I acknowledged the truth that I hated my mother… and that I wasn’t having sex until I found a man who was kind and good.

So here I am. Nineteen and still a virgin.

Not only do I have to spend my summer with the very woman I despise, but there’s the uncomfortable fact that she is now engaged to Jett Powers.

Yeah, not happy. Not happy at all.

I take a deep breath as my mind goes to the infamous Jett Powers. He’s considered a god in the news. I’ve been tossing around the idea of pursuing environmental or constitutional law. So I’ve heard his name a lot. He’s fearless and confident. One of my professors even used the term legend to describe him. Whatever, so he’s a master at convincing people.

He’s still human, with flaws, big ones if he’s marrying my mother. I take a deep breath and try to slow down my racing pulse. This has to be nerves and curiosity, nothing more.

I’m making this a way bigger deal, honestly. If I see the man at all, it will be in passing.

I cross my leg and toss my giant bag to the floor. Smirking, I muse that he’s probably short, with hair plugs and a flabby gut that his expensive suits have to cover.

Turning, I smile reassuringly at Maria while she puts on her seat belt. Great, she’s still frowning, and suddenly I shiver, and it’s not because of the air conditioner.

Maria seems worried. That’s never a good sign. Fantastic. All the energy I’ve put into convincing myself that I’m being ridiculous evaporates.

“What’s wrong?” I reach for her hand. This dread I’m having is exhausting, and my head is pounding.

“You just stay in your room and study, okay?” Her voice sounds harsh as she squeezes my hand back.

Okay, this is absurd. I’m a grown woman. I refuse to be any more uncomfortable than I already am.

I clear my throat and recross my legs, preparing to tell Maria that it’s summertime and I’m not spending two-and-a-half months hiding in a room.

Instead, I squeeze her hand back, smile, and say, “Of course. Trust me, Maria, no one will even know I’m there.”

Chapter Three

JETT

Beverly Hills, CA

“Christ.” Although it’s scorching hot, I still went for a run. Now I’m trying to catch my breath. After placing my thumb on the scanner to open my gate, I stretch and admire the backyard.

“Hi, Mr. Powers.” My head gardener smiles at me.

“Max.” I nod.

He motions to the other gardeners to stop working as I pass. Thank fuck, because the noise from those blowers is making my head go from dull ache to full-on pounding.