Page 35 of A Perfect Fit

As I scan the crowd, I spot Jen giving me a wave and walk over to her.

She pulls me into a hug. “You made it! I thought you were going to have an early night.”

“Change of plans.” I let out a sigh. “Just some family drama. I’ll tell you about it later.”

Jen gives me an empathetic look. “Let’s get you something to drink.”

Aaron walks over beside Jen. “Hey, Isabelle. Nice to see you again.”

“You too, Aaron.”

Aaron exchanges a knowing look with Jen and clears his throat. Something’s definitely up with these two. “So, my boss is here, too. I think you might know him.”

“Your boss?” I frown. “Who?”

There’s a mischievous glint in Aaron’s eyes. “He’s coming over right now.”

I follow Aaron’s gaze to see Jackson strolling toward us. His cheeks are slightly flushed, as if he’s had a drink or two already, but that’s not all. His suit jacket is off, and the top buttons of his white dress shirt are undone, revealing his collarbone and a subtle yet very tempting glimpse of his chest.

My mouth turns dry, and a rebellious image of what he might look like shirtless marches inside my head, dragging every inch of my attention and demanding my imagination to run wild.

“I actually sleep shirtless.” At the same time, his words from last time replay in my mind, adding to my unwarranted thoughts.

After what happened at my parents’ house, my immunity to Jackson’s charms must be temporarily weakened. That’s surely the sole logical explanation for why my mind is playing more tricks than a magician right now.

“Your cheeks are a little red, Isabella.”

Snapping out of it, I avert my gaze elsewhere. “The weather’s just hot.”

Except as soon as I say those words, a gust of evening wind blows through my hair and body, causing me to shiver.

Fantastic. Even Mother Nature has it in for me today.

Jackson takes a step forward, tucking a strand of stray hair behind my ear. Butterflies—which have no business being here—escape from their cage, a fluttery feeling invading my stomach.

“Hot, did you say?” Jackson’s voice is velvety and smooth, gliding across my skin like melted chocolate. “I was going to offer you my jacket, but I guess there’s no need for that now.”

It’s definitely the alcohol he’s had that’s talking. Either that or he’s just messing with me or we’ve been transported to some kind of alternate universe. Because no way would Jackson Carter otherwise be touching my hair and thinking about offering me his jacket.

At least, I don’t think so.

I force myself to meet his gaze—steady, unwavering—and square my shoulders, feigning confidence. “Are you trying to flirt with me, Carter?”

Jackson inches his face closer to me, his gaze dipping to my lips before flicking back up. “Is it working?”

The fluttery feeling in my stomach returns as those annoying butterflies flap their wings madly. Frankly, they need to take the hint that they’re not welcome and go away.

“No.” I swallow and ignore the little voice in my head that shouts, Liar. “Try harder next time.”

“Mm-hmm.” Jackson looks at me like he doesn’t believe me. “Maybe I will.”

“Our table’s over here!” Jen’s voice jerks me out of my little bubble with Jackson, and only then do I realize she and Aaron already walked off.

“After you,” Jackson says.

Without replying, I head to the table Jen and Aaron are at, trying to brush off whatever happened with Jackson just now. I sit next to Jen, and Jackson seats himself opposite me. Two bottles of beer and a spicy margarita are on the table, which I’m guessing are drinks for the three of them.

Jen calls a server over, and I order a piña colada—my favorite alcoholic drink.