Page 59 of A Perfect Fit

“Amazing.” Sarcasm meets my voice as I glance down at the floor. “I’ve only sold seven tickets for my fashion show. On top of that, my sister hates my guts, and I don’t even know why. She deliberately chose to have her engagement party on the same day as my event.”

Great. I didn’t intend for all that to come out.

When I glance at Jackson again, something in his face has shifted. A muscle in his jaw pulses. Maybe he’s just pitying me right now. Poor Isabelle, complaining about her silly little life.

“Isabelle—”

“Hang on,” I interject, my stomach doing a funny twist and turn. “Hold that thought.”

Before he can say anything, I flee to the bathroom, managing to hunch over the toilet in time. I don’t expect Jackson to follow me. However, moments later, there’s the sound of footsteps, and I feel him gently holding my hair back.

“Let it out,” he murmurs. “I’ve got you. I’m here.”

His voice is soothing, like a mug of peppermint tea, and while I can’t speak right now, I’m grateful. I’m grateful he’s here.

Once I’m done, I flush the toilet and head to the sink to brush my teeth. Jackson checks in on me as I finish washing my face, scrubbing off my makeup.

“God, I look horrible right now,” I croak out.

His eyes are hooded as he stares at me. “You’re still beautiful.”

“You always know the right things to say.” I stifle a yawn. “Gosh, I’m so sleepy.”

Jackson tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. “Go to bed, Bella. Everything will be okay tomorrow morning.”

I like the sound of that.

I stretch my arms. “Okay. Good night, jackass.”

With heavy eyelids and no energy to trek all the way to my bedroom, I walk back to the living room and lie down on the couch.

The last thing I register is a pair of strong hands carrying me before I give in to sleep.

A knock on my apartment door grabs my attention as I lie in bed. I tread over to my door, opening it to see Jackson standing there.

My eyes widen. “Jackson? What are you doing here?”

“Bella, I …” His gaze falls to my mouth. “I had to see you again. I’ve been thinking about you all night.”

“I’ve been thinking about you, too,” I breathe.

His eyes darken as he curls a hand around the back of my neck, and then his lips crash against mine, full of need. I tangle my hands in his hair, returning the kiss as fervently.

Jackson lifts me and carries me to my kitchen while I loop my legs around his waist. Then he props me on the kitchen counter and slowly, sensually trails a path of open-mouthed kisses along my jawline and neck.

“Keep going,” I beg, my voice a breathless plea.

He works his way down to my collarbone and the top of my chest. I arch my head back, a moan escaping my mouth as he⁠—

My eyes snap open at the sound of my phone ringing.

I wake up flustered, hot, and tangled in my comforter, my breathing quick and chest heaving up and down. I’m in my bed, despite remembering falling asleep on the couch last night.

Did I really have a steamy dream starring Jackson?

Oh. My. God. I’m done. That’s it. My hormones have officially gone crazy.

No one can ever know about this. Not even Jen. And especially not Jackson. This is going inside my box of forbidden memories, with the box securely locked and the key thrown into the Hudson River.