The Billionaire's Christmas Baby(38)

Jean started a cackle that ended with a bad fit of smoker’s cough. “She was probably high as a kite when she wrote that note, Hannah.”

“Don’t go there, Jean.”

“Maybe if you had kept a closer eye on her—”

“Back off, lady.”

Hannah almost jumped at the sound of Jackson’s voice. She had no idea when he’d walked in. She turned around slowly, vaguely aware that everyone else in the office was watching. She also didn’t miss Allison’s surprised smile. Jackson’s face had that hard look that she had seen before, but his eyes were colder than anything she’d witnessed from him. His back was straight and his eyes glittered with unmistakable anger. It felt strange to know that it was on her behalf. The most shocking thing, though, was that she wasn’t annoyed that he spoke up to defend her, that he’d ignored her request and walked in here. She almost didn’t even care that he heard what Jean had said. Was this what it was like to have someone guard your back?

“I don’t answer to you, sir,” Jean said stiffly.

“Well, you can be damn sure I’ll find out who you do answer to. That baby is going home with me.”

Hannah felt her anger dissipate. Jackson knew how to get what he wanted. The brown eyes that could be so warm now glittered with a hostility that was palpable and his hard jaw was set. Oh yeah, Jackson was royally pissed. He looked very out of place in the poorly furnished grey and metal office. Somehow, even dressed in jeans, the man exuded power and wealth.

“You go ahead, but when her permanent placement gets approved you’ll be in for a rude awakening. Your sister’s letter won’t hold up in court and a single male is not exactly the best candidate for a family,” Jean said smugly.

“You mean you haven’t told her, Hannah?” Jackson asked smoothly, glancing down at her, a smile on his face that wasn’t quite reflected in his eyes.

Hannah could have sworn she saw everyone lean forward in their chairs. The excitement radiating from her best friend as they made eye contact could have powered the entire office.

“I, uh.” What was Jackson talking about? Hannah felt his hands wrap around her shoulders, pulling him to her side. What was he doing?

“Why don’t you tell her about our marriage?” Jackson said, kissing the side of her neck. Hannah felt her knees jiggle and Jackson’s grip on her tightened, as though he knew she was about to fall on her face.

“Marriage?” Jean said.

Jackson nodded.

Allison squealed, jumping up, her chair crashing into the wall.

Hannah surreptitiously dug her heel into Jackson’s foot.





Chapter Nine

“So much for gratitude,” Jackson grumbled, and limped outside.

“I knew you were mentally unbalanced!” Hannah hissed. The cold winter air felt good on her flaming cheeks as they stood facing each other on the sidewalk. Shoppers passed by them, the sound of Santa’s ringing bell could be heard, but the only thing Hannah could focus on was the memory of Jackson telling Jean they were getting married tomorrow. He was totally nuts.

“Earth to Jackson Pierce!” She focused on him, trying to figure out his expression. He looked like he was ready to kill someone. Maybe the reality of what he proposed had sunk in, or maybe he really was upset about her letting Louise down.

“What the hell was that woman talking about?” The trademark jaw clenching was back so Hannah knew he was royally peeved about something.

“What? How about explaining what you were talking about?” Hannah glanced over each shoulder. In small towns there was always someone ready to eavesdrop on a conversation. He must have sensed her trepidation since he grabbed her hand and started walking towards his car. He walked so quickly that she had to run to keep up. Hannah jerked to a stop, yanking him to a halt with her. Jackson turned to glare at her.

He closed his eyes briefly before speaking. “Come on. Get in the car and let’s go.”

Hannah crossed her arms in front of her. “I’m not going anywhere until you answer my question.” She raised her eyebrows expectantly while he took a few deep breaths.

“Hannah.”

“Yes,” she answered serenely, linking her hands together in front of her.

He sighed. “Get in the car because everyone from that stupid office is not-so-subtly staring at us through the window, and my foot feels like it needs to be amputated. So either plant a massive kiss on my lips right now or get in the car, okay?”

Hannah debated the kiss for a half a second. “Fine, let’s go to your car,” she said haughtily.