Page 36 of A Perfect Fit

Aaron turns to me. “So, Isabelle, Jen tells me you went to fashion school and run your own fashion business.” He nudges Jackson on the shoulder. “Can you remind me which school you went to again? I’m sure Jackson would love to know.”

“Fashion Institute of Technology,” I say, ignoring his remark about Jackson.

“Wow. That’s so cool,” Aaron says. “Have you just been a business owner ever since graduating?”

“No, not always. After graduation, I worked for a fashion label full-time but got laid off four months in.” Jen knows this story already, but I don’t mind sharing it with Aaron. “When my job search wasn’t successful, I decided to take the plunge with launching my business.”

Aaron nods. “And with your business, do you have a whole team to help you with stuff?”

“I still have a long way to go before that,” I confess with a laugh. “I’ve hired a freelance seamstress before to help me out, but for the most part, it’s pretty much just me.”

Aaron takes a sip of his beer and shakes his head. “You’re too humble. Hopefully, you’ll still remember us when you’re famous.”

This whole time, I can feel Jackson’s gaze on me, and when I toss a glance at him, there’s an unreadable expression on his face. He’s acting unusually quiet, but he’s sitting there, listening.

He lifts his beer to his mouth, and my eyes lock on the motion, darting to his lips when he places his drink back down. His eyes connect with mine, and heat pools low in my stomach in a way it shouldn’t. My thighs involuntarily clench together.

I don’t know why he’s having this effect on me—right now and earlier. It’s like that time I tripped at the market and fell into his arms. Only this time, it’s even worse because there’s no physical contact between us.

“Isabelle’s also hosting her own fashion show,” Jen says.

“That’s awesome!” Aaron cheers. “I always knew you’d be destined for great things.”

I muster a smile, grateful for the distraction from Jackson. “Thanks, Aaron.” Even though my fashion show is the last thing I want to think about right now, I still appreciate his kind words. “So … what’s it like working with Jackson? Is he as intense as he was back in high school?”

Aaron lets out a dramatic sigh. “Unfortunately, intense is an understatement. I feel like I’ve aged ten years already since joining Carter Marketing Solutions.”

“You know I’m still here, right?” Jackson grumbles.

Aaron grins at him. “Sorry, bud. You’ve been awfully quiet. I forgot that you existed.”

Jackson says nothing further, only taking a sip of his drink. Meanwhile, Aaron turns to Jen with a look that means trouble. She winks at him in return.

I quirk a brow. They’re definitely plotting something.

“Jen, do you want to go for a walk?” Aaron asks, raking a hand through his auburn hair.

“I’d love that!” Jen chirps.

My mouth goes agape as they stand and walk off, leaving Jackson and me alone.

Jackson’s eyes lock with mine. “Guess it’s just the two of us now, Isabella.”

Chapter Eleven

ISABELLE

“Guess it’s just the two of us now, Isabella.”

Jackson’s words replay in my head on repeat as I sit opposite him.

“I can’t believe Aaron and Jen set us up like that!” I exclaim.

Jen, my best friend, betraying me like that, out of all people.

A snicker escapes Jackson. “You know what they both said last time. That they’re on Cupid’s side.”

“Well, I’m on the anti-Cupid side,” I say. “And I propose one of us should leave as well.”