Mine Would Be You (28)

It takes everything in me to not jump up and start dancing in the warm office in front of my boss. The words approved and September just keep floating in big bold letters in my mind. A small smile forms on my lips as my leg stops shaking.

And then I remember there is bad news. Honestly, regardless of what it is, I don’t think it’ll bring down my mood much.

“The bad news is, Miss Young and I have decided we want you to exclusively write for the published magazine from now on. The online articles are a little less time consuming, so this will mean a heavier workload—”

“The published magazine?” I swear I don’t mean to interrupt, but I don’t think I could’ve stopped myself if I tried. This time she does smile.

“Yes, Miss Scott. You will no longer be writing pieces for the website. You will be featured and sent out on interviews for our published issues. The only work I’d like you to continue with on the online side of things is your editing. Your digital editing skills are extremely valuable, and I’d like you to continue that. If that is a feasible workload for you, that is.”

Miss Bisset raises an eyebrow at that. A softness remains amongst her strong features and precise bun.

“Yes, absolutely. I’d be delighted.”

She clasps her hands softly on top of her desk as her eyes focus on me. “I look forward to it. Good work.”

I can’t keep the smile off my face as I stand to exit the office. “Thank you, Miss Bisset.” It takes everything in me not to squeal as I collapse in my desk chair. The first thing I do is text Harper and Sloan, who respond almost immediately with happy face emojis and gifs.

Then I send a text to Jackson because he’s been asking about the article ever since I mentioned it casually at brunch. He answers almost immediately.

Jackson: Congratulations, hot shot. Might have to buy my first ever fashion magazine this September.

Me: You don’t have to.

Jackson: I know that. I want to. I’m going to be new and improved. The next André Leon Talley.

I can’t help the laugh that sputters out. I’d put a hundred dollars on the fact that he had no idea who that was without a Google search.

Me: Did you look up male fashion icons for me?

Jackson: I’ll never tell.

My heart flutters as I reread his first response, and I throw my bag together as the workday ends. I can’t wait to step out into the late afternoon sun and get home. Before I can, my phone rings, Jackson’s name flashing at the top.

“Hello?”

“Hi, congratulations.”

I roll my eyes, grinning because he can’t see it. “You already said that.”

“I know, I wanted to say it again.” He pauses, and I wait, tapping my nails on my desk. “Are you busy?”

“No, I just got off work and was going to head home, why?”

“I have a proposition. It’s not a date, I promise, but do you want to eat with me?” I chew on my lip, turning the idea over in my head. “Figured this might be a good way to convince you to come to the Hamptons. I’m still downtown. Well actually, I’m waiting outside your office.”

I shake my head in disbelief. “You’re downstairs?”

“I am.”

Swinging my bag over my shoulder I start to head out. “What if I said no?”

“Well, I was hoping you wouldn’t.” He chuckles, and even through the phone it resonates deeply.

I take a deep breath and swing my bag over my shoulder, knowing I never would’ve said no. “I’ll be down shortly.”

“Is that a yes?”

“Yes.”

“See you soon, sunshine.” The smile is clear in his voice, and my stomach does flips at the nickname.

My heart is already beating heavily in my chest at the idea of seeing him again. Of being near him, the man who is as bright as the sun and for some reason, choosing to shine those rays over me.




Jackson



I tuck my phone back into my pocket as I wait downstairs for Nina to arrive. Luckily, my plan worked. Whether she agreed because she was in a good mood or because she genuinely wanted to come, I don’t give a shit. Because she said yes.

I haven’t been able to get this girl out of my head no matter how hard I try.

Like a moth to a flame, my eyes latch onto her figure as soon as she steps out of the building. I begin walking that way, taking a long, slow look at her. I take in every curve, every dip, every inch, attempting to memorize all of her. Finally, her brown eyes meet mine, and I grin instantly.

She seems less guarded today, and I hope it’s because I’ve been slowly wiggling myself into her everyday life. Trying to make her more comfortable and take everything at her pace. Fuck, I’d do anything she needed already. As soon as I’m close enough, I reach up and grab her bag from her shoulder.

“Jackson.” She deadpans, crossing her arms. But I notice her eyes roam over me, and the way she says my name instantly makes my blood burn.

“What?”

“Give me my bag.”

I start walking away, towards my favorite hole in the wall pizza shop. Glancing back, she follows begrudgingly.

“No, I’m going to hold onto it. Come on, I’m hungry.”

She catches up to me, walking by my side through the stream of people all getting off work. “Where are we going?”