"Jac, what's that supposed to mean?" Mikeia's voice hitched, her eyes widening. "You've never talked to me this way."
"I'm a married man now," Jackie said, his glare icy enough to freeze hell over. "As my ex, shouldn't you keep your distance?"
"I... If you're blaming me for tonight..." She swallowed hard. "I'd be crushed."
Mikeia inched closer, each step measured. "Your mother's drowning in grief after Philip's death. When I met her shopping, we bonded—so she asked for my company. Is that a crime?"
"It is when I know your game," Jackie's voice sliced through the air. "You're using my mother to weasel back into my life, Ms. Ethan. But your little scheme won't fly here."
Some doors, once closed, stayed shut forever.
A professional partnership? Fine.
But thinking she could manipulate h
