Chapter 38

Jason's POV

From one of the windows upstairs, I had the perfect view of the pool. My eyes were on Andrea, the way she sat back on the recliner, her eyes behind the sunglasses and the hat on her head and the way she was completely immersed in the book she was reading.

The warm afternoon sun shone on the pool and casted a golden glow across her beautiful skin. The black swimsuit she was wearing hugged every curve of her body in the right places and it made it difficult to look away. The contrast between her skin and the fabric of the swimsuit only enhanced how beautiful she was and I found my breath taken away at how beautiful and divine she looked as she was focused in her own world.

Ever so often, she would adjust her posture in the recliner and tuck a strand of her hair behind her ear with her soft and calm expression. Words could not describe how ethereal looking she was. Watching her like this was becoming a problem- a very dangerous one. My feelings for Andrea were growing, expanding into spaces I knew they shouldn’t.

I have tried to tell myself several times that it was just admiration and nothing else. But I knew I was lying to myself. The pull I was feeling towards her could not be denied. And the more I fought the feelings, the more difficult it became for me to stay away from her.

Then there was Bree. We were finally starting to rebuild our relationship after years of distance and grievances. Things were getting better between us, slowly but steadily. I couldn’t jeopardize that, not after all the progress we had made.
Plus, Andrea was her friend and roommate. I knew if anything happened, it would change everything. It would hurt both of them. I couldn’t let that happen. But the feelings I had from Andrea were growing each day and no matter how hard I tried to get over it, nothing was working.

I clenched my teeth as I kept on watching her from the window. One of my hands was resting on the wall while the other pulled the blinds open just enough to look outside without getting caught. When Bree appeared beside Andrea, I saw her light up in a way only Bree could.

They started talking, their voices faint from where I stood, but the warmth between them was obvious. Seeing them together like that, laughing and splashing around, reminded me just how tightly woven their friendship was. That should have made me want to pull away from Andrea even more- for Bree’s sake. But it didn’t.

I balled my hand into a fist as I let out a frustrated sigh. My thoughts were selfish and I knew it. I heard the door open and I felt someone walk into the room and stand behind me. But before I could turn around and check who it was, I felt a slender arms wrap around my waist and Violet's voice echoed through the room. My entire body tensed up.

“Hey, Jason,” she said in a low, sultry voice, obviously trying to sound flirty.

I stiffened immediately as a frown made its way to my face, my patience running thin. I unwrapped her hands from my waist she stepped away from her.

“What the fuck is wrong with you? What do you think you are doing, Violet?” I asked, glaring at her.

Her expression faltered for a moment before she plastered on a coy smile.

“What’s wrong? I just missed you,” she said, inching closer again. Ew. Ew. Ew.

I started feeling irritated and as if on cue, I remembered the stupid stunt she had pulled while we were still at the cabin. How she had kissed me on the cheek. I didn't understand what she was trying to do. It was a stupid move and I was not just going to let it slide.

“Don’t fucking do that again, do you hear me? This and the stupid stunt you pulled in the cabin” I said to her, my voice firm.

“What are you talking about?” She asked, her voice filled with confusion.

“Don’t play dumb! You kissed me on the cheek- what even is wrong with you?” I said, obviously angry.

Her face hardened as she realized what I was taking about.
“I do not know why you are so worked up over something so small. It was just a small kiss on the cheek, Jason.” she argued.

“Oh please. It was not just a kiss and you know it,” I said to her.
“I have told you countless times- whatever delusion you have in your head about us is wrong, whatever you think we had was over before it even started. What don’t you just move on for fuck’s sake?” I asked.

Her eyes narrowed.
“So, you don’t want me. But you want to chase after that stupid college girl instead?” she said accusingly.

I froze.
Her words hit me like a slap, and my anger surged.
“What did you just say?!” I asked angrily. If she heard the anger in my voice, it's either she was not scared or she was a really good actress.

“You heard me,” she sneered. “Do you think I haven’t noticed? That little bitch has been all over you, trying to seduce you.”

My temper flared, and I took a step closer, my voice low and dangerous.

“You need to stop. You’re driving me to the edge, Violet. Know your place.” I warned.

“Know my place?” she repeated mockingly, her voice rising.
“And what? Let her take mine?” she asked and I pinched the bridge of my nose in annoyance.

“You don't have a place in my life!” I exclaimed. Maybe that will finally get through her thick skull.
It didn't.

“That fucking bitch just wants your money” she shouted back at me.

“Don’t talk about her that way!” I said to her, my voice cold and sharp. “You have no idea of what you're talking about.”

Violet's face twisted into an ugly expression. She looked frustrated and at the same time, angry. She opened her mouth to say something but before the words could come out, the slightly opened door was pushed ajar even more. I turned just in time to see Bree and Andrea enter the room, their expressions shifting with concern at the tension in the air.

Bree crossed her arms, narrowing her eyes. “Talk about who, dad?” she asked.

I took a deep breath as I tried to calm myself down and reply to Bree, so there won’t be any suspicion.
“It’s no one, sweetheart. Just business related.”

Violet was still standing there, seething with barely contained jealousy. I shot her a warning glance, silently telling her to drop it.

Bree looked between us, suspicion flickering in her eyes.
“It didn’t sound like business to me.”

I forced a tight lipped smile.
“It’s under control. Don’t worry about it.” I said.

Andrea stood beside Bree, her gaze flickering toward me briefly before she looked away. I could feel the silent tension between us and it was unbearable. I still hadn’t gotten used to having her so close to me.

Bree finally sighed, dropping her arms.
“If you say so,” she finally let out even though it sounded like she was not convinced.
“We are going shopping, see you later.” she said.

And with that, she and Andrea walked out of the room without another word. It was back to being just Violet and I in the room.

I let out a loud sigh as I pinched the bridge of my nose. I didn’t want this, I had been trying to avoid all of this- I had been trying to avoid the situation getting out of my control. I didn’t want any issue to happen between anyone.

Violet crossed her arms across her chest as she looked at me with pure rage.
“You think I am not good enough for you, hmm Jason?” She asked with a bitter and malicious tone.
“Fine. But don’t think for one second that she’s not a mistake too.” she said.

I turned to her, my gaze hard.
“You really need to know your place. Leave my presence, Violet. Now.” I ordered.

She let out a scoff as she rolled her eyes before she walked out of the room angrily, leaving me alone to myself.

I could just fire her. I really could. But she was so good at what she did and she has worked with me for years. It would be too bothersome.

I sat down in the chair by the window as I tried to put my thoughts into order. I needed to find a way to control myself and my feelings. But the more I pushed Andrea out of my mind, the stronger she settled in it.

And that was the real problem.