The Billionaire's Duty by Tracey Pedersen

Author:Tracey Pedersen [Pedersen, Tracey]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Tracey Pedersen

Chapter Ten - Jessa/Cross

The family visit with Cross is eye-opening. It’s the first time I’ve seen him in casual clothes—he wore a tie to dinner last night—and it makes him a lot more approachable. I offer to wait outside during the visit, but he insists I come in, introducing me as his friend. The family is thrilled to see him, and everyone talks at once as they swap stories and get to know each other.

I’m an intruder, watching this very personal meeting.

Cross is laid back, and he laughs a good portion of the visit. When they insist we stay for lunch, his eyes flick to me, giving me the chance to say no. I have no right to cut his visit short, though, since this is a big part of the reason he came on this trip. I nod, and we’re ushered outside, drinks pressed into our hands, as the next round of stories begin. Several times we pose for pictures and are promised copies.

I laugh to myself, imagining Phil’s reaction were he to see us together. I can hear his voice in my head cautioning me about doing anything to risk our department’s reputation. He says that to me a lot.

I generally ignore him.

As the day wears on, I watch as Cross and an older woman sink deep into conversation. I glance back every now and then, but my attention is mostly claimed by two small children who’ve taken a liking to me. Lily and Liam are five-year-old twins, and they have more energy than is good for them. They run back and forth, presenting me with flowers plucked from the garden, certificates they’ve received from their childcare, and even a piece of cake.

When they’ve disposed of my empty plate, they each clamber onto a knee and set about braiding my hair. Their little fingers clutch at the thick strands while they discuss my funny Australian accent as though I’m not sitting right here. A minor argument breaks out over whether to add flowers to my new hairstyle, and I notice Cross staring at me. I grin, and he nods before the woman takes his attention again. I watch him press a small box into her hands and pass her a tissue when she begins to cry. He hugs her, and she clutches at his shirt, her sobs louder now.

“Oh, Grandma, are you okay?” Another relative steps in to rescue Cross, but he doesn’t need it. He’s not embarrassed by her tears, nor by the glisten in his own eyes. She holds his hand and they settle back, content to continue their chat.

We smile at each other when my small friends are whisked away for a bath and bedtime.

The sunny afternoon has given way to a dusky glow by the time we say our goodbyes. I sink gratefully into the back seat of the car Cross organised, and we both wave goodbye. I’m almost sad to leave these people I didn’t know a few hours ago.

“Guess we’ll have to do Disney tomorrow.

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