Chapter 24

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

I fidgeted with my bracelets, but it did nothing to calm my nerves while Jackson and I waited at the airport for Greer to arrive. I would've sent the private jet for her, but she'd booked the tickets before telling me of her plans. She waved as she rode down the escalator to where we were waiting, her eyes hidden behind her sunglasses.

"Oh my god. Look at you." Greer pushed her glasses back on her head and gave me a hug. She pulled back, grinning at my flowy and colorful caftan. "You look so tan and relaxed and happy."

"I am. Hudson caught the person behind the threats."

"They did?" When I nodded, she sagged with relief. "Finally. Oh, I'm so glad. I knew my brother would keep you safe. I'm so sorry you had to deal with that."

She gave me another hug then turned to Jackson and smiled. "Hey, Jackson." She hugged him, and then he took her bag. "So who was it?"

I gave her a quick rundown.

"I'm so glad it's over. And this is so great." She hooked an arm around each of our waists. "All of us together."

I smiled brightly at Jackson, and he gave a subtle shake of his head. We'd agreed to tell Greer during her visit, and I was already dreading the conversation.

"What do you want to do first?" I asked. "Settle in? Go to the beach? Tour the old fort?"

"I hear they have good rum here." She waggled her brows.

Jackson and I shared a look. "Isn't it a little early for alcohol?" I asked.

"Not if it's part of a rum distillery tour. Come on." She linked our arms. "We're on island time now."

A muscle twitched in Jackson's forehead. "We can't just?—"

"Oh, it's fine." Greer pulled me along with her. "We'll be safe. You'll be with us."

I glanced at Jackson over my shoulder as Greer dragged me through the airport. Greer had always liked to party and have fun, but this seemed out of character, even for her. She seemed…desperate for a distraction or something. Not simply eager to have a good time.

"It's your call, Sloan," Jackson said, deferring to me.

"You don't want to go back to the hotel and freshen up first?" I asked Greer. "Maybe visit the spa or hang out by the pool?"

"If we go to the spa, what will he do?" She hooked her thumb at Jackson.

I lifted a shoulder. "I don't know. That's new territory for me. Jackson?"

His mouth was set in a line, and I knew he was scanning the airport for any threats. Even if it hadn't been part of his job, it was a skill that was deeply ingrained in him after so many years. And I wondered if he ever relaxed. Truly relaxed. Apart from our time on the Athena with no one else in sight, I doubted it.

He pulled Greer's suitcase behind him. "I'll wait outside the treatment room."

Greer laughed as we headed out to the parking garage. "He really is all up in your business, huh?"

I laughed, though there was a nervous edge to it. "You have no idea."

"It must be annoying," she said while he loaded her bag into the trunk.

"Honestly, it's been nice having Jackson around."

"Good. I know this is a dream trip for him, and I'm glad you got to experience it together."

I smiled. "Me too."

She leaned in and lowered her voice. "Do you know if my brother's dating anyone?"

I swallowed hard, glancing away. Was this a trick question? Did Greer know?

"Why do you ask?" I tried to evade the question. Jackson and I had planned to tell Greer about us while we were all together, but this wasn't how I'd imagined the conversation going.

"Because he never brings anyone home to meet us. So I'm wondering if he told you about anyone or if he's just as much of a player as he ever was."

"You ready?" Jackson called.

"Yep," I chirped, grateful for the interruption.

While Jackson drove us back to the hotel, I texted the staff about spa treatments and responded to a quick email from Halle. Despite Greer's cheerful demeanor, I could feel the stress radiating off her in waves. I hoped the spa would be more relaxing and restorative than a rum tasting.

I would've asked Jackson if he wanted me to schedule him a massage, but I knew he would never agree. We'd enjoyed a couple's massage in Turks and Caicos, but he'd only relented because we'd been together.

When we reached the hotel, Jackson pulled into the VIP entrance. One of the bellhops took Greer's bag to our suite, and Jackson accompanied us to the spa.

"This is gorgeous," Greer said as soon as we stepped through the large doors. I followed her gaze to a huge bowl that had orchids cascading down in rows. "Mm." She closed her eyes with a smile. "It smells so good. I love that scent."

"You can thank Jasper for that. And—" I headed over to one of the shelves where various beauty and self-care products were on display "—you can even take the smell home with you." I picked up one of the candles and handed it to her.

Greer removed the lid and inhaled deeply, closing her eyes with another smile. She already seemed more relaxed, and for that, I was grateful.

"That's divine. What is it?" She scanned the candle for information.

"It's our own custom scent." I leaned in and whispered, "It's oud wood, bourbon, and vanilla. We pump it through the public spaces in the hotel."

For all the times Graham razzed Jasper, he had good ideas. The intimacy kits provided in every room. The allergy-friendly menus. And the signature scent that created a sensory moment and an olfactory trigger of good memories.

He was good at creating an experience. At making people feel welcome and at ease despite the opulent surroundings, just like Gran had always been. He was also passionate about sustainability. We all were, but Jasper especially.

"Damn. That's clever."

"Right?" I turned to the front desk employee. I scanned her name tag. "Alondra, can you please add several of the candles to my tab?"

"Sloan, no," Greer said. "You know I'm paying for my portion of the spa, right?" She stepped up to the counter and opened her purse.

"Greer." I placed my hand on hers. "I've got it."

"You sure?" she asked.

"Of course."

She smiled. "Thank you."

"Please add them to my bill, Alondra," I said, to avoid any confusion. "And anything else my guest would like."

Greer narrowed her eyes at me and opened her mouth as if to protest. I mouthed, "I've got it."

"Of course, Ms. Mackenzie." Alondra typed something on the computer.

"I love your name," I said, leaning on the counter. "So beautiful."

She smiled, her shoulders relaxing a little. "Thank you, ma'am. It means lark, but my mom heard it on a Spanish show and fell in love."

"That's lovely. There's actually an Alondra Valley in California. It's quite beautiful, and the Huxley Grand AV is nestled in among the mountains and the vineyards."

Greer sighed. "I love that location. My husband and I had our honeymoon there." And then her expression darkened, and she clamped her mouth shut.

Hm. If her reaction was anything to go by, her stressed-out state had something to do with Logan.

"I just love name meanings," Alondra said. "They're so interesting. For instance, your first name, Ms. Mackenzie, means ‘warrior.'"

"Thank you," I said. "I think my gran told me that at some point."

"She was a lovely woman," Alondra said. "Very business-savvy but also just kind." I smiled, hoping that someday I could live up to my grandmother's legacy. Even now, years after her death, people still talked of her and Pops with love and reverence.

"She was," I agreed.

Alondra glanced at her computer. "Let me take you through."

When Jackson moved to follow us, Alondra frowned. "I'm sorry, sir. The spa is for patrons only."

I leaned in, lowering my voice. "He's my executive protection agent." When she furrowed her brow, I added, "My bodyguard. So he's going to have to come with us."

"Oh." Alondra's eyes widened. "Of course. I apologize for the misunderstanding."

"Not a problem." I smiled, hoping to reassure her that it was no big deal.

"Please, follow me."

Jackson waited outside the changing area. Gentle nature music played softly through hidden speakers, and the dim lighting added to the relaxed atmosphere.

"How was your trip?" I asked Greer as we changed into our robes.

"Good. Not nearly as exciting as sailing here, I'm sure." She smiled at one of the employees, accepting a cup of our signature herbal tea with gratitude.

I sipped my tea, the flavors coating my throat in warmth. "It's been quite the adventure." In every sense of the word.

"Jackson's not going to want to go to New York after this."

"Perhaps not," I said, smiling. "But I know he's looking forward to visiting you and your mom."

"Visit?" She laughed. "Jackson's not coming to visit. He's moving to New York."

My hand stilled, my tea hovering midair. "What?"

What was Greer talking about? Jackson didn't know where he was headed after this assignment.

"Yeah." Greer set her tea on a nearby table. "I don't know all the details, but Mom said something about him moving to New York for a promotion. Hudson asked Jackson to run the office there."

"Oh. That's…" I swallowed, feeling as if the words were made of glass. "That's great."

My stomach dropped. How could he possibly pass up an opportunity like that?

She tilted her head, considering. "I'm not surprised he didn't mention it. You know how Jackson is. As my mom always says, he's a tough nut to crack."

I tried not to panic, but I wondered why he'd never said anything. Why he'd said he'd be willing to move to London, despite the promotion in New York.

After everything Jackson had said, after everything we'd been through, surely… The room spun.

"Hey." Greer placed her hand on my arm. "You okay?"

Fortunately, I was saved from responding because it was time for our first treatment. An employee led us to the massage room. Jackson followed, but I didn't dare look at him. I was afraid my emotions would be written all over my face, and I wanted to discuss this later when we were alone.

He'd told me he loved me. He'd said I was his everything. But we'd been living in a bubble, and it felt as if it had just popped.

"What's new with you?" I asked Greer after we'd disrobed and were lying on the tables side by side. I didn't want to overthink the situation with Jackson, and I'd been worried about Greer. I knew she'd be more likely to confide in me if her brother wasn't around.

She blew out a breath. "I needed a break."

"Do you want to talk about it?" I asked, sensing there was more to the story.

"Maybe later. I just want to relax and enjoy this massage. But thanks for asking."

"Of course," I said as our massage therapists entered the room.

The massage felt amazing, but as much as I wanted to relax, I couldn't. I couldn't stop thinking about what Greer had said about Jackson and his promotion. About New York and the future.

I thought about this trip and all the ways he'd been there for me. I'd never felt so taken care of or cherished. I'd never felt more at ease than when I was with him. He made me feel desired and wanted, yes. But he also made me feel seen.

He showed me in so many ways—big and small—that he loved me. And I loved him. I'd always loved him.

Jackson was my everything, and I was done being scared. I was done holding back. I'd lost Jackson once before, and I'd do everything in my power to prevent it from happening again.

I finished applying my lip gloss and headed for the living room. I felt refreshed after spending the day with Greer at the spa. And while I hadn't gotten the chance to talk to Jackson, I had a plan. I took a deep breath and straightened.

When I entered the living room, Jackson was sitting on the couch. His head snapped up, his eyes lingering on my lips. The low neckline of my dress. The high slit that revealed my thigh.

He prowled over to me. "Damn, hayati ." He rubbed his chin, circling me. "You look good." He sounded both pained and pleased by the idea.

I smiled and met his gaze, admiring the fit of his linen button-down and pants. I smoothed my palms over his chest. "So do you."

He slid his hands up my thighs, grabbing my ass and hauling me closer. He growled and kissed my neck, and I forgot about everything but him. His hard length pressed against me. His scent surrounding me.

The door to Greer's room opened, and I dropped my hands and stepped back, my skirt falling back into place. Jackson inhaled slowly and turned away, adjusting himself. I smoothed my hands over my hips, hoping everything was covered.

"That dress looks gorgeous on you," I said to Greer, hoping she didn't notice how breathless I was. How guilty I looked.

"Thanks." She looped her arm through mine. She still hadn't told me what was going on, but she definitely didn't seem as frazzled as she had when she'd first arrived.

Even so, I knew her well enough to know that something was wrong. And her comments earlier about Logan had me concerned. They'd been together forever.

The three of us made our way down to one of the on-site restaurants, where we were seated overlooking the beach. Jackson was scanning the exits, studying everyone around us as always.

"This is amazing," Greer said, marveling at the alcove that surrounded us. It was as if we had our own little orchid grotto lit by lanterns. "I forgot how nice it is to travel with you."

I bumped her shoulder with mine. "We should do it more often."

"We should."

Though I didn't know how enthusiastic she'd be about the idea after she found out about Jackson and me. Maybe I'd blown the situation out of proportion, but this conversation had been years in the making.

My mind couldn't settle. Between the mystery situation with Greer and Logan, my secret relationship with Jackson, and Jackson's promotion, I had a lot on my mind. I needed to find out what was going on with Greer. And I knew I wouldn't be able to relax until I talked to Jackson about New York.

"I feel like I've barely seen you all day," Greer said to Jackson. "How have you been?"

He slid his hand onto my thigh beneath the table. "Good. Really good. What about you? How are the kids? How's Logan?"

"The kids are good. Work is busy."

"And Logan?" Jackson asked, pushing Greer despite the fact that she clearly didn't want to talk about her husband.

Greer waved a hand through the air. "I'm here to have fun and forget about Logan."

"Greer," Jackson chided. "What's going on?"

She shook her head, holding back tears even as she forced a smile. "It's not something I want to discuss right now, let alone with my brother. Can you please just drop it?"

He sighed, and I knew he was torn between respecting her wishes and dragging the truth out of her. I placed my hand over his beneath the table and gave it a reassuring squeeze.

"Please?" Greer pleaded. Jackson relented—for now, at least.

Conversation turned to other matters as our meal arrived. Then more drinks—at least for Greer and me. Jackson had relaxed some, but I could still see him scanning for threats.

"Doesn't it get exhausting?" I asked while Greer was in the bathroom. She'd texted to say she'd gotten a call from the kids and would be back in a little bit.

He placed a finger beneath my chin, tipping my gaze to his. "Protecting you is an honor and my privilege."

He looked as if he might kiss me, and god, how I wanted him to. Despite a few almost missteps, we'd made it through a week of forced celibacy, and I was more than ready for it to be over.

"You really do love your job," I mused.

"I love you ."

I smiled. "I love you too."

I didn't want to ruin the moment, but the question of New York and Jackson's promotion had been weighing on me all day.

"Tell me about New York," I said.

"Hmm." He smoothed his hand over his chin. "It's on the East Coast. It's where Greer was married?—"

"Jackson." I narrowed my eyes at him.

"What?" He lifted a shoulder. "You asked me to tell you about New York, and I am."

"Yes," I huffed, trying to ignore the little voice of doubt that had started screaming in my head. The one that said he was going to leave me again. "But I was hoping you'd tell me about your promotion." He stilled. "Greer mentioned it earlier in passing." I toyed with my napkin. "She, um, didn't realize…"

He tilted his head back, and he seemed to be warring with himself. Because he was worried how I'd react? Because he hadn't expected me to find out?

"What is it?" I asked, trying to remain calm despite my rising panic. I couldn't… My palms were clammy.

"There is no promotion."

My stomach plummeted at his words. I'd told myself that he'd changed, but it felt like déjà vu.

I was determined to give him the benefit of the doubt. But instead, I found myself blurting, "You lied to your family?"

He scoffed. "I can't believe you jumped straight to that."

"Can you blame me? It wouldn't be the first time you've lied to them. To me." God, that hurt to admit. This whole conversation hurt.

He pinched the bridge of his nose. "You still don't trust me, do you? Even after everything we've been through."

"I do trust you." I placed my hand on his, because it felt as if the conversation was spiraling out of control. "I'm just trying to understand. Greer's under the impression that you're moving to New York and going to lead the Hudson office there. Yet you've never mentioned it to me, and now you're telling me there is no promotion."

He shook his head. "If you trusted me, you wouldn't immediately jump to the conclusion that I lied."

"I—" I took a breath. "I'm sorry. I'm trying, Jackson. But can you blame me, after all the things you kept from me in the past?"

He dragged a hand down his face. "What did you honestly think would happen with my job after I slept with a client?"

I searched his eyes for answers, processing his words. "Wait. You lost the promotion because of me?"

"I gave it up for us . And I didn't lie about it to my family. At the time, I'd planned to take it."

"Jackson." I stared at the table, trying to ignore the tightness in my chest. "I'm sorry."

I was sorry for doubting him. For putting him in that position. For jeopardizing his future.

"So am I." Part of me expected him to say that we were done. That this was never going to work. Instead, he said, "I know I hurt you in the past, and I will keep doing whatever it takes to show you that you can trust me. So, in the interest of full transparency, I also resigned from Hudson."

I reared back. "What? When?"

He'd taken a leap of faith for me—for us. And I'd jumped to conclusions. I'd let my fear of the past overwhelm my hope for the future.

"Our first morning in Turks and Caicos. But I asked that it wouldn't take effect until after this assignment ended. And my boss demanded my discretion in return, which he had every right to do. I signed an NDA with Hudson."

I dropped my head to my chest. "I'm sorry this is such a mess."

He blew out a breath. "You have to understand… Vaughn's more than just my supervisor, he's my mentor, and I put him in an awkward position. I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner, but I felt like I owed it to him."

"I can understand that." I could. I admired Jackson for his loyalty. "But why would you do that? Why give up a promotion and a job at a company you love?"

He took my hand in his. "Because you're more important to me than anything. I made the wrong choice once, and I vowed not to make that mistake again."

"Jackson." I melted from his words. "I would've never asked you to give up your job for me."

"I know you wouldn't." He cupped my cheek. "But you didn't have to. I chose to."

I closed my eyes and leaned into his touch, reveling in this moment. The significance of Jackson choosing our relationship over his job wasn't lost on me. He'd jeopardized his future to place his trust in us, and his admission was both healing and profound. I vowed that his sacrifices wouldn't be made in vain.