Page 13 of The Darkest Knight
I feel bad that she's asking me, especially in front of Anna.
"I have too much work to do.” But that’s just a weak excuse. I can’t just tag along. There’s no reason for me to be there, and I’ve not been invited.
“You should come,” Jett says, his voice softer than usual. He slides his phone into his pocket, his gaze locking on mine. “Take some time. Have some fun.”
I blink at him, startled. “Are you talking to me?”
“Yes, I’m talking to you. The work can wait,” he presses. “It’s been a rough week.”
He knows. Of course, he knows. I’ve been on edge, worried about Mom’s IV treatment and Aunt Scarlett has been worried about the rent—I used to contribute when I lived there, but with Mom’s having to stop working since she got ill—and everything else in between.
It’s unnerving how much he notices.
“Bring anyone,” he adds. “Your plus one, friends, whoever. You’re welcome.”
Anna shifts uncomfortably. Jett glances at her. “You’ll probably need to take Brooke home after the kids’ party.”
I hesitate. “Okay. Maybe. Later, once I’ve finished for the day.”
After they leave, I text Eliana and Bianca:Billionaire’s Christmas party. Free drinks. You in?
I already know their answer.
Chapter 6
JETT
The children’s Christmas party is in full swing. Tobias and Savannah Stone know how to create magic—they’ve transformed this massive toy store into a winter wonderland.
The entire floor is decorated like something out of a Christmas movie, every inch drenched in twinkling lights and festive cheer. Real reindeer munch on hay in one corner, surrounded by barriers to keep eager kids from doing anything wild. Santa holds court near a glittering sleigh, and elves buzz around, handing out candy and smiles. It’s pure joy.
Brooke looks around in utter amazement, and when she sees her friend, Eden, the happiness she exudes will be a memory imprinted on my brain forever. They giggle when they see one another, then hold hands.
“Daddy, can I go play?” Big shiny eyes look up at me.
“Off you go. Hey, Eden.”
They rush off, with Anna in tow, before Eden even replies.
I mill around, soaking in the festive cheer. There’s a lot of noise. Happiness, laughter, chattering. If ever there was a child’s paradise, this is it.
“Jett, so lovely to see you,” says Savannah gliding over, the perfect hostess.
“Great to see you, Savannah. Great to be here.” Is it me, or have you guys made this even more spectacular than last year?
“We let Jacob help with the planning, and he went a bit overboard. It’s lovely, isn’t it? The children look so excited.”
I nod in agreement. “Spectacular doesn’t do this justice.”
“Thank you.”
“This is a small child’s dream. I don’t even know where Brooke has gone.” But I’m not worried because Anna will be close by.
“She’s probably with Eden,” Savannah says.
“Those two are inseparable.”
“I’m glad. Eden absolutely loves Brooke.”
