The soft knock on Blair's door came just as the sun peeked through her curtains. She groaned lightly, half-asleep, until the door creaked open and James peeked his head in.
"Hey," he said softly. "I've got work today. I'll come pick you up from school, okay?"
Blair rolled over, rubbing her eyes and smiling faintly. "Okay," she mumbled sleepily, her voice husky from sleep. "Enjoy your day."
James gave her a small smile before quietly closing the door behind him and heading out.
---
Blair got dressed in her school uniform—a navy-blue pleated skirt, white blouse with the school crest, and a blue-and-gold striped tie. She styled her hair into two loose French braids that framed her face and fell gently over her shoulders. Slipping into her black flats, she headed downstairs and greeted the maid warmly.
"Good morning, Louise," she said, accepting the wrapped sandwich with a grin.
"Good morning, Miss Maybell. Have a lovely day."
Outside, the black car was already waiting. Blair climbed in silently, slipping into the backseat beside Cassie and Jazmine. No one said a word. The silence in the car was thick with unspoken tension. Blair looked out the window, pretending to be distracted, while Cassie fidgeted with her phone and Jazmine chewed her gum a little too loudly.
When they arrived, Blair spotted Maddie in front of the school gates. Her face lit up instantly.
"Maddie!" she squealed, hopping out of the car.
"B!" Maddie ran toward her, and they hugged tightly, spinning in place like long-lost best friends.
Cassie and Jazmine watched from the car, unimpressed. Cassie rolled her eyes and turned away, walking toward the building.
Blair grinned at Maddie. "How did you even get your uniform?"
"I had a spare at Caleb's house," Maddie said with a shrug, a mischievous glint in her eye. "He kept it."
Blair gasped playfully. "Okay, I want every detail of your date."
"Later," Maddie said, nudging her. "We have a test today, remember?"
"Ugh, don't remind me."
They walked into school, heading to class for their test. Afterward, Blair finished early and went to her locker to grab her bag. As she turned to leave, a group of students surrounded her.
"Is James really that good in bed?" one asked with wide eyes.
"My sister said she hooked up with him once," another chimed in.
"You two are so cute together!"
"Will you still let him sleep with other girls? 'Cause I'm interested!"
Blair's jaw dropped. She pushed past them, stunned, heart racing. So many girls want him… acting like james is some price she luckily won does he even really want me?
Just then, Maddie emerged from the classroom and immediately hugged Blair. "You okay?"
Blair nodded a little too quickly. "Let's go eat."
---
The cafeteria smelled like garlic bread and pasta. Blair and Maddie settled at a small table by the window. Maddie had chicken caesar salad and apple juice. Blair picked at her spaghetti and sipped her lemonade.
"So?" Blair leaned in. "Date. Spill. Now."
Maddie blushed, looking around. "We had dinner… dessert… wine… and then we had sex."
Blair squealed so loudly that half the cafeteria turned. "Oh my gosh! How was it? No, wait, don't tell me. He's my stepbrother!"
Maddie laughed, her cheeks pink. "It was… perfect."
"I just hope we don't ruin it again," Maddie added softly, stirring her juice. "Especially with Blonde Long Legs Sarah lurking around."
"I know, right?" Blair snorted. "Who shows up at their ex's family house years later? It's weird."
Maddie asking. "Do you think she has a motive?"
Blair raised a brow. "She definitely has a motive."
Maddie leaned in, whispering, "Is it weird that I wanna go through her stuff when we get home?"
Blair laughed. "It's weird if you don't."
"That's why I love you, B," Maddie giggled. "You're crazy."
Blair grinned. "Speaking of crazy… James and I talked last night."
Maddie's face lit up. "Tell me everything."
"We're going to get to know each other more. He's picking me up after school."
"I'm so happy for you!" Maddie said, squeezing her hand. "But now I have to suffer the ride home alone with Cassie and Jazmine."
Blair burst out laughing. "Enjoy the awkward ride, babe."
---
James's POV
James stood beside his father at the Covey Firm, flanked by board members and cameras flashing from every angle. His navy-blue suit was sharp, perfectly tailored. He shook hands, smiled for the press, and delivered his speech with calm charisma. Everyone applauded when he finished.
"I'm proud of you, son," his dad said, clapping him on the back. "This is the beginning of something great."
James smiled politely, but deep inside, his thoughts wandered. This isn't what I want. He loved his dad. Richard Covey had done everything to give him and Jazmine a good life. But business meetings, mergers, stock updates—it wasn't him. His heart belonged to art. He always wanted to paint, to create.
After the event, James returned to his office and closed the door behind him. He turned to his assistant.
"I want you to look into someone. Oliver. He lives in the room opposite mine at college. See if he has anything—drugs, past charges, anything. Get back to me fast."
The assistant nodded and left the room.
James sighed, loosening his tie and picking up his phone. He dialed the driver. "Go to Westbridge. Pick up Blair from school."
Then he called the cook. "Make lunch for two and serve it in my room."
Finally, he stepped into his private suite, took a hot shower, and changed into a fitted white t-shirt and black joggers. Clean. Comfortable. Ready.
He smiled to himself as he checked the time. Blair would be there any minute.
---
Blair's POV
After school, Maddie and Blair hugged tightly in front of the school gates.
"See you at home," Maddie grinned.
Just then, a suited chauffeur approached Blair. "Miss Maybell, I've been sent to pick you up."
Blair blinked. "Oh. Okay."
He opened the car door for her, and she slid into the backseat as students stared in surprise.
Across the parking lot, Cassie and Jazmine were getting into their own car.
"Where's Blair going?" Cassie asked.
"A place," Maddie answered vaguely.
Jazmine rolled her eyes. "That's my dad's chauffeur."
Cassie stared after the sleek car pulling out. "She's going to meet James."
Maddie shrugged. "Why ask me when you already know?"
The ride home was tense and quiet. Cassie's eyes flickered with something unreadable, while Jazmine just stared out the window.
Meanwhile, Blair's heart beat faster with every turn. I'm going to James's house.
She wasn't sure what it meant, but she knew one thing: she couldn't wait to see him again.
---
---
Blair had never been to this particular house of James's before, but the moment the car pulled up the driveway, she could tell this was no ordinary place. The estate was massive, surrounded by tall hedges and blooming gardens that looked like they had been lifted from a fairytale. The house itself was modern but warm, with sleek architecture, large windows, and climbing ivy softening the sharp lines of glass and stone. A tall fountain bubbled quietly in the front yard, and a few luxury cars sat perfectly parked on the side.
When the driver opened the car door, Blair stepped out slowly, taking it all in. "Whoa," she muttered under her breath.
The entrance was grand—tall mahogany double doors with brass handles. Inside, it was even more impressive. Marble floors reflected the natural light pouring in through skylights, and gold-accented furniture lined the foyer. Elegant artwork adorned the walls, and a huge chandelier sparkled above her.
A maid approached with a polite smile. "Miss Maybell? Mr. James is expecting you. Right this way."
Blair followed her through wide hallways until they reached a sleek black door on the second floor. She took a breath and knocked lightly.
"Come in," came James's voice from inside.
She pushed the door open—and there he was.
James stood near the window, dressed casually in black joggers and a fitted white top. His chestnut hair was tousled just enough to look like he hadn't tried, and his sharp blue eyes turned soft the moment they met hers. The room smelled like clean linen and faint cologne, and it was absolutely stunning—deep green walls, dark wood furniture, and several framed sketches hanging everywhere. It felt like a creative, personal sanctuary.
"Hey," James said, walking over to her.
Blair smiled. "Hi."
He pulled her into a hug, strong and warm, and she hugged him back without hesitation. "Welcome," he said, taking her bag and placing it on a chair. "How was school?"
Blair hesitated. "Good."
James smirked. "That convincing, huh?"
She shrugged. "Nothing I can't handle."
"Hungry?"
"Yes, please."
James led her to a small table by the window already set for two. The cook had outdone themselves—grilled lemon chicken, mashed sweet potatoes, roasted asparagus, and fresh berry lemonade.
Blair took a bite and blinked. "This is so good."
James grinned. "I'm glad you like it."
"I didn't think you'd bring me here," she said between bites.
"Too soon?"
"No… I just thought you said never go on a first date with a guy if he invites you to his room."
James chuckled. "Well, this isn't our first date. When I take you on a proper date, you'll know. Besides, you've been to my other house before."
"True," Blair said, glancing around. Her eyes landed on a wall covered in framed sketches and watercolor pieces. "You really love drawing."
James leaned back, teasing. "You noticed? What gave me away?"
Blair laughed. "Just a wild guess."
He smirked. "Can you draw?"
"No. I'm actually terrible. My art teacher in grade six once begged me never to pursue art."
James burst out laughing. "Now I have to see you draw."
"Absolutely not."
He took a sip of his drink. "So in Canada… what did you do when you weren't hanging out with asshole Cole and backstabbing Amanda?"
Blair laughed. "Baking. Reading. Hanging out with my mom mostly."
"No parties? No drinking?"
"Not really. I never even tasted alcohol."
James looked surprised. "Seriously?"
"Yup."
"I had my first taste at thirteen."
She blinked. "What?"
He leaned in, speaking softly. "My mom… she was an alcoholic. She struggled for years before the divorce. I got curious, wanted to know what it was like, so I stole half a bottle from her stash."
"Oh no."
"I drank the whole thing and thought I was dying. I was sick for a week straight."
Blair couldn't help laughing. "That explains why you don't drink now."
James raised an eyebrow. "How do you know I don't?"
"At every party, you either ask for fruit juice or water. I notice things."
James tilted his head, impressed. "You're very observant."
"I try to be."
He paused. "Why?"
Blair took a breath. "When I was younger, after my parents divorced… I visited my dad during winter break. We thought he had a new family. Turns out, he tried to… sell me. For money. Tried to kill me."
James stiffened, his eyes hardening.
"I was eleven. My mom wasn't around—she had just married Victor. She still blames herself."
"Blair…" James whispered, "I'm so sorry."
"He's in jail now. I testified against him. Since then, I've had panic attacks, I can't stand closed spaces, and I always try to stay ahead of things. Just… observing. Controlling what I can."
James swallowed and poured more lemonade into their glasses. He raised his cup. "To messed up parents."
Blair smiled faintly. "Cheers."
They clinked glasses, their eyes meeting with something unspoken—something deeper than just shared pain.
---
---
The lunch plates were still warm on the tray when their conversation drifted from food to memories, soft laughter echoing off the quiet walls of James's room. Blair had her legs folded beneath her on the edge of the bed, watching James with a lazy smile as he leaned back, full and content.
"So," James began, reaching for a water bottle and taking a sip. "First party you ever went to?"
Blair grinned. "Your dad's firm party, actually. That very awkward night I landed here and got swept into champagne flutes and too many men in tuxedos."
James let out a laugh. "No way. That was your first?"
"Yup. I felt like a misplaced high schooler in a James Bond movie."
James chuckled harder and rubbed the back of his neck. "Okay, mine's worse. I was fifteen, Jazmine had just turned thirteen, and she begged Dad to throw her a teenage party. Think bad DJ, disco lights from Amazon, and too many hormonal kids sneaking soda like it was alcohol."
Blair laughed. "Oh my God, I would've paid to see that."
"You would've hated it," James said, grinning. "It smelled like armpits and Axe body spray."
She was still giggling when he suddenly got up and grabbed a small black leather notebook and a pen. He plopped back onto the bed, flipping it open.
"What are you doing?" Blair asked.
James gave her a playful smirk. "I'm writing a list of everything you and I haven't done yet—and we're going to check them all off before the year ends."
Blair raised a brow. "All of them?"
"Yep. Every last one."
"Okay, fine," she said, shifting closer so she could peek at the page. "Let's do this."
"Ever been to a concert?" James asked.
"Yes."
"Good. Rollercoaster?"
"Yes."
"Learn how to drive?"
Blair shook her head sheepishly. "No."
James looked at her like she'd just said she'd never had pizza. "Seriously? You'll be eighteen soon and you don't know how to drive?"
"Shut up, James," she said, swatting at his arm, laughing.
"Adding it to the list," he teased, scribbling it down.
He tapped the pen thoughtfully against his lips. "Ever kissed anyone?"
Blair's cheeks flushed slightly. "Yes... just Cole."
James smirked. "Good."
Blair nudged him. "That's not a proper reaction!"
"What?" he said, all innocence. "I'm just relieved it was only that loser."
Blair rolled her eyes. "Your turn. Ever had sex?"
James paused, his blue eyes meeting hers. It was probably the first time Blair really held eye contact with him for more than a second, and it felt like something heavy passed between them. He tilted his head slightly, studying her.
"No," Blair said, her voice soft.
James gave a small smile. "Perfect."
Blair looked down quickly, her face flushing again. He grinned wider. "I made you blush. Took me forever, but I did it."
"Don't distract me," she mumbled, pretending to focus on the list. "Have you ever been to a cinema with a girl?"
"Nope."
"Seriously?"
"Dead serious."
"Okay, adding that."
He watched her write, frowning slightly. "You're left-handed."
She glanced at him, surprised. "Yeah?"
"You're so pretty," James said suddenly, without thinking.
Blair froze for half a second, her cheeks going pink again. She bit her lip and smiled.
"Stop distracting me," she whispered, clearly flustered.
James leaned back, arms crossed behind his head, thoroughly satisfied.
"Swimming?" she asked.
"Yep."
"Ever been to an art studio?"
James shook his head.
Blair gasped. "You? An artist? You haven't gone?"
"I like my own space," he shrugged.
"That's ridiculous. You're going with me this Saturday. There's this museum I read about back in Canada—it's supposed to be stunning."
"Yes ma'am."
Blair grinned. "Good. Any other things you wanna try?"
James considered it, then shook his head. "Nothing comes to mind yet."
"Okay, then I'm adding movie night together… and baking or cooking together."
"Agreed," James said, smiling.
Blair glanced at the time and stood up. "It's getting late. We should head home."
"Yeah," James said, standing up too. He packed a few clothes into a small duffel and followed her out.
As they stepped outside, the sky was painted in soft purples and golds, the chauffeur waiting patiently by the car. Blair slipped into the back seat, James beside her, both quiet as the city blurred by outside their window. Their hands brushed once, and neither of them pulled away.
---