Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 67355 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 337(@200wpm)___ 269(@250wpm)___ 225(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 67355 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 337(@200wpm)___ 269(@250wpm)___ 225(@300wpm)
“Funny you mention my ass when your son loves eating it. Since he never visits you, I’ll make sure to send your regards the next time I’m sitting on his face.”
“You disgusting cow!” She screams, completely red-faced.
“Moooo.” I push past her forcefully knocking her aside with my shoulder.
I’d heard stories about how awful that woman is but experiencing it in person is on another level.
When I make it back to our table, Owen is sipping on a glass of wine. It’s not his fault that I’d run into that bitch in the bathroom, but my mood has soured.
I wanted to be gentle with him but as soon as I sit down, I find myself blurting out. “I’m sorry, Owen but if you were hoping this dinner would ignite something more than a friendship between us, I have to disappoint you. You’re a great guy and a wonderful boss. I’d rather not cross that line with you. I hope this won’t affect our professional relationship.”
His shoulders slump and he lowers his head.
I want to reach out and comfort him but I don’t think that’s a good idea.
He grabs his wine glass and gulps the entire contents. “So much for liquid courage.” He laughs awkwardly. “You can’t blame a man for trying. I was hoping you might be interested in my as well but I appreciate your honesty. And no this won’t affect our working relationship.”
I feel instant relief but the atmosphere between us remains tense and awkward for the remainder of her meal.
When the night finally ends, we give each other an awkward wave goodbye but as soon as I get in my car he’s all but forgotten and my mind drifts back to the confrontation in the ladies room.
What did Jackson’s mother mean about him having a crush on me? Did I miss something back then? That couldn’t be possible.
For the next two days, I spend as much time with my father as I can while starting the process of looking for a new job locally. On the day of Jackson’s return, I don’t want to go back to the condo for some reason. I have an ominous feeling in the pit of my stomach I couldn’t shake. I kept my phone off because I knew he’d call me. And sure enough, when I turn it on as I’m pulling into the condo’s parking lot, I have 50 missed calls.
This is such unhinged behavior I’m tempted to turn my car around and head back to my father’s house. But instead, I make the hike to Jackson’s door.
I barely get the key in the door when it’s suddenly yanks open.
Jackson pulls me inside and kicks the door closed behind us.
“Jackson what—”
I don’t get a chance to finish my sentence before he whirls me around and slams me against the wall. The next thing I know his hands around my neck and he presses his face against mine. His eyes are bloodshot and his face is contorted into a mask of pure anger.
“Who the fuck were you with the other night?”
23
ZORA
“Jackson, stop this!”
I should have followed my instinct and stayed away. I’ve seen many facets of Jackson’s personality since I’ve known him but I never expected to see him this unstable. For the first time since I’ve known him, I’m afraid. I don’t understand what’s set him off like this.
I try to pull his hands away from my throat but he tightens his hold, blocking my air supply just enough to prevent me from speaking but allowing me to still breathe a little.
“Who the fuck was that man you were with?”
It doesn’t click right away what he’s talking about but he’s clearly mad about something I’ve supposedly done.”
“Did you wear this dress for him? Did you enjoy showing your tits off?”
What? If I was able to, I would have told him, how hot it had been earlier and as sun dresses went, this black spaghetti strap maxi dress was on the modest side.
But I doubt he’s in a listening mood because he continues his unhinged rant.
“You let him fucking touch you! Hold your hand! Wrap his arms around your body! You allowed him to touch what’s mine!”
My eyes widen as comprehension dawns on me. How did he find out about my dinner with Owen? Has someone been following me on his behalf?
I move my lips but the words wouldn’t come. The crazed looked in his now stormy eyes sends a chill down my spine. He reminds me of a horror movie monster after fresh transformation. Jackson is no longer human, but a beast full of rage and vengeance.
I claw at his hands but the more I fight, the harder it becomes to breathe. In one last ditch effort to free myself, I smack him across the face with all the strength I have left in me.