I Know Better (By Your Side Series Book 1)

by A. P. Watson

  “What time do I need to be there?”

  “The dinner party starts at seven, but I’m sending my friends to come pick you up and drive you over there. Have you met Terayn and Ryan before?”

  “I have, but it was a while ago. I’m glad to see them again though.”

  “Okay, awesome! Can you be ready by six?”

  “Sure can!”

  “Oh, and it’s a black-tie event. Do you have a tux? If not, I can take you to get one this week.”

  “I’ve got one I can pull out. This old man always did wear a tux well.”

  I laughed at his remark. “I have no doubts about it.”

  “Thank you for thinking of me. I’d be happy to attend his big event.”

  “Of course. I just want him to have a perfect night,” I replied.

  “That makes two of us.”

  “Well, I better go find myself a dress for Saturday. If you need anything at all, don’t hesitate to call.”

  “I won’t. Bye, Wren.”

  “I’ll see you this weekend!”

  I hung up the phone and found a parking spot two blocks from Audege. While walking there, I pulled my sweater around me more tightly. With it being October, there was a chill in the air, and it wouldn’t be long until I’d need my winter coat.

  When I stepped inside Audege, the interior was just as pristine as it’d been the first time I visited. Beautiful gowns beckoned me from every corner of the store.

  “Hello.” The same lady that helped me last time sauntered toward me from behind the register. “How are you?

  “I’m great, and you?”

  “Very well, thank you. And what are we looking for today?” she questioned.

  “I need an evening gown.”

  “Lovely.” She motioned for me to follow her, heading straight for a sparkling, gold dress. “What do you think of this?”

  “It’s beautiful, but not what I was envisioning,” I replied, staring at the gown.

  “Okay. What are you picturing?”

  “Something elegant yet sexy. I love gowns that are figure flattering, and I’d love it to be black.”

  She smiled at my description. “Wait here. I have just the dress.” When Diane reemerged, she held a beautiful, black velvet gown.

  “That is perfect!” I cried out in excitement.

  “Let’s get you settled in a dressing room and see how it fits.” I trailed her through the store, admiring every dress we passed. If it were possible, I’d live in this store. The woman pulled back one of the white curtains, delicately hanging the garment. Once I was inside the small space, she pulled the curtain closed. “When you’re finished changing, we’ll see how it looks.”

  “Thank you so much.”

  I shed my sweater and jeans, eager to slide on the gown. The first time we met, Jacks had an aversion to black dresses, but after seeing this one, I had a feeling he would change his mind. Black velvet hugged my curves, tightly fitting all the way to my knees before flaring out into a small train. The sweetheart neckline accentuated my bust so well, the gown looked as if it was specially made for me.

  I emerged from the dressing room with all the confidence in the world. This was the perfect dress for Saturday.

  “What an excellent selection. That dress is positively stunning on you,” she beamed.

  “I absolutely love it.”

  “Come take a look in this mirror,” she suggested.

  I walked over to the three-way mirror, admiring every angle. “It’s perfect.”

  “I agree.” She smiled at me in the mirror. “Is there anything else you need?”

  I bit my lip, contemplating her question. This dress was the most extravagant item of clothing I’d ever worn. Even my nicest pair of heels wouldn’t do it justice. “I think I’m going to need a pair of heels and a clutch to match.”

  Diane returned in less than five minutes with a pair of black heels. Sparkling embellishments glittered on the straps, and I instantly recognized the brand as Badgley Mischka. Words escaped me as I admired them—they were simply divine. The woman helped me into the heels, fastening the strap at my ankle. Then, she placed a black, beaded clutch in my hands.

  “What do you think?”

  I stared at my reflection, taking in every inch of the gown, shoes, and clutch. It was exactly what I pictured, and suddenly, I was even more excited for this Saturday. “I think you have an excellent eye for detail. Every item you selected is utter perfection.”

  “I’m so pleased you’re happy with everything,” she said. Diane clapped her hands excitedly. “Whenever you’re ready to change, I’ll wrap everything up for you.”

  “Thank you so much.”

  As soon as I was back in my car with my purchase, I sent Jacks a quick text.

  Me: Just so you know, I have never spent so much money on a dress in my life.

  Jacks: Glad you found something. I can’t wait to see you in it this Saturday.

  Me: I also picked out some shoes and a clutch purse. I’ll pay you for those, since they weren’t a part of our agreement.

  Jacks: Nope, I’m not taking your money.

  Me: Yes, you will.

  Jacks: No, I won’t.

  Me: Ass.

  Jacks: You know what that does to me.

  Me: Baby, don’t worry. I’ll administer the appropriate treatment for a twitching appendage when you get back from work.

  Jacks: I can’t think of anything I’d like more.

  The rest of the week flew by, and the worst part about working nights quickly became being away from Jacks. I’d grown accustomed to falling asleep in his arms, and whenever I was alone in his bed, it was impossible to sleep. Never before had I ever had so much trouble existing at night, but I suppose that was what happened when you had someone you never wanted to be away from. It’s how Terayn and Ryan were, and I could only hope it was the same way for Jacks too.

  After three restless days, I was completely spent. I hadn’t had any measure of quality sleep since Monday. So, by the time Friday night rolled around, I was so exhausted that I passed out as soon as we sat on the couch to watch more X-Files. Jacks didn’t seem to mind though. He adjusted me, so his arms were wrapped around my waist, and when I finally woke up the next day, it was time to get ready for the dinner party.

  chapter twenty-two

  opposite sides

  THE SECOND I WAS out of the shower, I sent Ter a quick text.

  Me: Hey, you and Ryan are still all set to pick up David, right?

  Terayn: Yes, all set! Jackson is going to be so happy when he finds out about the surprise you arranged.

  Me: I know! I can’t wait. Also, by the way, what did you whisper in his ear the other night?

  Terayn: Nothing!

  Me: You know I don’t believe you, right?

  Terayn: Whatever. I’m telling the truth.

  Me: Uh huh. Well, I have to go get ready. I’ll see you soon. Love ya!

  Terayn: Love you too!

  I kicked Jacks out of his room while I got ready. He still hadn’t seen my dress, and there was no way I could resist surprising him twice. What we had was so effortless. I’d thought our friendship was special, but the intimacy we shared was the most intense thing I’d ever experienced in my life. I wanted to tell him I loved him at least a dozen times in the past week, but I was afraid. The thought of becoming that vulnerable was frightening. I knew Jacks deeply cared for me, but I was still terrified to utter the words first. After Liam, I prayed for real love. I longed to be treasured as Ryan treasured Terayn. In my darkest moments, I believed I would never find such a thing. But now, with Jacks, I knew my prayers had been answered.

  I dried my hair, curling the long locks into tight ringlets. I brushed through the curls and positioned the soft waves into a copper waterfall, tumbling over my left shoulder. I kept my makeup simple with neutral eyeshadow and winged liner that made my brown irises appear every bit as seductive as I felt. I painted my lips a deep red and kept my jewelry to the bare
minimum. My pearl earrings and silver bracelet were the only adornments I needed.

  Once I fastened the straps on my heels and finished pulling the zipper at my side, I was ready. Staring at my reflection in the mirror, I was more than pleased with myself, and I couldn’t wait to see Jacks’s reaction.

  “Wren.” He knocked softly on the door to his room. “Are you finished getting ready?”

  “Yeah. I just need to put on perfume. I’ll meet you in the living room.”

  “Okay.”

  I spritzed on my favorite scent and stuffed my ID, a wad of cash, my phone, and some lipstick into my clutch. Sucking in a deep breath, I opened the door to Jacks’s room and walked down the hall to meet him.

  At the sound of my heels on the floor, he stood from the couch and turned to face me. His feet carried him forward, closing the distance between us.

  I bit my lip and smiled at him. “Hi.”

  “You look . . . ” He struggled to get those two words out before stopping.

  “Please, don’t use all your compliments at once.” My voice was light and playful, but my words didn’t break his trance. “Jacks?”

  Snapping out of his daze, his eyes swept over every inch of my body. “Forgive me, but I’ve never been rendered speechless before.” His hands found my waist, pulling me into him. “The first time I laid eyes on you, you were wearing a black dress. When you walked out here just now, my initial thought was exactly the same as the first time we met.”

  “And what thought might that be?”

  “That you are the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.” I smiled, my cheeks flushing with heat. “Will you wear something for me?” he asked.

  My gaze quickly dropped to my dress. “Of course. But just so you know, nothing is going to fit underneath this dress.”

  He laughed, planting a tender kiss on my lips. “I was thinking of something you could wear around your neck.” He pulled a necklace from the pocket of his tuxedo jacket. A gorgeous teardrop emerald hung from a single strand of silver. The stone was large and elegantly surrounded by a row of glittering diamonds. “This necklace belonged to my mother, and there is no one else I’d rather wear it.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Positive.” He adjusted the necklace around my neck, the emerald hanging to the center of my chest.

  “It’s stunning.” My fingers stroked the delicate stones. “I’m honored to wear it.”

  “Wren?”

  “Yes?” I asked. Our eyes stared into one another, and it felt as if he could see into my very soul. My heart raced, quickly passing into a level of sinus tachycardia. What sweet words were about to tumble from his lips?

  “I just wanted to thank you for coming with me tonight,” he said after a long pause.

  “There is nowhere I’d rather be. And Jacks?”

  “Yeah?”

  “I arranged a small surprise for you tonight. I can’t wait for you to see it,” I answered, unable to stop smiling.

  “Thanks, chipmunk.”

  When our lips met, my soul caught fire. There was no way life could get any better than this.

  The restaurant was completely transformed for the occasion. The intimate tables were replaced with larger ones, each of them positioned around the outer edges of the room. In the center, three musicians wielded their instruments, playing the most divine music, I’d ever heard. Waiters carried champagne flutes on silver trays. Jacks grabbed each of us a glass as we walked further into the restaurant. A buffet with the most scrumptious-looking food was displayed in front of the windows showcasing the city skyline.

  “Thank you.” I accepted the glass of champagne from Jacks, kissing him on the cheek. I quickly scanned the room, searching for Terayn and Ryan. They were in the very back of the room, drinking and talking to a group of people. I waved, garnering Terayn’s attention. As soon as she saw me, she smiled. “Ter and Ryan are over there.”

  “Let’s go see them first. Later, I can introduce you to my boss,” Jacks stated.

  “Sounds good to me.”

  We met our friends in the back of the room and exchanged quick hugs. Terayn wore a floor-length, red, lace dress. The sleeves hung well off her shoulders, and she looked completely stunning.

  “Ter, you look gorgeous!”

  “So, do you! This velvet is to die for on you.”

  “I couldn’t agree with you more,” Jacks said as he set his hand on the back of my waist, his fingers rubbing the base of my spine.

  Out of the corner of my eye, I saw David emerge from a long hallway in the back corner of the restaurant. His hand grasped his black cane, but he still looked dapper as ever in a tux. Jacks and Ryan were deeply immersed in a conversation, so Jacks didn’t notice the newest member of our group until David tapped him on the shoulder.

  “Grandpa?” Jacks pulled his grandfather into a tight hug, completely stunned by his sudden appearance. “What are you doing here?”

  David cracked his usual smile and stepped away from his embrace with his grandson. “I was invited.”

  “By who?”

  “Our favorite girl.”

  In an instant, Jacks spun to face me. “You arranged this?” he asked, obviously stunned.

  “I told you that I had a surprise waiting for you,” I whispered sweetly.

  Jacks’s hands were around my waist, spinning me in a circle, before I could even comprehend what was happening. “I’ve always said you were too good for me.”

  “I prefer to think we’re just good for each other,” I countered.

  Despite our company, Jacks pressed his lips to mine. My hands caught in his hair as I deepened our embrace.

  “Well, it’s about damn time!” David happily grumbled. We separated and laughed upon hearing David’s words.

  “Tell me about it!” Terayn took a sip of champagne as she stood next to David. “I thought it was never going to happen.”

  “That’s just Jackson. He tends to make all the wrong decisions before making the right one,” David said. I laughed again at David’s words, completely amused by the way he always teased Jacks.

  “Thanks for the encouragement, Grandpa.”

  David placed his arm on Jacks’s shoulder, squeezing him lightly. “That’s what I’m here for.”

  “David,” Terayn began, handing her champagne flute to Ryan. “It seems it will be up to us to get the dancing started. Would you like to dance with me?”

  “Nothing would delight me more!”

  Jacks and I watched them make their way out to the dance floor. “If he doesn’t try to talk one of you into running away with him by the end of the night, I’ll be stunned.”

  “Hey, we just might do it.”

  “It seems I am at your mercy then.” He took my glass and clutch and placed them on a nearby table with his beverage. “Will you dance with me, chipmunk?”

  “You know I will.”

  Jacks led me to the dance floor, near David and Terayn. My left hand found his shoulder as his right clutched my waist. After pausing for a moment, he began to lead me in a typical waltz, much to my surprise.

  “You never said you could waltz.”

  “You never asked.” He devilishly grinned and spun me in a quick circle. The train of my dress twirled behind me. As far as I cared, the rest of the world could melt away, leaving us in this room alone. “Thank you for the surprise,” he breathed.

  “You’re welcome.” My grasp moved from his shoulder to his face. I softly rubbed the line of his jaw. “Thank you for everything you’ve done for me.”

  “Chipmunk, it’s been my pleasure.” We did two more passes around the dance floor before stopping for a break. “I need to make my rounds really quick and say hi to a few people.”

  “Okay. I’m going to run to the restroom for a minute.”

  “When you get back, I’ll introduce you to my boss.”

  “It’s a date,” I promised.

  He kissed me on the cheek and led me off the dance floor. I stopped to grab m
y clutch before continuing to the hallway. When we first arrived, there were only a few people present. Now, the space was filled to capacity with bodies. Everywhere I turned, there were men in tuxes accompanied by women in glittering gowns.

  I weaved through the crowd, finally making it to the long hallway that housed the restrooms. Thank goodness, the ladies’ room was empty. I used the restroom and adjusted the curls hanging over my left shoulder. I was in the middle of reapplying my lipstick when a woman in a gold dress joined me. Her brown hair was pulled into a slick bun. She sidled up next to me, smoothing pink gloss over her lips.

  “That gold is positively beautiful on you, darlin’.” I smiled at her, closing my clutch.

  “Oh, aren’t you so sweet,” the woman said. I took an extra minute to straighten the emerald pendant. It was a striking jewel and the perfect complement to my dress. “I can’t believe Jackson let you wear his mother’s necklace. When we were together, he wouldn’t let me touch it.”

  I stared at her in shock for a moment. So, this was Elise. Terayn was right. She was gorgeous. “I’ve found time simply makes some things easier to bear,” I lilted.

  “I suppose so.”

  “I’m Wren, by the way.” I extended my hand to her, but instead of shaking it, she stared at me like I was an unsightly creature.

  “Elise.”

  I withdrew my hand. “Well, it’s nice to meet you,” I said politely.

  “Jackson isn’t the relationship type now, so don’t get your hopes up,” she seethed.

  “Thank you for the advice, but I’ve never been keen on discussing my personal life with strangers.” I smiled at her pleasantly, acid simmering in my veins. I stepped around her, heading for the door.

  “He’s an extremely complicated man. Don’t say I didn’t warn you, Wren.”

  I ignored her and quickly exited the restroom. As soon as I was free from her awful presence, I began searching for Terayn. She was standing in the same place as earlier, and I rushed over to her. I picked up my champagne glass and downed the rest of its contents.

  “Wren, what’s wrong?”

  “I met Elise in the bathroom,” I mumbled angrily.