An Escort for Christmas

His eyes snapped up to mine, and he took a step closer as though he couldn’t help himself.

“You look beautiful, Harper. It’s just…” He paused. “There’s going to be a lot of guests here tonight, and I don’t want any of the guys getting ideas about you.”

“Like what?” I retorted. “That I’m an escort?”

He looked at the ground and then back to me. “It has nothing to do with that.”

His voice was deep and held a hint of possession that surprised me. And before I could stop myself, I took a step closer.

“So what do you need from me tonight?”

“What do you mean?” his eyes roamed over my face.

“Katherine’s going to be here.” It came out much bitchier than I intended, and Jameson took notice. “So I’m just wondering if you want me to keep my distance or throw myself at you. It’s been a little bit of a guessing game which one you want whenever she’s around.”

“Jesus,” Jameson groaned and ran a hand through his hair. “Is it that obvious?”

His words were like a vice around my throat. “That you’re still in love with her, you mean?”

His eyes widened, and he actually laughed. “God, no. Is that what you think?”

I shrugged. What the hell was I supposed to think?

“You’re partly correct in assuming she’s the reason you’re here,” Jameson explained. “But it sure as hell isn’t because I’m in love with her. I just…”

He paused, and for a moment came across as vulnerable. I wanted to stroke his cheek and tell him it was okay. That he could trust me, and he could tell me anything. But that was far too intimate.

“It sounds childish when I say it out loud,” he said. “But I didn’t want her to think I’m still in New York pining away from her. So I figured, what better way to accomplish that then by bringing a beautiful woman back home with me.”

“She hurt you,” I whispered.

Jameson rubbed his neck and looked away. “I’d rather not talk about it.”

“I understand,” I said. “But just so you know, you can trust me, Jameson. I’d never betray your confidence.”

My words seemed to dissolve some of his armor as his anguished eyes found mine. I could only imagine how difficult it was for him to trust anyone when he found out the woman he was supposed to marry slept with his own brother. Nevertheless, I still wanted him to know I wasn’t like her. I would never be like her.

“Are you ready to go downstairs?” I threaded my fingers through his. “It sounds like everyone’s arriving.”

For a moment, Jameson just stared at me, his eyes searching my face. His lips were so close I could feel his breath on my skin, and I so badly wanted to know what he was thinking. When he leaned in and brushed his lips across my cheek, I nearly melted into a puddle on the floor.

“Thank you for coming here with me, Harper,” he murmured against me. “You’ve made it bearable to be here again.”

***

Dinner was quite the affair.

Julia had really outdone herself, and the guests were more than thrilled to indulge in the delicious food and beverages while they chatted happily amongst themselves.

I could feel Katherine’s eyes on Jameson and I throughout, and the few times I’d glanced up I caught her staring. She didn’t even seem embarrassed. In fact, judging by the scowl on her face I sensed there was going to be more trouble on the horizon.

But to my surprise and relief, Jameson hadn’t taken any notice of her. He ate his dinner and talked to the man at his side about business in New York, occasionally checking in to give me a smile. Halfway through, his hand found mine under the table and squeezed, and he didn’t let go. It was nice to feel that warmth. That comfort he provided.

I wondered if he felt the same spark of electricity when we touched, or if it was only me.

“Alright everybody.” Lily clapped in excitement when the dishes had been cleared. “It’s that time!”

The table erupted in excited cheers and shouting as everybody stood up and shuffled into the other room. I gave Jameson a questioning glance and clung to his hand as he ushered me in after them. Lily walked over to the entertainment center where a man held out a mic for her. She tapped it twice before bringing it to her mouth.