Chapter 49

Vera’s POV

I like these silly little games, it’s fascinating and fun! To think that Jackson actually wanted to play around and goof off with me today… What better way could there be to welcome December with a heart full of laughter and love?

I peeled the lemons quickly, giggling to myself at the challenge he had proposed. Without hesitation, I handed him one of the wedges.

“Ready?” I asked with a raised brow, already bracing for the sting.

He gave me that mischievous grin. “Always.”

I counted aloud. “One… two… three!”

We both popped the lemon slices into our mouths, chewing without flinching. Or at least trying to.

Almost immediately, the sharp tang exploded on my tongue, pulling my cheeks inward. But I wasn’t going to let him win. I couldn’t. That would mean he gets the credit, and worse, bragging rights. No way.

I stared him down, locking eyes with a stubborn fire. This was war.

He matched my gaze with equal in