“Yeah. I am.”
Will smiled and playfully punched my shoulder. “You’re fighting for something.”
I groaned and folded my arms. “I’m pretty sure I’ve fought for things before.”
“Not like this.”
“You’re being very profound today. Should I be worried? They haven’t found a tumor or something, have they?”
“Nope.” That smile stayed on his face when he came to stand right next to me, looking out at Eliza and Little J playing. “You’re fighting for the one thing in the universe capable of taming the notorious Westwood rake.”
“Rake?” I scrunched up my nose. “Please don’t.”
“I’m serious,” he said. “That’s what they call it on this side of the pond. A rake. You’ve always leaned into that more than the rest of us.”
“That’s only because I’m charming.”
“It’s because you’ve always been restless.” He tilted his head, eyes finally swinging back to me. “Until now, it seems.”
“I’m not being tamed or neutered. Stop making it sound like she’s got my balls in a vise. I’m just adjusting.”
“Adjusting,” he repeated, drawing out the word and ending it on a chuckle. “Fine. You’re adjusting to being with only one woman.”
“It sounds so much worse when you say it like that. You really just need to stop talking.”
“Nah, I’m just telling the truth. You’re in love, Jesse.”
I dragged a hand over my face and blew out a harsh breath. “Wow. You really just can’t leave well enough alone.”
“Well, Ican, but I’m not going to.” He turned away from the window, his expression serious when I glanced at him again. “Look, I only need you to answer one question. Are you sure about this?”
“Does that have to be the question?”
“Yes.” He held my gaze. “Is it worth all of this even if it blows up in your face?”
“Yes,” I said. “Absolutely.”
He smiled again. “I never thought I’d see the day, but I’m happy for you, Jesse. I really am, so I’m in. Besides, what’s the worst that can happen?”
“It goes horribly wrong and I end up in an international prison.”
Will stared at me. “That’s not a possibility.”
“Of course, it is,” I said. “Think about it, though. The headlines alone would be worth it. ‘Westwood Brother Arrested Abroad.’ Boom. Instant distraction. Alex would love it if the media circus would focus on that instead. The pressure would be off Zach and everyone wins.”
“No one wins if you’re in prison, Jesse.”
“I don’t know,” I said thoughtfully. “I feel like I’d do well in prison. I make friends easily and I could start a book club.”
Will pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. “Fine. While you’re reading with your new friends in prison, where am I sending the jet?”
CHAPTER 34
JACQUELINE
Back in Chicago, I stood in front of the mirror in my apartment, assessing myfirst-day-backoutfit with a critical eye. Miranda had tried convincing me to take a few more days off, but it was time to get back to work.
Work was good. Work would help. It always did, but more importantly, I knew things would be piling up in my office and I couldn’t leave it anymore. The mere of thought of everyone else shouldering more than their share because of me had started driving me crazy.