Page 9 of A Perfect Fit

“Time flies.” Andrew sighs. His gaze meets mine. “But I’m pleased you’re joining the company, Jackson. Your dad would be very proud. You’re going to make a great CEO.”

“Thanks,” I say, shuffling my feet. “I … didn’t realize you worked here.”

“Ah, yes. I’m fairly new.” Andrew places his hands inside his pockets. “Long story short, I wanted a career change, and what better than honoring Eric’s legacy by working here?”

I nod. “I see. Well, it’s nice to see you again.”

Andrew clears his throat. “I better get ready for my next meeting.” He places a hand on my shoulder. “See you tomorrow. I’m looking forward to working together.”

“Likewise.”

He offers another smile and heads for the door, leaving me alone. I grab the family photograph and place it inside my pants pocket before heading out as well.

The glass doors of Carter Marketing Solutions swing shut behind me when I exit my new workplace, the click echoing in my ears.

I glance back at the company’s large logo mounted on the wall, reminding myself I’m here as the next CEO because it’s the right thing to do—because it’s what Dad always wanted.

Chapter Four

ISABELLE

“One iced latte for Julie!” I call out, placing her coffee order on the pickup counter.

Julie steps forward, grabbing her order. “Thank you!”

I’ve spent the morning bouncing around—serving customers, making orders, and cleaning equipment—but I expect things to calm down a little now that the peak morning rush is over.

Aside from running my online small business, Designed by Isabelle—where I design and handmake women’s clothing—I also work part-time as a barista at The Daily Brew.

I launched my business two years ago, and I’m not at the stage yet where my profits are enough to support me full-time. I’ve lived in New York City my whole life, and to say the cost of living is high here is an understatement.

Balancing Designed by Isabelle and my barista job means lots of late nights to finish packing orders for my business, squeezing in time during my breaks at The Daily Brew to respond to customer emails and messages, and sacrificing most weekends out to stay home and make clothes.

But I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Drawing, sewing, and designing—they’re my passions, and nothing fulfills me more than seeing my designs come to life or someone wearing an item of clothing I made.

My dream is that one day, I’ll get to do this full-time.

I serve a few more people and am done with my latest customer when the bell above the coffee shop door jingles and the door swings open.

A tall figure wearing a gray suit strolls inside and takes off his sunglasses, looking like he stepped straight out of a men’s fashion catalog.

I blink, but unfortunately, I’m not imagining things—or him.

It’s Jackson “the Jackass” Carter.

Only a few days have passed since our flight, and I wasn’t expecting to see him again, let alone so soon.

Jackson turns his head in my direction and immediately spots me, like there’s some strange magnetic pull between me and him.

He arches a perfectly groomed brow and pauses, as if he’s debating whether to stay or leave. I expect—and hope—he’ll choose the latter, but to my dismay, he joins the line of people waiting to make an order.

Just my luck.

Since when did Jackson even start drinking coffee? I thought he hated it, at least back in school. Something about how caffeine makes him lethargic.

When he reaches the front of the line, I purse my lips. “Did Satan send you here as his proxy?”