Page 35 of My Forbidden Billionaire
“Oh, alright then.” I try to remain serious, even though I can see that Jacob is smirking as well.
“Darling, why don’t you head to the locker room? You should get changed. I’m going to find a seat with Miss Andrews and cheer you on, alright?” He says, kneeling down to her level.
“Sure thing, Daddy!” She reaches her little arms and hugs Jacob around the neck as he kisses her several times on the cheek. Only a few moments later, Clem disappears into the locker room building adjacent to the pitch.
“You know, I tried asking her back at the house why she chose to wear a sequined cape to a cricket match, but she was quieter than the Sphinx,” Jacob says.
After a moment of reflection, I reply, “Hmm… well, I don’t want to alarm you but … as someone who was once a little girl, I suspect that Clem might … have a crush on someone, whom she may be trying to impress.”
“A crush? No … that’s not possible. Clem is only ten years old. How could she possibly have a crush on someone?”
“Jacob … it’s common for children her age to develop crushes. In fact, children can develop their first crush at five or six years of age. It’s totally normal!”
He looks at me as if I’ve just told him that the moon really is made of cheese, and we should send a giant mouse into space to eat it. “No … you’re wrong. She doesn’t have a crush.” He shakes his head comically.
“Jacob … I know you’re feeling a little blindsided by this. But you don’t have to be. It’s a normal stage of development for any child.” I try to reason with him but he’s still shaking his handsome head in denial, so I decide to divert the conversation in another direction. “Shall we find some seats? Stephanie told me that if we sit on the right over there, we could avoid all this wind.”
“Sure! How about you choose the seats you want, and I’ll get us some popcorn and hot cocoa?” he offers, smiling brilliantly at me.
“This is shaping up to be a wonderful afternoon,” I reply before watching him walk away toward the concession stand.
Jacob stands out from the crowd, and it’s not just because of his impeccable suit, or his incredibly handsome face, but it’s the way in which he carries himself. Almost as if he’s a lion, used to roaming the jungle and lording over everything and everyone. I realize that I could simply look at him the whole day and never tire of the view.
I eventually make my way toward the bleachers and can already hear Ms. Abadie screaming, even though she shouldn’t even be there. I find a cozy little spot in the corner, away from the wind and make myself comfortable.
Jacob appears once more, holding two hot cocoas and some popcorn. “Here you go.” I accept the drink and, for a few moments, our hands touch against the hot surface of the cup. His skin is just as warm and inviting. He takes his place in the stands, right next to me, and I can feel his body pressing against mine. It’s a scintillating sensation that’s as sweet as it is protective.
“I’m glad we’re finally getting around to having a cup of hot cocoa together.” He winks.
I laugh, feeling like a schoolgirl again. “Yeah, me too.”
“Are you cold? Do you want my coat?” he asks, and I’m once again impressed by how gallant he can be.
“No, thank you,” I reply, perhaps a little faster than I would have wanted. But I know that wearing Jacob’s coat right here, in front of the entire school staff and all the parents who’ve come to watch their children’s cricket match would basically mean exposing me. And exposing him.
I could never do that.
“I know that I complimented Clem earlier, but I think you deserve some compliments of your own,” I begin the conversation as casually as I can, even though my heart is racing at the mere thought of being so close to him.
“Do I?”
“I love your pocket square.”
I noticed the silk accessory poking out from his lapel as soon as he arrived. It immediately caught my eye because it’s decorated with a pattern of yellow orchids.
“Oh, this was all Clem’s work,” he says but it’s obvious by the way he’s grinning that Jacob loves the compliment.
“Of course, it is.” I laugh. “And those flowers look … familiar.” I tilt my head slightly as I look at him, my mind racing back to the beautiful bouquet of orchids he sent me earlier this week. The gesture took me by surprise, and even now, I can’t help but feel a flutter in my chest at the thought of it.
“Ah yes, they’re the same orchids I had delivered to you. I hope that wasn’t too much,” he says with a twinkle in his eye. “I just wanted to brighten up your day a little bit.”
My heart skips a beat at his words, and I can feel a blush creeping up my cheeks. “No, it wasn’t too much,” I manage to say, trying to keep my voice steady. “In fact, it was very sweet of you.”
Jacob’s eyes crinkle at the corners as he smiles, and I find myself becoming lost in his hazel irises. He’s just so captivating, and the longer I spend in his presence, the harder it is to ignore the growing attraction I feel for him.
The match begins and we watch Clem as she runs across the field, chasing the ball. She’s small but agile, and I point her out to Jacob from time to time, who is thrilled by her performance.
The popcorn lies between us, a delicious smell of butter and salt wafting toward me. I reach inside and grab a few, but, to my surprise, my fingers meet Jacob’s and we remain there, linked and silent. I’m so thrilled that I’m almost unable to breathe.