Act Like You Love Me (Jessica) novel Chapter 76

Chapter 76

Chapter 76

Jessica’s POV

“Bye, Momma!” Adrian waved enthusiastically from the school gates, his backpack bouncing as he turned to join the stream of kids heading inside.

His gap-toothed grin was the last thing I saw before he disappeared into the crowd.

I waved back, my heart swelling with that mix of pride and reluctance every mom feels on drop-off days.

“Have fun, sweetie!” I called, though he was already gone. Hurriedly, I spun on my heel and headed toward the street, checking my watch. I had to be early today. No excuses.

I had no idea what Aaron would do if I showed up late again; fire me on the spot? Dock my pay? I couldn’t risk losing this job

so soon.

The morning air was crisp, carrying the faint smell of exhaust from passing cars and fresh pastries from a nearby bakery.

I hailed a cab at the terminal, and slid into the back seat with a sigh.

“Tyrone Athletics Firm, please,” I told the driver, settling in as we merged into traffic.

When we pulled up to the towering building, its glass facade reflected the blue sky like a mirror. I paid and stepped out.

The lobby was alive with that usual morning buzz any work place would have. And there, leaning against the receptionist’s desk with a grin, was Seth, clearly flirting.

The receptionist, a pretty brunette named Marilyn, I’d learned-was blushing furiously, her cheeks pink as she feigned annoyance, swatting at his arm with a stack of papers.

Seth’s eyes widened when he spotted me approaching, and he straightened up like a kid caught with his hand in the cookie jar.

“Jessica! Morning, beautiful. Didn’t see you there.”

I shook my head with a smile. “Morning, Seth. Looks like you’re starting the day strong.”

Marilyn glared at him playfully, crossing her arms.

“Do you have to charm every woman who walks through that door? You’re not even committed-player much?”

Seth clutched his chest dramatically. “Ouch, Marilyn! Your accusation hurt my feelings. It’s not my fault everyone’s so captivating around here.”

He winked at me, and I couldn’t help but laugh.

“Well, if you had everyone in the building, Seth, you’d never get any work done,” I teased, heading toward the elevators.

He smirked, calling after me, “Touché, Jessica. But hey, lunch later?”

I waved Seth off with a chuckle as the elevator doors hissed shut, whisking me upward.

I checked my wrist: 8:47 AM. According to David’s “instructions,” Aaron expected a cup of creamy coffee on his desk by 8:55 sharp. No excuses, no delays.

I headed straight for the break-room. The space was already humming, filled with the stomach-rumbling aroma of dark roasts and the warm scent of toasted bagels.

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Chapter 76

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Fexchanged a few quick mornings” with familiar faces from yesterday’s tour while the machine hissed and whirred.

I measured out the grounds with precision, adding just the right splash of cream and a measured dash of sugar-exactly the way David insisted he liked it.

With the steaming cup in hand and my bag secured over my shoulder, I navigated the morning rush and made a beeline for Aaron’s office.

I had five minutes to spare, but my heart was already starting to race at the thought of facing him again.

At exactly 8:54, I pulled up in front of his door. That same giddy, terrifying electricity from the night before began to spark under my skin, and I hated myself for it.

I stared at the frosted glass, his name etched in bold, cold letters that seemed to warn me off.

My body was already betraying me, old feelings igniting like dry brush in a wildfire. I took a sharp breath, forced to give myself a mental shake.

‘Remember how he hurt you, Jess,’ I whispered to the empty hallway.

I exhaled a long, shaky breath, pushed the “hero” version of him out of my head, and knocked twice.

Without waiting for the nerves to win, I pushed the door open.

At that exact moment, Aaron was striding out, his phone pressed to his ear. We collided hard-my shoulder hitting the solid wall of his chest.

The mug flew from my hand, shattering against the floor and sending a spray of hot coffee across the carpet and our shoes.

“I’m sorry!” I blurted out. I dropped to my knees without thinking, reaching for the broken porcelain.

The heat stung my palm, and as I grabbed a jagged piece, it sliced right into my thumb.

“Ow!” I winced, pulling back as blood started to bead on my skin.

“Jessica, stop!” Aaron’s voice was sharp, cutting through my panic. He dropped his phone onto the carpet and grabbed me by the elbows, hauling me up.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” he hissed, his face contorted in a scowl that was more worry than anger.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to make a mess. I’ll go get another one-“I babbled, my hand throbbing in time with my racing

heart.

He didn’t say a word. He just pulled me toward a sectional couch tucked in the corner of his office; a plush gray thing with throw pillows that looked untouched, and made me sit.

I started to protest, “You don’t have to-” but he ignored me.

He disappeared into the side room and came back seconds later carrying a first-aid kit and a bowl of water, with a white towel draped around his neck.

He tossed his blazer onto a nearby chair and rolled up his sleeves, exposing tanned, corded forearms.

I couldn’t stop myself from staring at the ripple of muscle in his arms as he worked. It triggered a sudden, unwanted memory of those same hands resting on my waist, and my heart did a painful somersault.

I looked away quickly, but the image was already stuck.

He was a different man now-harder, colder. But his physical presence still had that same familiar pull, a gravity I hadn’t

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Chapter 76

figured out how to escape.

I realized I was gawking and tried to look away, but he was already sitting right next to me.

The couch dipped under his weight, and his knee brushing mine.

Without asking, he reached out and took my injured hand in his, pulling it toward him with a firm, steady grip.

“You should be careful, Jessica,” he grumbled, his voice low, almost tender beneath the gruffness.