“Yes, this question is for Jackson. When are you putting the Halona Moana Estate up for bid?” Landon asks.
“I can’t bet what’s not mine. I sold it to Corrine Woods, and last I checked, she’s not playing.”
I stop and stare at Jackson. He did what? I know he must be joking because there’s no way he “sold” me a twenty-five-million-dollar estate.
Jackson looks at me with a crooked smile and shrugs.
He must be kidding, right? I decide to let it go for now.
I can’t watch him play. I know it’s his money, but it makes me nervous watching him throw around millions of dollars, even though he almost always wins.
So instead I wander around, talking to the other wives and girlfriends, and eventually we all find a shaded spot by the pool and relax.
During a bio break, Jackson comes over. “You should wander around in a bikini this evening. It’ll drive Landon crazy.” Jackson grins like he’s the king of the world, and to many—and my heart—he is.
“No way. That would be embarrassing,” I murmur. “And what is this about me owning the estate? You didn’t sell it to me.”
He shrugs. “What’s mine is yours. Plus, if you decide you can’t live with me any longer, you’ll always have a place to go. I want you to understand that I mean that. You always have options. Wish me luck.” He stands and shoves the last bite of pizza in his mouth.
I’m stunned by his statement. Every time I think he isn’t listening, he’s not only heard me, but he’s found a way to address my concern. I look at him with a stupid grin.
“I can’t wait to get you alone tonight,” he whispers.
“Don’t lose on my account. Take Landon for all he has.” I wink at him, and he grins.
“I’ll do anything you ask.”
By the end of the night, Jackson, Mia Couture, and Landon Walsh are the last three standing at their table. And Walker Clifton, Mason Sullivan, and Nate Lancaster are the final three at the other one.
Gillian stands. “Well, it looks like we’re done for the night, and it’s still early.”
I look at my watch, and it’s just after eleven.
“I’m going to bed,” Jackson announces, and he reaches for my hand.
“Tomorrow morning, breakfast will be out by nine,” I tell everyone. “Some of you have signed up for helicopter tours of the island. For those of you not playing in the afternoon, there’s a plane heading over to the Big Island to explore Kilauea. There are options for whale watching and fishing if you’re not interested in shopping in town, or you can just hang out by the pool. Lots of activities.”
People nod and head off to different parts of the estate.
When Jackson and I finally retire for the night, we’re both exhausted. We walk quietly to the room. I’ve been rehearsing what I want to say to him, and that must show on my face.
“What’s wrong?” Jackson asks once the door is closed behind us.
I smile at him and sit on the bed. “I’ve been wanting to tell you—my mother came to me while I was kidnapped.”
He looks at me, puzzled since he knows my mother has passed.
“I know it sounds crazy, but she talked to me. She reminded me how great you are. Thank you.”
Jackson hasn’t touched me since the incident, and I’m still a bit bruised, but in this moment, I need him.
“She came to me in a vision,” I continue. “She wanted to be sure I didn’t fall asleep, and she assured me you were looking for me.”
“I was frantic looking for you,” Jackson says.
I stand on my tiptoes and kiss him softly. “I’ve been needlessly worrying that you’d see my flaws and would look for someone else. I thought you’d be like my dad and leave me, like he did my mother. I was missing all the signals you were giving to show me that you were listening. You gave me your stock options, a raise, and you’ve told everyone this is my house.”
“I know I’m stubborn, but I have been listening.” Jackson tucks a wayward wisp of hair behind my ear. “No one will ever compare to you. They never have and never will. You’re smart, hysterically funny, perfect in every way,” Jackson reaches for my hand. “And you’re positively beautiful.”
While the game continued after dinner, I came back to our room and dressed for Jackson—not for anyone else. I know he’d wanted me to wear something to distract Landon, but I wanted to dress for him. I put my hair in an updo to show off my neck, I applied makeup to highlight my big eyes and full lips, and I added a silver choker, diamond bracelet, and a few sparkly clips in my hair. I felt like a princess.
Standing before Jackson, I slip out of my dress, vulnerable in just a lacy thong.
His eyes become hooded as he watches me.
“I want you to know that I love you. I’ve loved you since the day I interviewed with you. I can’t imagine my life without you.”
Jackson steps forward and kisses me softly. “You’ve made me so happy.” His hands reach for my breast, and he suckles the nipple. “Can I make love to you?”
I nod. “Please.”
Reaching for my hand, he leads me to the bed and sits on the edge. “You’ve made me the happiest man on Earth.”
He kisses my stomach, hooks his thumbs into my thong, and pushes it down. “You’re the most beautiful woman in the world.”
One second he’s staring at me with those intense blue eyes, and the next he’s pulling my body against
