Single Mom Texts the Billionaire by Mistake – He Misses His Flight and Says, “My Son Comes First Now

The World of Jackson Reed

The restaurant Jackson had chosen for their dinner was upscale but not intimidating. It was a waterfront establishment with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Boston Harbor.

Meline smoothed down her navy blue dress, the nicest one she owned. She helped Jake straighten his little bow tie.

“Remember what we talked about, buddy? Best behavior tonight, okay?” Jake nodded solemnly.

“Because Mr. Jackson is important and he helped me get better.” “That’s right, and because it’s good manners no matter who we’re having dinner with.”

Meline knelt to his level, adjusting his collar. “You look very handsome.”

“Do you think Mr. Jackson likes dinosaurs?” Jake asked, his eyes wide with hope. Meline laughed.

“I don’t know, but you can certainly ask him.” The maitre d’ approached them with a deferential smile.

“Ms. Cooper, Mr. Reed is waiting for you. Please follow me.” As they were led through the restaurant, Meline felt eyes on them.

Whispers followed in their wake. Jackson Reed was clearly a known figure here.

They reached a private dining area separated from the main restaurant by elegant glass panels. Meline saw him for the first time.

The business magazine photos hadn’t done him justice. Jackson Reed stood as they approached, his tall frame commanding attention without effort.

His dark hair was touched with silver at the temples. His eyes, a striking shade of gray, crinkled at the corners as he smiled.

He appeared to be in his early 40s, with a confident bearing. He had none of the arrogance she had expected.

“Meline,” he said, his voice warm and familiar after their text exchanges. “And you must be Jake.”

He extended his hand to the boy first. This gesture immediately endeared him to Meline.

Jake shook his hand with the exaggerated formality of a child. “Thank you for helping me when I was sick, Mr. Jackson.”

“It was my pleasure. And please, just call me Jackson.” He pulled out chairs for both of them.

“I hope you like seafood. This place makes the best clam chowder in Boston.” Jake’s face lit up.

“That’s my favorite! Mom makes it too, but she says hers isn’t as good as the restaurant’s.”

Jackson laughed, glancing at Meline with amusement. “Well, I’ll have to be the judge of that someday.”

The casual implication that there might be future meetings hung in the air. Meline felt her cheeks warm.

Up close, Jackson was even more charismatic than she had imagined. But there was something else beneath the polished exterior.

She noticed a hint of weariness around his eyes, or perhaps a guardedness. Throughout dinner, Jackson proved remarkably attentive to Jake.

He answered endless questions about boats visible from their window. He discussed dinosaurs, of which he knew a surprising amount.

He spoke about his private jet, which fascinated Jake to no end. He spoke to the boy as if his opinions mattered.

He never talked down to him or dismissed his childish observations. Jake went to explore the dessert cart with a friendly waiter.

Meline finally had a moment alone with Jackson. “You’re very good with him,” she said.

“Do you have children of your own?” A shadow crossed Jackson’s face.

“No, it never happened for me.” He took a sip of his wine.

“My work became my life and relationships took a backseat.” “I find that hard to believe. Surely women must be lining up.”

Jackson gave her a wry smile. “Dating is different when you have money. You never know if someone is interested in you or your bank account.”

He paused, studying her with those penetrating gray eyes. “That’s what was so refreshing about our first conversation.”

“You had no idea who I was. You were just a mother trying to help her son.”

Meline nodded, understanding dawning. “It must be lonely sometimes.”

“It can be,” he admitted. Then he quickly shifted the conversation.

“Tell me more about your design work. I looked up your portfolio online. You’re talented.”

Meline blinked in surprise. “You researched me?” “Of course. Wouldn’t you have done the same?”

She laughed. “I did Google you. But there’s a lot more information available about Jackson Reed than about Meline Cooper.”

“And what did you learn about me?” His expression was unreadable.

“That you built your tech company from scratch. That you’re worth billions.”

“That you’re known for being ruthless in business but generous with charity.” She paused.

“That your parents died when you were young.” Jackson’s jaw tightened slightly. “All true. Anything else?”

“That you were engaged once, about five years ago, to a French model. But it ended suddenly.”

“The tabloids had a field day speculating why.” “The tabloids rarely get anything right,” he said.

His tone cooled noticeably. Before Meline could respond, Jake returned excitedly.

He described the chocolate lava cake he’d selected. The moment of tension passed.

Meline filed away Jackson’s reaction for future consideration. As dessert was served, Jackson’s phone buzzed repeatedly.

He glanced at it apologetically. “I’m sorry, I need to take this business emergency. Excuse me for just a moment.”

While he stepped away, Jake leaned toward his mother. “Mom, I really like Mr. Jackson.”

“He knows all about T-Rex teeth. And he said maybe he could take us on his boat sometime.”

“Did he now?” Meline raised her eyebrows. She wondered if Jackson was in the habit of making promises to impress people.

“We’ll see, honey. Mr. Jackson is very busy.” When Jackson returned, his expression was troubled.

“I apologize for the interruption. There’s a situation at one of our overseas offices.”

He hesitated. “Actually, I was hoping to ask you something, Meline. It’s rather unorthodox.”

“What is it?” “I have to fly to London tomorrow morning.”

“A major client is threatening to pull out of a deal. I’d normally send my VP, but they’re asking for me.”

He took a breath. “I know this is completely inappropriate and probably sounds insane.”

“But would you consider coming with me? You and Jake, all expenses paid, of course.”

Meline stared at him. “To London? Tomorrow? Jackson, we barely know each other.”

“I know, I know, but hear me out.” He leaned forward earnestly.

“The client I’m meeting with is a luxury hotel chain. They’re unhappy with the branding concepts my team developed.”

“When I saw your portfolio, I thought you might have exactly the fresh perspective we need.”

“You want me to work for you?” Meline was incredulous.

“As a consultant, yes. I’m willing to pay your standard rate plus a bonus if the client approves your concepts.”

He glanced at Jake, who was happily demolishing his chocolate cake. “And I thought Jake might enjoy seeing London.”

“My apartment there has plenty of room. My assistant can arrange for a qualified nanny during our meetings.”

Meline’s mind raced. The practical part of her knew this was insane, flying to London with a man she’d just met.

But the designer in her recognized an incredible opportunity. The mother in her thought of Jake’s eyes lighting up at the adventure.

“I’d need to check with his doctor,” she said slowly. “He’s still recovering.”

Jackson nodded eagerly. “Of course. Dr. Patel can examine him tomorrow morning before we leave.”

“If she gives the all-clear, my jet can have us in London by dinnertime.”

“Your jet?” Meline repeated faintly. The reality of Jackson’s wealth suddenly hit her.

“This is crazy.” “Sometimes the best opportunities are,” Jackson replied.

His gray eyes were intense. “What do you say?”

Before Meline could answer, a striking blonde woman approached their table. Her expression was a mixture of surprise and calculation.

“Jackson, I thought that was you.” Her voice was honey-sweet with an undercurrent of steel.

She was impeccably dressed in designer clothing. It made Meline’s department store dress feel suddenly inadequate.

Jackson’s face froze for an instant before he stood. “Victoria, what a surprise.”

“Isn’t it?” Her gaze swept over Meline and Jake with barely concealed curiosity.

“I didn’t realize you were entertaining.” “Victoria Matthews, this is Meline Cooper and her son Jake.”

“Meline is a talented graphic designer I’m considering for a project.” He emphasized the professional nature of their relationship.

This made Meline’s stomach twist uncomfortably. Victoria extended a manicured hand to Meline.

“How lovely. Jackson has always had an eye for talent.” The pause was deliberate.

The implication was clear. “Victoria is my ex-fiancée,” Jackson explained to Meline, his tone carefully neutral.

“Former fiancée, current board member,” Victoria corrected with a practiced smile. “My father and Jackson go way back.”

“Practically family, aren’t we, darling?” Jake, sensing the tension, pressed closer to Meline’s side.

She placed a protective hand on his shoulder. “We were just finishing up,” Jackson said, his jaw tight.

“It was good seeing you, Victoria.” Victoria’s smile didn’t reach her eyes.

“Likewise. Don’t forget the charity gala next weekend, Jackson. Father is counting on your usual generous donation.”

She glanced at Meline again. “Perhaps your new colleague would like to attend as well.”

After she glided away, an uncomfortable silence fell over the table. Jake spoke up with a child’s perceptiveness.

“Mom, why was that lady mad at Mr. Jackson?” “She wasn’t mad, sweetie,” Meline said automatically.

They all knew it wasn’t true. Jackson sighed, running a hand through his hair.

“I’m sorry about that. Victoria and I… it’s complicated.”

“Her father, Harold Matthews, is my largest investor and the chairman of my board.”

“Our engagement was as much a business arrangement as anything else.” “You don’t owe me an explanation,” Meline said quickly.

“Maybe not, but I’d like to give you one.” His eyes met hers.

“Especially if you’re considering coming to London.” The evening ended shortly after.

Jackson escorted them to an awaiting car service he’d arranged. As they said goodbye, he knelt to Jake’s level.

“It was a pleasure meeting you, Jake. I hope I’ll see you again soon.” Jake beamed.

“Can we really go on your airplane?” Jackson glanced up at Meline, the question in his eyes.

“I’ll think about London,” she promised. “And I’ll let you know in the morning.”

“That’s all I ask.” He stood, his hand briefly touching hers.

“Good night, Meline.” As the car pulled away, Jake chatted excitedly about airplanes and London.

Meline half-listened, her mind whirling with doubts and possibilities. Something about Jackson Reed fascinated her.