I double checked my eyeliner in the mirror before I put on my lipstick. Tonight was the night. With Ryan, not Jackson. I actually hadn't spoken Jackson since the day Lanie and I went shopping. Tonight, I was getting ready or Ryan to come and pick me up. He was going to take me to dinner. We did this a few times a month to keep up appearances. Even though we weren't compatible, we were still able to tolerate each other.

I never minded it since we tended to get along and we did good as friends. One thing that did bother me every time we went on date night, was the fact that it never actually felt like a date. It felt like I was hanging out with one of my friends...Which I was.

A chime on my cell phone let me know Ryan was here. I grabbed my purse and jacket as I headed out of my apartment. He got out of his blue truck and gave me a quick kiss before holding the passenger door open for me. I mean, Ryan is definitely a gentleman, but not the one for me.

"So, where are we going tonight?" I asked when he started driving.

"We're going to your favorite restaurant."

Well, that's a bonus. Our date nights usually went pretty well, and they never intended to be awkward. The only thing that was usually awkward, was when we had to get all lovey-dovey in front of relatives who had no idea that we were not in love. It gets exhausting trying to put up an act in front of everyone and everything. I barely even know how to act like myself anymore.

We talked about random stuff until we finally arrived at the restaurant. Luckily, we got seated at our table quickly and Ryan ordered wine for the both of us. Red for him and white for me.

After we finally ordered our food, he cleared his throat. "So, you're having your bachelorette party on the trip?"

"Yeah," I replied, meeting his gaze. "Is that okay with you?"

"Actually, it's hilarious. When my mom called me to tell me, I couldn't stop laughing. I knew she was pissed, but it was awesome."

I laughed at his statement. "Yeah, my mom wasn't thrilled either. But, if they want this, then we deserve fun." I took a sip of my wine before I had a thought. "You should have your bachelor party when we're there."

"Who should have their bachelor party when?"

Oh, God. Jackson. We both looked over and Jackson was standing by our table with a brunette who looked like she belonged on the cover of Sports Illustrated. His arm was wrapped around her thin waist as she stood closely to his side. What the hell was he doing here? I mean, she's pretty I guess, but why? She just seemed so fake, but that could be what he's used too.

"Jay!" Ryan exclaimed as he got to his feet and clapped his brother on the back.

"So," Jackson said as he slid his glance to me. "What are you two up to?"

Ryan smiled at me. "Date night. How about you? Are you going to introduce us to your lovely lady here?"

"Apologies, this is Jillian."

She reached out and shook Ryan's extended hand before offering it to me. "It's nice to meet you."

Don't be obvious, I thought. "Hey," I said with the most genuine smile I could make. Okay, it was fake as hell. "I'm Harper."

"What's this about a bachelor party?" Jackson asked Ryan.

Ryan laughed as he slid a mischievous look to me. "Well, my fiancée here decided to have her bachelorette party during our trip. She suggested I should have my bachelor party there, too."

Jackson smiled and laughed a little. "Anything to piss off the parents, right?"

"Exactly," Ryan replied. "So, where's your table?"

Jackson pointed to a booth across from ours. Of-fucking-course.

I swallowed awkwardly, "Well, you two enjoy your...uh, date." Even though I refused to make eye contact with Jackson, I didn't miss the wink he threw me before walking his date to the table across from us. When I knew they were sitting down, I lifted my gaze to his. His stare held mine with hidden meaning. Like he wanted to make me jealous.

Attempting to distract myself, I tried keeping my eyes on Ryan while he talked about nothing that really mattered. Unfortunately, Jackson Reese made it hard to think about anything else.

"Anne? Anne?" Ryan spoke, breaking me from my trance. I couldn't believe Jackson had the audacity to bring another woman here. I hope he knows he can't sleep with her. That's the point of our little arrangement. Well, if I say yes. Which I hadn't yet.

I gasped. "Yes, Ryan. Sorry. I have a lot on my mind."

"I can't believe Jackson and his date came to the same restaurant as us! We should ask for a bigger table and invite them over."

I choked, "Uh, invite them over? You sure...that's a good idea?"

"Why not, Anne?" I watched Ryan raise from his chair to go invite his brother and his date to our table. After they accepted, Ryan proceeded on getting us a bigger table.

Once we situated at our new table Jackson was seated across from Ryan and his date, Jillian, was across from me.

"How did you two meet?" Ryan asked curiously.

"We actually used to-- date before. Back in London," Jillian said with a sly smile.

Whore. "Really? You don't have an accent. Are you from here?" Way to not sound jealous, Harp.

"Yeah, born and raised here. I was backpacking through Europe with friends when I met Jackson."

"Did you guys date long?" Ryan asked.

"Just while I was in town. Maybe a week or so," she said as she cast a sultry look to Jackson.

"And what an amazing weekend that was," Jackson replied as he kissed her neck.

He is not going to make me jealous. I threw my famous fake smile at them. "I'm assuming you guys reconnected when he moved back?"

"Actually, he called me this afternoon and invited me to dinner."

Realllllllyyyyyyy. I had a feeling he did that right after Ryan told him we were going out tonight. Seems like someone didn't show up here by chance. I through Jackson a knowing look. "How sweet. Well, we are so glad that you could join us. Right, sweetie?"

"Absolutely," Ryan said with a smile.

My phone vibrated in my purse and I already knew who it was.

Jackson: Nice dress.

Me: Nice date. I countered.

Jackson: Careful, Princess. You sound jealous.

Me: Says the guy who just happened to show up here with a last-minute date?

"Anne, who are you texting?" There was a little annoyance in Ryan's tone.

"Sorry," I said as I put it back in my purse. "It was my mom. You know, normal wedding stuff."

"How's that going?" Jackson asked.

"It's good. I think everyone is excited for the big trip. We leave tomorrow," Ryan said before smiling at me. "Anne went shopping yesterday with her best friend to get some new bathing suits and clothes."

Jackson glanced at me and I bit back my smile.

"That sounds like fun!" Jillian said.

"Oh, yeah, I got some bathing suits, a couple new dresses, and, of course, some lingerie for this guy." I leaned forward and kissed Ryan's cheek.

Take that, Jackson.

I chanced another look at him and I could tell by the hungry look in his eyes that he was picturing me in a lot of the clothing I mentioned.

Our food came out just in time to break the tension that was oblivious to Ryan and Jullian. There was the normal "so tell me about yourself"s going around the table before dinner was finally over. After the boys argued over the check, we all walked outside together. When the goodbye hugs were exchanged, I couldn't ignore the sensual stroke of Jackson's finger down my spine. The scent of his cologne was intoxicating and I wanted to get lost in it.

He pulled away from me and grabbed Jillian by the hand. "You two have a good night."

"Same to you guys," Ryan called.

Ryan and I climbed into his truck and I quickly checked my phone. Nothing from Jackson since my last text.

"Did you have a good time tonight?"

"Yeah, I did. Thanks, Ry," I said and meant it. With all our issues and unhappiness regarding the marriage, I was at least thankful Ryan was a good guy. No way would I have agreed to this if the man was an asshole.

After I got home, I quickly undressed and threw my robe on. I let my jealousy get the best of me when I sent the next text.

Me: Hope you're enjoying your date.

I regretted it the second I hit send and threw my phone on the bed. Not even two minutes later, there was a knock on my door.

I let out a long breath as I went to open it. It was probably Ryan.

As I pulled the door open, I said, "Hey, Ryan, I--"

It wasn't Ryan at the door. It was Jackson and damn that man looked good tonight. I was so out of it at the restaurant by his surprise appearance that I didn't notice he was wearing a suit.

"What are you doing here?" I asked.

Without answering, he crushed his lips against mine and pushed me back into my apartment. I faintly heard the door slam as he wrapped his arms around me and led me farther inside.

He deepened the kiss and I moaned into his mouth. I had no control over the way my body seemed to respond to him. I felt my back hit the kitchen counter and he lifted me up to sit me on top.

With a mind of their own, my legs wrapped themselves around his waist and I could feel his hard erection.

He untied the front of my robe as he started kissing a trail from my neck down my body. My need for him grew stronger the lower he got.

"Jackson..." I moaned and he knew what I needed.

He dropped to his knees, and an instant later, threw my right leg over his shoulder and he took me into his mouth.

I leaned back against the cabinet as I buried my hand is hair. I couldn't do anything except take the pleasure that only he seemed able to give me. I couldn't hold back my moan as he continued to lick and suck just like he knew I liked it. I could feel myself getting close, and when I felt him dip one of those long fingers inside me...I lost it.

I called his name as the multiple orgasms rolled through me. When he finally got to his feet, I couldn't feel my legs. I sagged against the cabinets behind me and he gave me a sexy smile.

"I thought there was no sex until I agreed to your offer," I said breathlessly.

"There isn't."

"Then what was that?" It sure felt like sex to me.

He leaned forward to whisper in my ear, "Don't you know, Princess? Every woman deserves a good night kiss after a date."

He helped me to my feet before he gave me one long last kiss and he started walking to the door. He turned around before he opened it and said, "Enjoy your bath, beautiful."

Then he was gone.

I put my face in my hands with a groan.