Loving Madeline

Jack's POV",

I sighed as I looked at Charlotte's figure walking away from me. I wanted to stop her, but I was speechless, and I didn't want to upset her more. I didn't intend to offend her since I wished she would stay and talk with me, but it seemed my plan had failed.

I lost interest in having a night swim since I felt so guilty, and I walked towards the nearest chaise lounge and lay down while I was still thinking about Charlotte. I couldn't believe she would make me feel this way.

I didn't expect I would worry about how she felt since all I wanted was to follow her brother's request, and I could tell I would be doing all of this because I started to care about her and not because of that stupid contract I signed.

I got up when I couldn't take it anymore; I walked inside the house and was glad that I found her sitting on the sofa reading an old magazine, but I could tell her mind was not on the column she was looking at; I couldn't stop staring at her lovely face even if she was frowning and I am sure she is still angry with me.

"Can we talk?" I softly asked, and she slowly raised her head and looked at me, still giving me the cold treatment I deserved.

Charlotte didn't say anything as she turned her attention back to the magazine, and I cleared my throat before I spoke.

"I am sorry; I didn't mean to offend you or have any intention of insulting you; I was only kidding; I knew your status in the society, Charlotte. Your family is among the wealthiest in the country, and living in this manor is enough to showcase how powerful the Divensons are; I knew I wasn't even worthy of your time." I declared.

"I am also aware that you only associate yourself with those people who came from the elite family in society. I am sorry if I was out of bounce." I added it was true; even if Hunter cut off everything, he loves his sister, Charlotte still has a share of the company, and her inheritance was intact.

Her eldest brother is a kind man, and I knew Hunter always made sure everything was fair between his siblings; and good thing he married Madeline because she is not greedy; Maddie always wanted everyone to be treated fairly; that is one of the things I love about her.

"Please, forgive me, Charlotte," I continued, and she closed the magazine and stood up.

"Okay, but I will only forgive you if you cook me french fries," she responded, and I chuckled.

"Sure," I replied with a wide grin.

"Are you going to cook half naked?" She asked, and I looked at her with a mischievous smile

on my face.

"Why does it bother you that I look like this?" I asked as I pulled away the towel from my neck. I knew it was part of the contract to seduce Charlotte since my primary goal was to make her fall in love with me.

But I wished to impress Hunter's sister with my abs and toned body for my own intention, which I should be scared of, but it seemed I was enjoying my time with her.

"Of course not; why should I be affected by your body, Jack?" She asked as she looked me in the eyes.

"Okay, so there is no problem; just wait here while I cook your french fries," I responded.

"I will be waiting for you in the swimming pool." She replied as she beamed at me.

"That would be fine with me," I answered as I smiled back at her; I wished Charlotte would come to the kitchen, but knowing she would be waiting for me at the swimming pool made me feel excited.

"Is it really okay with you? You will be swimming in the pool, and I asked you to cook for me?" Charlotte asked, and I could see the concern on her face.

"Of course, no worries, I will only be cooking french fries; just wait for me at the pool," I responded and turned my heels, and walked out of the living room without taking a second look since I was afraid she would change her mind.

I quickly get the apron and put it over my torso; I get the french fries from the freezer and switch on the stove. I felt glad I asked Mario to buy food for the coming days. I don't know how to convince Charlotte yet, but I am not leaving; I have to make her say yes.

I peeled and sliced fresh fruits, and I wished to impress her; I needed to show her how good I could be.

"Oh, I didn't request fresh juice," Charlotte said as I put the tray on the table beside the lounger where she sat.

"Well, you are special," I responded, and she blushed immediately. She looked so adorable as she averted my gaze.

"Thank you, you really know how to spoil a woman; mixed fresh juice would take so much of your time," she replied, and I grinned as I sat beside her.

"I don't give any special attention to any woman, Ms. Divenson," I replied as I searched her eyes.

"Oh, really, are you flirting with me, Jack?" she asked as she sipped her fresh fruit juice. I could tell I blushed, but I didn't turn away from her.

"Maybe," I responded honestly.

"Well, you better stop since you and I would never happen," she responded, and I felt hurt, but I hid my disappointment as I gave her one of my sweetest smiles.

"Of course, you are a Divenson, and it would be too much for me to expect that someone like you would somehow like me. I am way out of your league, I get that, but I am not giving up just yet." I responded, and she laughed as she looked at the pool.

"I couldn't believe I would have this kind of conversation with you, Jack; you can't fool me; you are in love with my brother's wife." She declared.

"I admit, I was in love with Madeline once, but we both know how crazy she was with your brother. I am living in reality now. I moved on with her." l replied. I had denied that I was no longer in love with Maddie, but this was the first time it felt real in my mouth.

Charlotte fell silent as she continued devouring her french fries while I stood up and transferred to the chaise lounge next to hers, and I lay there half-naked. I was lost for words. I wished to convince Charlotte I was really into her, but I knew I needed to take it slowly to make her believe in me.

"Aren't you going to swim?" I heard her sweet voice say, and I deliberately opened my eyes and found her beautiful eyes staring at me.

"It would be more fun if I got company," I replied as I sat on the lounger.

"I am not in the mood to have a swim, Jack," she responded, and I let out a soft sigh as I got up and laid the towel on the lounger.

"Okay, suit yourself; thank you for staying," I responded and went to the customized swimming pool steps. I suddenly missed the beaches in Magnolia and wished I could bring her there someday.

"I already turned on the jacuzzi," I heard Charlotte say.

"Thank you," I responded and dove into the pool, smiling when I caught her staring at me the moment I raised my head out of the water.

I wanted to stay longer inside the jacuzzi, but I wished to spend more time with Charlotte, and l wished to have a pleasant conversation with Hunter's sister, hoping she would let me stay.

I felt glad she didn't leave, and she was having a good time watching me swim in the pool while I felt conscious; I knew I should not feel this way, but I couldn't control myself.

"Are you done swimming?" Charlotte asked when I joined her, and I nodded as I put the towel over my shoulders.

"Yeah, I'd rather spend my time talking with you," I responded, and she blushed.

"I don't think you got the right person, Jack. I am not good at talking with strangers," she replied, and I felt a little hurt.

"Am I still a stranger to you, Charlotte?" I asked as I looked her in the eyes.

"Is it because I don't belong to your world?" I asked, and she quickly shook her head.

"I am sorry, Jack. I don't mean it that way," she softly replied.

"Please stop saying you don't belong to my world, and you don't come from another planet; you are not an alien; we are living in the same world." She added.

"Charlotte, you know what I mean," I stated, and she bowed her head and stared at her feet. I could tell she was avoiding my gaze.

"I don't know what you are talking about, Jack; you better go to your room now and take a shower," she responded.

"I will not take a shower yet unless you promise me you will talk with me later; I don't care where, as long as you will give me a little of your time." I declared, and she laughed.

"Okay, if you really want my company, but don't ever tell me I didn't warn you; I am boring, Jack," Charlotte responded.

"That is not true, I find you fascinating, Charlotte, and I am thrilled to spend more time with you," I replied. My words made her flush even more.

I left her before she changed her mind, and I was smiling like an idiot as I ran towards my room to take a shower; my heart was racing as I thought of her kissable lips, thinking I would never let this night pass without kissing her.