Chapter 11
1105 Words
“Guys, I’m just going to the washroom,” Bree excused herself from her colleagues who were enjoying the party. She tapped Olga before walking away.
Her companions were laughing, but Bree couldn't bring herself to join in. She was too overwhelmed by the place and the celebrities.
Bree wanted to enjoy this night because it was her first time attending such a grand gathering. She was literally in awe of the guests' outfits. And then there was Jackson—his distracting presence made her feel like she was drowning in his mesmerizing stares. It became too much for her to handle.
She quickly stepped out of the convention hall and headed toward the nearest employee washroom. It felt suffocating inside the hall—not just because of the extravagant outfits, but because of Jackson’s intense gaze.
As soon as she entered the washroom, Bree let out a sigh of relief. She looked at herself in the mirror. Her face and neck were flushed red. She could feel the heat rising to her cheeks.
She tapped both cheeks and exhaled deeply. Using her hands, she fanned herself.
“Get a grip, Sabrina! You shouldn’t be affected like this!” Bree scolded herself. She shouldn’t be feeling this way about her strict boss. He was out of her league. Besides, he might get even angrier if he noticed her reactions.
He wouldn't have become successful if he wasn’t sharp. Jackson would surely notice that she was affected by his presence. Worse, he might find it disgusting and fire her. That would be painful.
Bree felt a little regret for coming. But she had to—this was part of their job. Now she was wondering if she could even go back in there.
“Whatever,” Bree muttered to herself.
She washed her hands and was about to leave when the washroom door suddenly swung open with force.
Her heart leaped at the sudden noise. But it was the person standing outside that made her breath hitch. She froze in place, shocked. Her eyes widened when Mr. Samaniego stepped into the washroom, breaching her space.
Bree instinctively stepped back. She couldn't even speak right away due to the shock.
What is he doing here? Bree wanted to ask, but her tongue felt paralyzed. Her lips parted, but no words came out.
Jackson Samaniego was staring intensely at Bree. Back in the convention, she had been hypnotized by his gaze. Jax himself didn’t know what was happening to him. It felt like everything else faded into the background, and all he could see was Bree.
At that moment, Jax wanted to punch himself. He knew his actions were obvious—he couldn’t even focus on his conversations because all his attention was on Bree.
He recognized this feeling. He had experienced it before. That moment when everything around you disappears, and the only thing in your mind is the person who has captured your attention. He knew it too well, and he wanted to deny it.
This can’t happen! It would be a betrayal to Katherine! He couldn't be attracted to Bree—she was too plain for his taste. He knew what he liked in a woman. Although Bree had exceptional beauty, that wasn’t enough for him. His standards were too high.
“Mr. Samaniego, your speech is in a few minutes.”
Rex called out just as Jackson was about to leave to follow Bree.
“I know.”
Jackson ignored Rex and kept his gaze on Bree as she walked out of the hall. The moment she exited, Jax immediately followed. His mind was empty except for one thought—he wanted to follow Bree. All the worries that had plagued him before disappeared.
Jackson pursed his lips and clenched his jaw as he moved closer to where Bree was standing. The enclosed space added to the tension he was feeling.
The close proximity sent a tingling sensation through Bree’s body. She knew she probably looked like a tomato now. She could feel the heat on her face.
Bree bit her lip when Jackson didn’t answer her question. What was he doing inside? There was no way he was just lost!
Bree stepped back as Jax moved even closer. She felt like her lungs were constricting, and her heart was about to explode!
He scanned her from head to toe, making Bree even more self-conscious. The way he looked at her was like a predator enjoying the sight of his prey.
Jax’s gaze was burning with intensity. His eyes couldn’t hide the admiration he felt for her. He knew he was trying to suppress it. He was aware, but he preferred to act blind. He had no plans of getting serious with a woman—not now, not ever.
“f**k!” Jax cursed under his breath. He probably looked like a fool right now.
“Sir, are you okay?”
Finally, Bree found her voice. She wanted to know why her boss was here and what he wanted. Was it her? It seemed presumptuous, but that was what crossed her mind. “Do you need something from me?” she bravely asked.
His eyes suddenly turned cold, distant, unreadable. Bree felt lost as she stared into them. Just moments ago, they were filled with warmth. She didn’t understand. Why the sudden change? A sharp pang hit her heart.
“Sir, we have five minutes before your speech.”
Rex suddenly appeared behind Jax. His face was emotionless, as if he didn’t care about what he had just witnessed. Both men looked indifferent.
Jackson turned away without saying a word. He hadn’t spoken since he entered. And even as he left, he remained silent. Bree desperately wanted to know what was going through his mind. She had a feeling he wanted to say something but was holding himself back.
Bree leaned against the washroom wall, her legs weak from nervousness. She closed her eyes and let out a frustrated sigh. She didn’t want to go back to the party and see him again.
In the first place, it was wrong to feel this way about her boss. She shouldn't let herself fall for her strict employer. First, she knew he wasn’t interested. Second, he was untouchable. Jackson Samaniego was way out of her reach. They weren’t a match. Third, he didn’t like her, and it was obvious.
“You need to stop this, Sabrina, before it’s too late!” Bree whispered to herself.
She opened her eyes and straightened up.
That’s exactly what she was going to do. She wouldn’t entertain these feelings anymore.
- Writer
