Jackson struggled to adjust his tie, the smooth fabric eluding his grasp like a defiant serpent. He glanced at his reflection, wincing at the crooked knot that resembled a half-strangled pretzel. Mornings were never his strong suit. At twenty-eight years old, he still struggled with the simple task."Babe, you haven't said anything about the money I asked for." Veronica's voice floated from the bed, a mix of honey and vinegar.He froze, tie dangling forgotten. "Money?" The word tumbled out of his mouth like a stray pebble."For the cocktail dress? Remember? Mia's birthday party?"His brain scrambled to catch up. Right. The party. The dress. The money. He'd hoped she'd forgotten about that particular request."Ah, yeah. About that..." He turned, meeting Veronica's expectant gaze. She lounged on the bed, still in her pajamas, looking like a cat waiting to pounce on an unsuspecting mouse. He was definitely the mouse in this scenario."Well?" She arched an eyebrow, a move that could make

As he walked down the street, his mind reeled. Fired and cheated on, all in the span of a few hours. If this was a movie, he'd be demanding a rewrite. The universe had a twisted sense of humor. He wandered aimlessly, his feet carrying him through the city with no real destination. The bustling streets felt surreal as if he were watching a movie about someone else's life. How could the world just keep going when he had come crashing down? He didn't even know where he was walking. The sun beat down on him, but he barely noticed. His feet moved on autopilot, carrying him past bustling cafes and honking taxis. He was so lost in thought that he didn't see the bus until it was too late. One moment, he was stepping off the curb; the next, he was airborne. It was almost comical, really. Fired, cheated on, and now hit by a bus. The universe really had it out for him today. As he sailed through the air, time seemed to slow down. In that brief moment of clarity, Jackson had an epiphany. He'd

A few moments later, the door swung open, and the impossibly glamorous nurse sashayed in. He noticed how her uniform hugged her curves, and his face flushed."You called, Mr. Jackson?" she asked, her voice as smooth as honey."I, uh... yes," he stammered, suddenly forgetting every smooth line he'd ever heard. "I just wanted to thank you for taking such good care of me.""Oh? Well, that's very sweet of you, Mr. Jackson. It's not often patients express gratitude for my... care."Was it his imagination, or did she emphasize that last word? He felt his face grow hot."Well, you know what they say," he blurted out. "Laughter is the best medicine. And your smile... it's definitely working wonders."Quantum Quill groaned in his head. "Oh, darling, that was painful. You can do better than that!"The nurse, however, seemed charmed. Her lips curved into an amused smile. "My, my, Mr. Jackson. Are you flirting with me?"His brain short-circuited. "I... uh... is it working?"She laughed. "Well, ar

Before the voice could respond, there was a familiar chime, and Quantum Quill's sultry tones filled his head. "Miss me, darling?""Oh, thank god," Jackson sighed. "Where have you been?""Updating, obviously. Can't you tell? My wit is even sharper now.""Great. Well, while you were busy sharpening your wit, I've been stuck here with a hospital bill I can't pay."QQ tsked. "I can see that. And it's clearly due to your poor flirting skills. We really need to work on that.""My flirting skills?" He sputtered. "How is that related to my hospital bill?""Oh, honey, everything's related. If you had a better game, you might have charmed your way into a discount. Or at least scored some free jello.""Okay, fine. How can I improve my flirting skills while stuck in this overpriced hospital room?""Simple," QQ chirped. "I'm giving you another task.""Another task? What is it this time? Flirt with the doctor? Chat up a coma patient?""Don't be ridiculous," QQ chided. "I want you to go find Olivia

Jackson shifted closer, his heart hammering in his chest. He could smell her light floral perfume that made his head swim. Without thinking, he leaned in, his lips brushing against hers in a tentative kiss. She didn't pull away. Instead, she responded, her lips soft and inviting.The kiss deepened, becoming more urgent. Jackson's hand found its way to the back of her neck, pulling her closer. Their breaths mingled, and he could feel the heat radiating from her body. It was intoxicating, overwhelming. He wanted more.As their lips moved together, Jackson's mind raced. He needed to complete the task, but how could he ask such a personal question without ruining the moment? He decided to go for it, hoping his newfound confidence would carry him through.He murmured between kisses, "You know, Olivia... there's something... something I need to know."She pulled back slightly, her eyes searching his. "What is it, Jackson?""It's just... I get more... in the mood when I think about... you kn