by C R Riley
There is another knock at her door. When Johannah communicates to whoever it is to enter, she nearly jumps out of her chair.
Kendra is standing in the doorway grinning. "I found this guy hanging out at the gate."
And then her friend spots Wesley. "Why are you in Jo's office? Why is he here? Wes, this isn't going to work. I thought it could, but it isn't."
Kendra whirls around to leave. She is not only hindered by Jaxon, who stepped in behind her and is now blocking her exit. But also, because that obstacle granted Wesley enough time to react. He yanks her the rest of the way inside the room. Once Jaxon clears the door, Wes closes it, trapping her inside Johannah's office.
Johannah doesn't know what to do. She wants to jump across her desk and attack the man she has been thinking about since he left. Then again, she needs to address whatever is about to go down in her office.
Wesley Holmes isn't a small man. He is nearly as tall as the door itself, almost as broad as well. He has to duck and twist whenever he enters a room. He looks more like a football player than a COS.
"Try again," Wes growls at Kendra.
Kendra is almost as tall as Johannah. She has the figure of a model, just enough curves in all the right places. Standing next to Wesley, she looks tiny.
Jaxon looks small standing next to Wesley.
Kendra glares at the man blocking her, not at all intimidated by his stature. "Excuse me. I am on duty tonight, so I need to report to my post."
"We aren't done, Kendra. I'm not going to allow you to just walk away." Wesley steps back just enough, to let her believe he is going to permit her to escape. When she steps in front of him, he traps her body against the door with his own.
Johannah makes her way around the desk to intervene, however, Jaxon intercepts her. She starts to protest his action but begins to understand once she can perceive what he does.
Kendra is staring at the man with tears streaming down her face. Not because she is scared, but for other reasons altogether. Wesley obviously affects her in ways she never thought possible.
"You don't get it." She whimpers out in a barely audible voice.
"No, sweetheart. You are the one who doesn't get it. I love you. Love you so much, that it would take an army to keep me away. I don't care what it is that has you running, but it's going to stop. If I have to lock you in a room, until you tell me, then that is what I'll do. I can be just as stubborn as you, Kendra. Not much scares me. But losing you…" Wesley drops to both knees and tumbles forward into her. He wraps his arms around her as he buries his head into her stomach. "That brings me to my knees. Knocks me down."
Kendra laughs nervously. "Why me? I am so screwed up, Wes, that if you were smart, you'd run, and thank God he gave you a way out."
Wesley tilts his head up, so he can see her face. "I thank him every day for leading me to you. We are all screwed up in some way Kendra. Just look at me. I'm so screwed up, I'm literally on my knees in the White House, begging the woman I love to stop running. I'm willing to do whatever is necessary to prove to you I won't leave you. You may run, but I will always chase after you, catch you, and drag you back kicking and screaming. Marry me. Forget about whatever has you scared, and just marry me. If you are going to run, run off with me this weekend, and let's get hitched."
"What?" Kendra’s voice catches. "You're crazy."
"About you. I'm crazy about you." Wesley stands up and wipes the tears from her face. "I'm serious, Kendra. I don't know how else to prove it to you, except to just marry you, and then prove it by giving you all my love."
"You have lost your mind." Kendra grabs his face. "Gone completely bonkers."
"Is that a yes?" Wesley asks, sounding hopeful.
"Sure, why not? What could go wrong?" Kendra agitates her head as she answers him. "Just remember, I warned you."
"Yes, you did. I love you." Wesley slants forward and kisses her.
Kendra's face says it all when he releases her. "I love you too."
She turns and looks at the other two people in the room. "You didn't hear any of that, okay?"
Johannah smiles giving the okay sign to her friend as she feels Jaxon nod behind her. They both watch as the other couple leaves, closing the door behind her.
"What just happened?" Jaxon asks as he spins Johannah around in his arms, so he can look at her.
"I believe Wesley just figured out the only way to get Kendra down the aisle, was to get her to stop thinking and just act. I'm guessing one of her parents did something stupid again. That must have got her overthinking her decision.
"Now tell me what you are doing here. I thought you said it would be two weeks before…" Her words are cut off by his kiss.
"Couldn't wait two weeks," Jaxon tells her. "Are you about ready to go home? Kendra said you were done for the day."
"I am. I'm glad you're here." Johannah touches his face. "I've missed you."
"Come on. Let's go and we'll discuss all that. See if maybe we can come up with a solution. I feel inspired." Jaxon laughs hard when Johannah seems taken back by that statement. "Not that inspired."
Chapter Twenty-Two
Jaxon is flying back to the States tomorrow evening. He has had a very busy week. Visited five of his overseas companies in ten days. Fixed some problems he uncovered and then went over some new ideas he'd like them to look into. Which has kept his mind mostly occupied, although she has crept in on occasion. Mostly in the evenings when he was alone with his thoughts and would peruse the texts she had sent him.
So, when his phone buzzes in his pocket as he steps on the elevator, he knew it was Hannah. The time difference told him she was on her morning break. One that occurred after she’d gotten Colton settled in one of his classes.
Hannah: Only a few more hours left before your life changes.
Jaxon: I can't wait. Want to go apartment hunting with me this weekend?
Hannah: Apartment hunting?
Jaxon: I don't want to live out of my hotel indefinitely. Figured I should look for a temporary place to hole up in until I'm ready to find something more permanent.
Hannah: Don't you own a few apartment buildings in Baltimore?
Jaxon: I do, but I was thinking of finding a place between Baltimore and DC. Thought that seemed more logical.
Hannah: You do realize most of those places are going to be right on top of each other. Maybe even multi-family homes. Not a lot of space between you and your neighbor. No security to keep out uninvited guests.
Jaxon: Shiver.
Hannah: Why don't you just buy a place with some land? You'd be more comfortable.
Jaxon can't argue about that fact. He'd love to have a place much like the one he owns in California. His haven. A home he can roam around freely and relax in without stressing over the closeness of his neighbors. But there is a reason he doesn't want to buy a place right now, and he isn't sure he wants to share with her that reason just yet.
Jaxon: Maybe I'll just buy the block.
Hannah: Which only goes to prove my point.
Jaxon: I don't want to buy a place yet.
Hannah: Why? Not sure this is where you want to end up? Then why move at all? Maybe this is moving too fast and you should just stay put.
Gosh, dang woman. Jaxon reads and rereads her last text. Fine, he'll just say it.
Jaxon: Because I want the next house I purchase, to be ours. Satisfied?
Several minutes pass before there is a response. When it comes through Jaxon can only smile.
Hannah: Oh!!!!! Apartment hunting it is then.
Hannah: You know it still seems silly.
Hannah: I mean to live in a place you are going to hate, not the reason why. Just to be clear.
Jaxon: Hannah.
Hannah: Yes, Jaxon.
Jaxon: Tell me. What are you doing for the rest of your life?
Hannah: Leaving it open for this great guy.
That response has Jaxon's heart skipping a beat.
Hannah: See you soon Jaxo
n. Miss you.
Jaxon: Miss you too. See you soon.
Jaxon is about to open his suite when his phone rings in his hand. Without looking he answers, assuming Hannah is calling. "Decided to call me now."
"We need to talk." His father's voice is the one he hears, instead of the one he expected.
"I have nothing to say to you." Jaxon pauses right outside his room.
"I think I can change your mind about that. Still, in Sydney."
Jaxon should be surprised his father knows where he is, except he isn't. Nothing ever really surprises him when it comes to that man. "Until tomorrow."
"Staying at your hotel?"
"Of course. Where else would I stay? Yours?" Jaxon catches the sarcasm in his voice.
"Meet me for a quick drink at the bar." The phone goes dead before he can respond.
Should he?
After a quick debate with himself, Jaxon turns back around and heads down to the bar. His father is seated in a booth in the back.
Jaxon catches the bartender's attention and motions to where he is headed. Funny how no matter where he goes his staff just knows him. Shortly he will have a glass of water with three lemons brought to him.
His father has been here a while by the looks of things. He'd recognize an intoxicated Lucas Jackson anywhere. While others may not notice, he can't help but recognize it. "Lucas."
"Jaxon." He motions for him to take the seat across from his. "I've been doing some thinking."
Jaxon accepts the water the waitress sets in front of him and takes a sip. Perfection. He glowers at the man in front of him and waits.
"About what you told me to." Lucas takes a sip of the dark amber drink in front of him. "What is more important to me? I've decided."
Jaxon nods once, not sure he wants to hear this.
"Now I want to know, what is more important to you." He reaches next to him and passes Jaxon a folder. "I thought I taught you better. Women only get in the way of business. They distract us from what is most important. Makes it too easy for someone to force your hand.
"I'll let the three properties you recently purchased slide. I'll even let you keep the one with the memories you cherish so dearly. But I cannot allow you to have anymore. You need to back off, right now. Otherwise, your new obsession may end up getting hurt."
Jaxon feels the blood drain from his face. Inside he discovers a picture of his Hannah. Photos of her the night he first met her. Them together on the island. Her sitting in his spa in California. Them together at the zoo. Him kissing her goodbye the night before he left for this trip.
Has his father's been keeping tabs on him? Why? Why does he care about Hannah?
"Tell me, Jaxon. What is most important to you? What do you hold dear to your heart? It would be a shame if something happened to her. She seems like a lovely woman. One who has been able to do what no one else, besides your mother could. Imagine the headlines: Special Agent in Charge, Johannah Kohl, was killed today when a man opened fire on one of the President's children."
Jaxon reaches across the table and nearly lifts the man out of his seat. The rage inside him has been building for years. "Are you threatening me, her, the President of the United States, and his family? Have you lost your marbles?"
"I'm not threatening anyone. I'm simply delivering a message from one of my investors." Lucas grips his son's hand and yanks it away from his shirt. "You are the one who has put her in danger. The one who let them know where to strike and how."
"What do you want?" Jaxon scowls at the man.
"It's not so much what I want anymore. My hands are tied and no matter what, they are determined to send a message. I'm not so sure the message is just for you, though. I do believe my associates have an agenda. No matter what, your girlfriend may just get in their way." Lucas actually cackles at his son's ill-looking face, much like he did when Jaxon was only a boy. "It's business, Jaxon, nothing personal."
"If anything happens to her," Jaxon feels sick.
"I'm already a dead man walking, Jaxon." Lucas slams down the last of his drink. "Those were sent to me because I let you seize those properties. They aren't happy about it, but willing to let you off with a warning. Take it."
"What are you talking about?" Jaxon's world crumbles around him.
"I wasn't supposed to let them go. I was to hold on to them, let them continue laundering their businesses through them. But you had to go sticking your nose in mine and began watching everything so closely. Saw when things began to fall apart. Struck just like I had taught you to do. Pissing off the wrong men in the process. I never dreamt they'd see through my scheme. Because of your hatred towards me, I thought I could keep you safe. Keep you out of it. But I guess the older I get, the harder it is for me to conceal my motives." Lucas stares at his son. "Promise me you won't end up like me. Cold, bitter, and alone."
"I'll never be like you." Jaxon spits out with all the anger he possesses.
"I know and I couldn't be prouder of that fact. I'm sorry, son. I'm sorry, and I wish I could have done it all differently." Lucas stands and straightens his suit.
"You're drunk." It's the only explanation for his father's odd words.
"When am I not drunk?" Lucas Jackson admits. "I'm sorry, Jaxon. I never thought it would ever go this far. Never thought they'd come after you. I tried to prove I didn't care about my bastard son… sons." Lucas turns and stumbles out the back entrance of the bar away from the lobby.
Jaxon's head is pounding. He can barely focus.
His mind is going so many directions, that at first, he isn't sure his ears heard correctly. He hears a woman scream, and the bar becomes total chaos.
When he stands, he understands what the fuss is all about. In the lobby of the hotel, his father's body lies in a pool of blood.
And all he can do is stand there and stare while everyone else around him reacts. What just happened?
Before he forgets, he fires off a text and hopes it reaches her in time.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Johannah is still shaking her head over the conversation she just had via text with Jaxon. Just when she thought he couldn't surprise her; he proves her wrong.
She knew they weren't ready to take that step yet. That they were only ready for the one they were about to embrace. He's never had a girlfriend before. And it's been a very long time since she has claimed to have a boyfriend. First, they needed to put their best foot forward and test the waters. After they took that first step, and things felt right, then they'd talk.
Baby steps, not dinosaur ones.
Now it was time for her to focus on her job.
There was just something about today that has her stomach in knots. She couldn't quite put her finger on it. All she knew was that she needs to be at her best and that she needs her best with her. Which is why she had dismissed Agent Paul this morning before they left. Called in Agents Garris, Wells, and Barker. The other three agents were intended to stay back for a meeting. Something had directed her she was going to need their experience. Accompanied by the calmness they brought with them.
Agent Paul hadn't been happy about being removed from detail. In fact, he made a point to imply he was going above her head and would have her reprimanded for removing him like that.
Johannah wasn't worried because it was her call. She was the one who decided which agents worked protective detail. It was her call who drove, what route they took, and who stayed behind or went ahead to clear the way. Johannah didn't have to have specific reasons for making a change; all she had to do was make it.
She walks back down to where she left Agents Garris and Barker. Colton is currently in his history class. They strive to let him move about as freely as the other students when at school. Since the school is private. A school where the children of the VP and several congressmen's children attend. The building is locked down with very strict guidelines. Secret Service agents guard the doors and gated entrance. All staff has to be vetted and is required to go through a secur
ity checkpoint daily. Much like they would if they wanted to visit the White House.
When she rejoins them, Agent Barker is dismissed and reports back to the front office. The place she has been most of the day. Agent Wells and her have been on a conference call for the majority of the morning. Taking part in the meeting they were originally expected to attend.
"So, this weekend is it?" Johannah takes the seat in the hall next to her friend.
"So, I have been told." Kendra plays with the sparkly ring on her finger. "I'm not sure I can do this, Jo."
"Don't make me call Wes." Johannah elbows her friend jokingly. "He's liable to toss you over his big brood shoulders and go all caveman on you if you back out on him again."
"He admitted as much when things didn't work out the way he intended last weekend. I love him. I have no doubts about that." Kendra admits, which is a gigantic step for her.
"What's the problem then?" Johannah reaches out as she takes her friend's hand. "He loves you too. He's not your father. Nor is he like the men your mother has gotten involved with."
Kendra tsks at the thought; no Wes is nothing like them. "But what if I am?"
"Ah, Kendra." Johannah squeezes her hand. "Tell me this. Have you ever cheated?"
"No. I couldn't do that. Not before Wes, and certainly not to him."
"And what about when you went wild, and it was a free for all? Did you like it? Is it something you see yourself doing more of? Wanting to do again?"
Kendra shakes her head slowly.
"You told Wes you'd date him right, even if you wouldn't marry him?" She nods, so Johannah continues. "Plan on never sleeping with Mr. Big, then. I mean, because he has made it pretty clear that he won't sleep with you until you become his wife, correct. Is it you're just fearful, that he's so large, he'll ruin you for every other man?"
Kendra and Jo erupt into hysterical laughter. They actually feel guilty. Knowing they are probably disrupting a few of the surrounding classrooms.
"You know he's a virgin, right?" Kendra sighs, still baffled about that fact. "I agreed to date a man the size of the Hulk, only to discover he is a virgin. Not because he hasn't had plenty of offers, but because he has this moral code and belief. One that has kept him from traveling down that road. Told me no woman has tempted him or made him so crazy, before me. Plus, maybe I am a little afraid that I'll start walking bowlegged after he gets a hold of me."
