Rumours and Romance by Julia Jarrett

Author:Julia Jarrett [Julia Jarrett]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Julia Jarrett
Published: 2022-09-18T00:00:00+00:00

It has been a couple of days since I confronted Jackson at the beach about his disappearing act, and I’d like to say things have gone back to normal, except I don’t really know what normal is for us. He has come into the bakery each morning, given me a brief kiss, picked up his coffee and muffin and left, claiming he needs to get to the clinic. It’s as if he’s doing just enough to maintain pretenses and nothing more.

Tonight we’re expected at the Morton’s house for dinner, and I can’t help but wonder how awkward this is going to be. It’s obvious he’s still having a hard time being around me, much less being affectionate toward me, but this is the ultimate test. If tonight goes well, Morton will probably offer him the partnership, and the weeks of lying to our friends will have been worth it. And we can start to plan the demise of our fake relationship.

In some sick and twisted way, I don’t want it to end. I hate lying, but I don’t hate being around Jackson. I definitely don’t hate holding his hand or kissing him; in fact, I miss both of those things. When he said we needed to stop having sex, I had to hide my disappointment. Not only because the sex was so damn good, but because the connection I felt with him was so powerful. I guess I had fooled myself into thinking that maybe it could become something real. Something with feelings involved.

Except feelings get messy.

When he picks me up, I have to check the corner of my mouth for drool. Goddamnit, it should be illegal to look that good in a button up shirt and khakis.

“You look beautiful,” he says quietly, his eyes traveling down my body. Even if our relationship is strictly just friends now, I still took the time to put on a fancy set of lingerie underneath my dress. Even if he doesn’t see it, I feel good, and that’s what matters right now.

“Thanks. Shall we?” I dodge his hand, needing to avoid physical contact as long as possible in an act of self-preservation. The brief kisses I get in the morning are hard enough to take without wanting more. Tonight is the first time we’ve had to really pretend to be together in almost a week, and I’m nervous.

When we get to Doctor Morton’s large house, Jackson comes around and opens my door for me. I step out, and he moves to take my hand, pausing before he touches me. “Is this okay?” he murmurs.

I give a quick nod and take his hand, ignoring the jolt of electricity that runs through me. His hand is warm and solid. Strong, just like he is. And I’m hit with flashes of memories of his hands running all over my body.

No. Stop. Abort. Must not think about sex with the man I can’t have sex with anymore, especially not in front of his boss.

Sharon Morton opens the door, and I can see Doctor Morton standing behind her with a welcoming smile on his face.

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