1. Meeting The Hot Guy

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~~~OLIVIA~~~

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"I am so drained." I confided in my best friend, Sarah Hopkins. "I just can't handle all this nonsense anymore, Sarah."

"What's up, Liv?" She replied, "Your stupid Dad dumped more work on you again? Or did your Mom want you to meet her socialite friends to show off her perfect daughter?"

I fidgeted with my phone, balancing it between my ear and shoulder as I worked on the day's never-ending report. "Neither, though I think those might have been better. My parents are pushing me to get married. Again. They have found another suitor."

"Not another round of this," she sighed. I could hear her typing away on her computer as well. "Which one is it now? Someone filthy rich and famous, I suppose?"

"Not famous." I leaned back in my chair, the leather feeling cool against my neck. I could really use a neck massage. "Some guy named Jackson Reign."

Sarah's voice grew animated. "Jackson Reign? Oh my god, you are sure it's him?"

"Wait, what?" I paused my typing. "You know him?"

"He's kind of a big shot," she said, still excited. "He's the new VP of Marketing here. Tall, dark, and handsome with a gaze that could melt the Arctics."

"Does he not have his own company?" I questioned. "Why's he at your workplace?"

"His mom's firm merged with ours," Sarah clarified. "He's here to shake things up, or so they say. We've crossed paths a few times, but no formal introductions yet. When are you meeting him? Are you nervous? Do you want me to come to help you choose your outfit for the meet?"

I chuckled. "I haven't replied to my parents' messages yet so no date set. And why would I be nervous?" I quipped. "It's not like I am going to be marrying this absolute stranger. Marriage isn't exactly on my to-do list right now."

"But what if he's your soulmate?" Sarah playfully prodded, giggling at her stupid fantasy. "Your prince charming to rescue you from your corporate dungeon?"

"This queen doesn't need saving, thank you very much." I asserted, flipping my hair and almost dropping my phone.

Sarah giggled. "Okay, okay, but he might not be so bad. You know, not every rich guy is a jerk."

"After my last heartbreak, I find that hard to believe," I admitted, the memory of my ex still stinging.

"Liv, you're too much of a downer!" She exclaimed. "You deserve to be happy."

I wanted to believe she had a point.

"I don't know."

"He is a gentleman. Trust me." She said. "Give it a shot. For me. I feel like this is the one time your parents are doing something right by you."

I sighed. 

Maybe.   

"Alright, I'll give him a shot."

Her tone grew excited. "Finally!" 

But just one meeting. No pressure, no expectations." I said, rolling my eyes. "But if he's a dud, I'm out."

"Deal," she exclaimed. "I will set up the first meeting without your parents knowing so that there's no pressure from their side."

I smiled. "Bestie, you are the best!"

"I know. I have a feeling this guy is the one for you. He is perfect for you." She was in her fairytale land again. My best friend was a hopeless romantic.

"We'll see about that," I said, trying to keep my skepticism in check.

"Oh, we definitely will."

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Tardiness was basically my kryptonite. I hated it.

I glanced at my watch for what felt like the hundredth time, sitting in the corner booth of the busy café, sipping on my now-cold coffee.

I was waiting for Jackson Reign, the guy who was supposed to sweep in and change my life. But the dude was a no-show till now.

Maybe he decided not to show. Maybe he heard about my ice queen persona and bolted. Either way, it was a win-win for me.

But just as I was about to get up to leave, the café door flew open, and a cool breeze swept in.

And with it, a man appeared.

He scanned the room, and our eyes connected. 

He was exactly as Sarah had described him, if not more so. He had on a neat suit that fit his broad shoulders just right, his hair was a bit messy in that "I woke up like this" kind of way, and his smile could, as Sarah had put in, melt the Arctics.

I hadn't met him before, but I knew it was him.

Jackson Reign.

The very name gave me the chills as he made his way over to me.

The way he strutted in, all confident and focused, it was clear he was used to getting his way.

His eyes were a shade of grey. Very peculiar shade of grey. And they bore into my soul with an emotion I could not decipher. I had to keep from squirming under his gaze.

They were the kind of eyes that could make you spill your guts, and reveal all your secrets and desires, and I wasn't planning on being that girl.

"Olivia Smith?" He called out, flashing that disarming smile.

"Jackson Reign?" I shot back, trying to keep my voice steady.

He nodded and offered his hand. "Nice to meet you."

As we shook, a little zap of energy shot through me, and my heart skipped a beat. His hand was strong and warm, with a roughness that sent a shiver down my arm.

Jackson's eyes searched mine, and I couldn't read the look in them.

"You can take a seat," I said, pointing to the chair across from me.

Jackson slid in, moving like a dancer, and suddenly the café felt hotter, like someone had cranked up the thermostat.

"So, Sarah says you had a business proposition for me," he began, cutting right to the chase. "But my Mom already sent me your info, so I know that's not the real reason."

I couldn't help but chuckle at his straight-to-the-point approach.

"Yeah, your mom is... thorough," I said, playing it cool. "But let's talk about the proposal she had for us."

Jackson leaned in, his eyes never leaving mine. "What do you think about it?"

I took a sip of my coffee for courage. "Honestly, it's a bit outdated," I said. "It's not like we're in the Middle Ages, arranging marriages like a business deal."

Jackson just grinned, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Well, she does have her ways," he said, his voice smooth as silk. "But she's got good intentions. So how about it?"

"How about what?"

He leaned closer, his gaze intense. "How about giving me a shot?"

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