Chapter 28
Chapter 28:
“My father is thorough,” Gaston said. He took off his glasses and rubbed the bridge of his nose. “We need to be better actors p>
“I thought the contract said separate rooms p>
“It does. And that stands. But outside of those bedrooms —” Gaston gestured to the open living space “— we need to sell it p>
Jocelyn set her cup down. “Fine. Then we need rules. If we’re going to live together and pretend to be in love, I need boundaries p>
𝗗𝗼𝘄𝗻𝘭оа𝗱𝖺𝗯𝘭е 𝘗𝖣𝘍𝘴 𝗼𝗻
She pulled out her phone and opened the notes app.
“Rule number one,” she said, typing. “Mutual non-interference in private lives.” She looked up at him. “I already know about Vance, Gaston. My research was thorough. I don’t ask about your partners, you don’t ask about mine p>
The mention of the name made Gaston’s jaw tighten almost imperceptibly, but he nodded. Her assumption was a convenient shield. “Agreed. As long as it doesn’t end up on Page Six p>
“Rule number two,” Jocelyn continued. “In front of your father, the staff, or the cameras, we cooperate fully. I will play the doting wife p>
“Acceptable p>
“Rule number three,” Jocelyn said, her finger hovering over the screen. “No unnecessary physical contact. We touch for the cameras. Behind closed doors, we keep our distance p>
Gaston looked at her. His dark eyes traveled from her eyes to her mouth, then back up. A small, unreadable smile played at his lips.
“Define ‘necessary’,” he said.
“You know what I mean,” Jocelyn said, feeling a flush creep up her neck. “Hand-holding at dinner is fine. But no wandering hands p>
Gaston stood. He moved around the table with a predator’s ease. Jocelyn stiffened, her back pressing against her chair.
He stopped right beside her. He leaned in, his face inches from hers. She could smell the coffee on his breath, mixed with mint.
She held very still, her heart hammering. Was he going to break the rule already?
Gaston reached out. His thumb brushed the corner of her mouth. The touch was electric, sending a jolt straight to her stomach.
“You had a crumb,” he whispered. He held up his thumb, showing her a tiny speck of toast, then wiped it on a napkin and pulled back.
“Is that considered necessary, Mrs. Collins?” he asked, his voice low and amused. “Or is hygiene optional in this agreement p>
Jocelyn let out a breath she didn’t know she’d been holding. Her face was on fire.
“That counts as hygiene,” she managed.
Gaston chuckled — a warm sound that resonated in his chest.
Her phone buzzed in her hand. A notification appeared.
You have been added to group “Collins Household Operations p>
Jocelyn stared at the screen. The members list was extensive: Alfred, the head of security, the driver, the chef, the housekeeping lead.
A message appeared from Chef Marco.
Chef Marco: Good morning, Mrs. Collins. Welcome. For dinner tonight, Mr. Gaston usually prefers protein and greens. Do you have any preferences? Any allergies I should note?