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The Real Deal
Colton
Just when I thought we were moving forward, Jane and I took a huge step back. My worst fear came true—she rejected me. Story of my life. The fact that she did it in my old hometown hurt just a little more. But I’m trying to have a positive attitude about it. Yes, I can settle for friends right now. I have time. There are months left before our contract ends, and the last thing I want is to spook her away.
After everything she’s been through, I understand she needs to take things slow. If I’m lucky, she’ll eventually fall in love with me just like I did her. Something is there, I can feel it. Last night, I was convinced. It was more than just a hook-up. But she’s going to need to process it, and when she does, I’ll be there.
We’ve just sat down in the plane when an email pings my phone. It’s from Dexter, my PI. I read his report carefully and exhale a long swoosh of air.
“My PI got back to me,” I say, raising my head. Jane casts me a curious look. Then, her face transforms to a mix of anticipation and dread. I continue, “Zander ODed two years ago.”
“What?” she breathes out. “He’s dead?”
I nod. “You’re safe. He’s never going to find you.”
She leans her head back against the beige leather seat, her eyes fluttering closed. Her chest heaves up and down, and there’s nothing I’d rather do right now than to take her into my arms. But I know that’s not what she needs.
Finally, she opens her eyes again. “Thank you for doing this for me,” she says, her eyes glassy. “I can never repay you for this.”
“No need,” I say. “This wasn’t a transaction, Jane. I just wanted you to be able to rest easy. You don’t have to do anything in return.”
She nods wordlessly, but I can see the gratitude shining from her eyes. I’m glad I could provide that closure for her. And that whatever happened between us last night didn’t break the bond we started building.
The next few days are a whirlwind of meetings and more meetings. It’s always like that when I return after being away, even for such a short period—not that it happens often. Everyone has something to tell me, show me, ask me, and I barely see Jane. But, true to her promise, she reminded me about my mom’s charity and it’s officially in the works.
“Hey, boss,” Max says, entering my office as the sun is setting. “Long day?”
“What gave it away? The new gray hairs on my head or the extra wrinkles?” I joke.
“Both,” he says with a smirk, sitting down across from me. “We’ll finish the afternoon on a lighter note, then. I have good news!”
“Do tell,” I say, sinking back into my chair. “I’ve been putting out fires all day.”
“Investors are starting to express interest in the expansion,” he says with a wide smile. They’ll be in town in a couple of wee—”
“What?” I ask, frowning. “I thought that wouldn’t happen before we actually got married. I didn’t even know you were looking for investors yet.”
“I never stopped reaching out, just in case, and my hunch was right. I guess they’re less conservative than I thought. Time evolves, I suppose. Seeing you in a committed relationship seems to be enough for most people.”
Rage boils inside of me, and I stomp my foot. “Are you kidding me, Max? You talked me into finding a wife and getting married for nothing?” I’m now on my feet, my hands splayed on the desk as my heart pounds in my chest.
Max sinks into his chair. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know this would happen. I really thought—”
“You thought?” I scoff. “Your job is to know things, Max. You made me turn my life around, invite a stranger into my home, pretend to be in love with her,” I say, rubbing my forehead. “I’m throwing a wedding, for God’s sake!”
“I know, I know,” he says. “But on the plus side, the relationship helped. We’re getting closer to our goal, right? We’ll likely find someone to invest soon, and we can get the new business set up earlier than scheduled. If we play our cards right, you won’t even have to marry Jane after all.”
His words hit me like a freight train, and I sit back in my chair. “Thank you, Max. That’ll be all,” I say, dismissing him.
I don’t have to marry Jane anymore.
The relief that should be flooding me doesn’t come. This situation is even more messed up than I thought. My feelings for her are real, and the idea of marrying her no longer felt like an obligation. But what I’m feeling right now is pure disappointment. I want to marry Jane. I don’t want to simply date her. I want to shoot for the ultimate prize, the real deal.
What on earth am I going to do now? She’s not ready yet. It’s all happening too soon, and this development is messing with my plan. I need more time. If we break off the engagement now, she’ll flee. I know she will. I can’t let that happen, because deep down, I know she’s feeling the same way. I saw right through her lie when she told me our night together was a mistake, that we’re just friends. I see it every time I look into her eyes. If there’s one thing I never doubt, it’s my ability to read people.
Jane is in love with me. She just doesn’t know it yet. And I need to make sure she realizes it before it’s too late.
Jane
