“I’m not. I love New York—”

“No one loves New York. They just say that, but we’re done talking about this tonight.”

“Good.” I drop my fork, needing to change the subject. “So. Back to the Disciples trial.”

He throws his head back to laugh, then motions for the check.

“I’d love to tell you, but that’s classified.” He smirks.

“Classified? What are you, the CIA?”

He grins, handing the waitress his American Express Black Card, and looks at me. “Let’s go home. I can think of ways you can try to earn access.” And my heart aches. He’s so gorgeous, and fun, and not mine…

“I’ll do my best, Mr. Powers.” I bite my lip while he signs the credit card slip.

“Let’s go, my beauty.” He stands, holding out his hand for me.

“Thank you for dinner. I had no idea you were so charming.”

Again, he starts laughing. “That’s classified too.” His hand goes to my lower back as he nods at the chef.

“I think you should smile more in pictures. The tabloids portray you as an asshole.”

“I am an asshole.” He escorts us out onto the crowded sidewalk, wrapping his arm around my shoulders as my whole body tingles.

Breathe, just breathe.

“And I rarely laugh.” He kisses the top of my head. My stomach dips. We look like a real couple, on a date, just walking to our Tesla.

“Tonight was unexpected.” Again, my stomach flips. I need to be careful. I’m starting to want things that are more than likely not going to happen for me. I might be starved for love, but stupid I’m not. I’m also not delusional. Simply because we had a lovely date does not mean I’m special to him. The man just admitted his number one rule is to keep everyone guessing.

Except, I see the way he looks at me. I feel the connection we have when he touches me.

I feel it.

He wants me.

He’s exciting, brilliant, and when I’m with him, everything seems easier.

“What are you thinking about, beautiful?” Jett’s voice brings me back to the now as he motions to Iain, indicating he’s already opened the car door for me.

“Just that I loved that restaurant.” I smile and slide in. Yeah, I’m falling for him, but who wouldn’t? He enters next to me, pulling me onto his lap, stroking my hair.

He’s marrying your mother.

His arms tighten around me as he kisses my neck. His lips dip to my ear and I shiver. Everything I should be concerned about evaporates.

My mom.

His marriage.

Everything.

Chapter Fourteen

JETT

“I want you upstairs, naked, lying on my bed, waiting for me.” I lightly bite her earlobe as we enter through the front door.

“Yes, Mr. Powers.” She grins at me.