her voice laced with sadness.

“There’s got to be something we can do,” I plead, unwilling to let her go so easily. She’s become such an important part of my life in such a short amount of time, and the thought of losing her is almost unbearable.

My mind is racing, trying to think of a solution to this problem. But as she explains the potential consequences, it becomes clear that this is not an issue that can be easily resolved.

“The risks are just too high,” she says with a defeated tone. “It’s not just about me losing my job. If it were to get out that we were seeing each other, it could hurt your daughter and her standing at the school. I can’t risk putting Clem in that position,” Josephine explains.

My mind and my heart grow darker and darker as I listen to her words. I know that she’s right in everything she says. But reason and feeling are two very different things. As much as I understand, and greatly appreciate her concern for Clem, it doesn’t make it any easier to accept.

“Thank you,” I manage to mutter into the phone. “Thank you for thinking about my daughter and wanting to protect her. I know that you care about her a lot. She feels the same way about you. And you are, evidently, right about everything else as well. I don’t want to jeopardize your career in any way. I just … I just don’t want to lose you. You’re important to me.”

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