by Ella Jade
“You’re so beautiful” I caressed her soft cheek. “The more I came in the cafe the more I convinced myself I wasn’t worthy of you. The baggage I came with. I just didn’t think you needed that in your life.” If I had known her struggles I still wouldn’t have left her alone but I would have tried to be normal.
“You were wrong.”
When she kissed me I fell a little more for her. I’d been falling a lot lately and I liked it.
“I’m glad you shared your story with me. I know it was difficult for you,” she said.
“I do want to let you in.” I wished she could understand what this was like for me. “I’m giving you more than I’ve ever given anyone else when it comes to emotions.”
“I can be patient.”
“There’s something else I need from you.”
“Anything.”
“I have this need to make amends. It’s therapeutic for me. Like when I paid for your mom’s funeral or when I called Senator Pale’s office and helped you get the job, I have to do these things.”
“They’re not necessary.”
“They are for me.” I lifted her into my lap. “I’ve been very fortunate in my life. I come from money, my business is thriving and I managed to beat the odds with an addiction so many aren’t able to do. I believe there’s a reason I survived that night when Sam didn’t. It took me a few years to come to terms with what the reasons may be. I’m still figuring them out. Lord knows I’m still screwing up just not as epic as before.”
“You’re turning out to be a very upstanding guy.”
“I have a feeling you’re going to keep leading me in the right direction so if I want to buy you new clothes or send you flowers please let me do it. If I can make some of those dreams of yours on that list a reality let me.”
“You already have.” She kissed me. “More than you know.”
Chapter Twelve
Cecilia
After a ride from D.C. to Virginia, we traveled down a backroad with some of the most elaborate houses I’d ever seen. Jameson held my hand as we took the leisurely ride. I stared at his profile, taking in his flawless complexion. I admired his muscular arms and toned, tanned legs. I’d grown accustomed to seeing him in his expensive suits but I found that I liked him in his weekend, casual attire especially the dark blue washboard bathing suit he wore today.
“Where are we?” He wouldn’t tell me where we were going or what we were doing. I assumed we were swimming since he told me to wear pool attire.
“I was thinking you needed a chance to wear that new bathing suit you bought last week during your shopping trip.”
Shopping trip? I wouldn’t exactly call it a shopping trip. It was more like an event. There were four people tending to me. Bringing me more clothes to try on then I’d ever have use for. They were pretty awesome though.
When we got to the end of the road, Jameson put down his window and punched a code into a keypad and the large iron gates opened so we could get through. He slowly proceeded along a stoned paved road until we got to the house. Well, not really a house, a mansion was more like it. At least I thought it was a private residence. The place was so big it could pass for a hotel.
“Does someone live here?”
“It’s a bit overwhelming.” He parked the car into a space on the side of the home. “It belongs to my parents.”
“I’ve never seen anything like it.” His parents? I looked down at my bikini top that barely covered anything. I had a change of clothes in my bag. Would I have time to change before they saw me? “You didn’t mention that you were taking me to meet them.” I motioned over my boobs. “I’m not appropriate.”
“You’re more than appropriate.” He took my chin in his hand and gave me a tender kiss. “Don’t worry. They’re at a convention in Florida. We’re just borrowing the backyard for the day.”
“Oh.” My stomach immediately settled down. “Given how I met your brother when I was practically naked, I didn’t want to meet your parents that way too.”
“Ah, yes, Miles still talks about that morning.” He traced his finger along my lips. “He’s jealous I have you.”
The heat burned my cheeks. “He knew I wasn’t wearing underwear, didn’t he?”
“He’s pretty observant.”
“God!” A nervous giggle escaped my mouth.
“He doesn’t care.” He turned off the car. “That will teach him to just come to my house unannounced. He might really get a show then.” He winked. “Come on, let’s go.”
“What are we doing here?” I stepped out of the car and stood gaping at the gigantic house. “This is um... you grew up here?”
“Yeah, it’s a little much.” He took my hand. “I’ll give you a tour later.” We strolled down a cobblestone path that led to a black iron fence. “I’ve had the staff prepare lunch out here.”
“The staff?”
“Don’t worry, they won’t see your boobs either.” He opened the gate. “I had them prepare lunch, leave towels and sunscreen, and fill the patio kitchen with whatever we need.”
“Patio kitchen?” He had a ton of money. I never really thought about how much. Maybe it was better if I didn’t. It might freak me out. “Wow.” I stopped walking when I took in the sight of the well-maintained yard. It was like a park. “How many acres is this?”
“The property is set on ten. The backyard encompasses about three.”
“Is that a waterfall?” I pointed to the right corner of the yard where a large cascading flow of water emptied into a sparkling blue pool. “It looks like a hotel back here.”
“My parents enjoy their down time. They travel a lot but when they’re home they spare no expense.” He guided me under the covered patio. “I’d like for you to meet them.”
“I’d like that too.”
“I’ve never brought a woman home.” He held my hands in his. “My mother will be thrilled.”
“That’s a lot of pressure.” As anxious as meeting his family made me, knowing that I’d be the first girl he brought home made me feel special like I was... his.
“They’ll adore you.” He kissed me, taking my chin between his fingers. “The same way I do.”
When he held me captive with his gaze, everything else stopped. Being with him filled so many voids in my life. I didn’t have family. Carla was an angel and she always included me but I tried to give her family their space. I didn’t want to intrude on every family dinner and holiday. When my mom died I wondered what would happen to me. How would I get on in this world alone? I didn’t have those feelings since reconnecting with Jameson.
“Are you hungry?” he asked.
“Not yet.” I pointed to the pool. “Can we go swimming?” I’d never seen a pool like that before and I wanted to jump in.
“Yes.” He took my bag from my shoulder. “I can’t wait to see you in that bathing suit.” He tugged off his shirt, making me lose my breath when he revealed those abs. I licked my lips, lusting after my guy.
“I know that look.” He ran his hand along my throat, skimming his finger between my breasts. “But first I’m crossing something off your list.”
“What?”
“You wanted to swim in a tropical pool with a fruity drink in your hand.” He walked over to the elaborate stone, outdoor kitchen equipped with everything an indoor kitchen would have and then some. They even had a brick fireplace in the corner. Opening the refrigerator door, he took out a silver pitcher and two chilled plastic glasses. “Strawberry, pineapple virgin daiquiris.” He poured the thick mixture into the cups, topping them off with a fresh piece of pineapple. “I know we’re not at a tropical island. My work has been busy and I can’t get away just yet.” He handed me a drink. “I promise I will take you away.”
“You don’t have to promise me anything.” I sipped the delicious liquid through the pink, swirly straw. “Being here in your parents’ gorgeous home, spending the day with you is better than any place on my list.” I kissed his cheek. “Tha
nk you for bringing me here. It’s so beautiful.”
“You’re so easy to please.” He put his arm around me as we walked toward the pool. “I’m going to make all your dreams come true.”
“Swim with me.” I set my drink on a table under an umbrella and slipped out of my cover-up that coordinated with the bathing suit. “I haven’t gone swimming in years.”
“All right.” When he laughed his charming smile reached his eyes. “Let’s see what you got.”
Jameson
I checked my phone because my Friday day off was more than my clients could handle. I wanted to give CC this day at the pool. After our initial swim, we had lunch and she jumped back into the water. I watched as she splashed around. I loved her carefree attitude and how she enjoyed the simple things. Who would have thought a day at the pool would make her so happy.
“Aren’t you going to join me?” She lifted up and pulled herself out from the side of the pool. Her light purple bathing suit reflected off the water. As seductive as she was in that bikini, I personally couldn’t wait to get her out of it. “I’m lonely.”
“We can’t have that, gorgeous.” I held open a large towel. “Come up here with me. You’re going to shrivel up.” The sun was beginning to set. “It’s getting cooler out. We can do the hot tub in a bit.”
“Okay.” She practically skipped over to me. Her damp hair draping over her shoulders and her golden skin wet and slick, begging for my touch. “Are you busy?”
“Never too busy for you.” I wrapped her in the towel, but regretted not being able to see her almost naked body. “I told Elle to handle anything else that may come up.”
“Elle?”
“My assistant. I’m not taking any calls. The weekend has officially begun.”
“Can we spend all of it together?”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way.” I led her over to the chaise lounge under the covered patio. “I made reservations for dinner in the city for tomorrow evening.” We sat on the edge of the chair facing one another. “I want you in my bed all weekend.” I wanted her there every night of the week but I wasn’t sure she was ready for that. She loved her mother’s house and seemed comforted with Carla living across the street. For now I’d have to settle for weekends.
“I happened to like your bed.” She placed her delicate palm on my cheek and kissed me. “I like what we do in your bed too.”
“Hmm.” I removed the towel from her, eyeing up her curves, paying extra attention to her perky breasts. “We don’t need a bed for the things I want to do to you.” Kissing her neck, I ran my hand over her chest. “All the dirty, filthy, bad things I want to do.”
“Now?” Her voice was raw with need, matching the lustful gaze in her eyes.
“Right now.” I tugged at the straps of her bikini top that were tied around her neck, releasing it and letting it fall over her stomach. “Right here.”
“Outside?” Her lips trembled when I traced her nipple with my fingertip. “What if someone sees us?”
“Do you remember how big I told you the property was?” I continued to play with her breasts, my cock aching for her touch. “No one is here with us. No one will see us.” I finished taking off her top and tossed it on the floor. “Can I have you right here?” I guided her down, turning her so we were facing one another. “Touch me.” I drew her hand down between us, running it over my erection. “See what you’ve done.”
“I like making you crazy.” She slipped her hand inside my bathing suit, grasping my length in her hand. “Kiss me.”
“Is that an order?”
“Yes.” She pumped her hand up and down, driving me insane.
“I could get used to this.” Pressing my lips to hers, I kissed her long and hard, swirling my tongue around hers as I found my way inside her bikini bottoms.
She spread her legs for me. “That’s my girl,” I whispered as I pushed my fingers inside her tight, warm sex. “Always eager for me.”
When she tightened her hold on my cock, I thought I might explode. The sweat trickled down my back as she increased her pace. She knew what I liked. Hard and fast. Kissing my way down her neck, I licked a path to her breasts. Keeping my right hand busy inside her, I teased her nipples with my other hand, sucking and biting on them. She clenched around my fingers and released the sexiest noises.
“I love the sounds you make when you come for me.”
“Oh...”
“My dirty girl.” I flicked my tongue over her taut nipple creating her undoing. She continued to pleasure me as she climaxed, shaking against me as she let go.
“Jameson...” Her voice was breathless.
“What do you want, baby?” I gently kissed her as the building in my stomach shot to my balls. I didn’t have much time but I could fuck her if she asked for it. “Where do you want me?” I stroked her clit. “Inside you?”
She kept her eyes closed as she moved her hand fiercely. “I want you to come in my hand.”
“Fuck!” Hearing her say the words... I pressed my lips to hers, trying to muffle a loud groan and without further prompting I granted her wish, placing my hand over hers I spilled into her palm.
When I finally came off my high, no drug would ever compare to the orgasms she gave me, I opened my eyes and found her smiling at me. Not her usually flirty grin but a sultry, erotic smirk. She was proud of herself. My little sex kitten.
“That was good.” She kissed me, licking my lips before pulling away.
“I’m not done with you,” I promised. “Next time I’ll be inside you when we climax.”
“Whenever you’re ready.” She sucked on my bottom lip, biting down gently. “But what if I want you to do it in my mouth?”
“I think I’ve created a sex demon.”
“Is that a bad thing?” She sighed as she cuddled into my chest.
“It’s a very bad thing.” I reached down, fishing for the towel, quickly wiping her hand before cleaning myself up. “How about a quick rinse in the outside shower before I throw dinner on the grill?” I’d have to show her how stimulating an outdoor shower could be. The wind funneling in while the hot water caressed our bodies. And of course, sex against the stall. I adjusted my bathing suit, trying to ignore the twitching below. I hadn’t been this invigorated since I was a teenager.
“Can you just hold me for a few minutes?” She rested her head on my chest. “Your heart is beating fast.”
“Is it?” I kissed her head as I held her close. “You get me excited. It takes a while to settle down after we’re together. I’m always anticipating the next time.”
“You won’t have to wait long.” She ran her hand over my budding erection. “Once is never enough with us.”
“Are you enjoying your day?” I’d do anything to keep that smile on her face.
“It’s one of the best days of my life.” She placed her palm on my heart. “I swam in a beautiful pool, drank fruity concoctions all day and spent it with my favorite person.”
“I’m your favorite person?”
“Do you really have to ask?” She giggled. “Yes, you’re my favorite person.”
Adorable.
“Why wouldn’t you be?”
“You do know most people don’t like me. I’ve been called smug, arrogant, ruthless, a tyrant by my own employees.”
“It’s a good thing I’m not an employee.” She kissed me. “You do what you have to do to run a successful business but I’m learning who you really are.”
“Are you?” Was that a good thing? “I’m not sure I want you to know the real me. I like being the me I am with you. I’ve never been happier.” I trailed my fingers along her throat and over her collarbone. “By the way, you happen to be my favorite person too.”
“I hope so.”
“I’m serious.” I tangled the ends of her hair around my fingers. “I’ve never been this happy.”
“Remember the note you wrote when you sent me those roses?” she asked.
“This is just the
beginning?”
“Exactly.”
Chapter Thirteen
Jameson
“Are you kidding me?” I reread the file Miles had handed me. “How did he manage to keep this buried?”
“I guess we didn’t dig deep enough because Conrad was a favor to Dad,” Miles said, trying to explain how we missed a potential scandal. “He obviously didn’t want anyone to know about this.”
“Would you?” I looked up at my brother. “We’re lucky you came across this.”
“If I hadn’t heard some people in his hometown gossiping, I wouldn’t have known where to look. Meg did all the heavy lifting. The woman needs a raise. This shit was buried deep but she uncovered it.”
“Favor to dad or not, this information changes things.” I closed the file. “We can’t represent him. I can spin many stories. I’ve molded some shady characters into political candidates but this.” I shook my head because even I knew my limits. I already didn’t like the guy, so it wouldn’t take much for me to dump him. “I can’t do this.”
“Who could?” Miles took a seat. “Are you going to tell Dad what we found?”
“We’re not going to tell anyone what we found. We’re going to drop Conrad. I’ll tell him he doesn’t have what it takes to work in this town. I’ll allude to the fact that there are issues in his past that I’m not comfortable with.”
“You think that will do it?”
“If he’s smart.” He wasn’t. “He’ll back off. He doesn’t have the skin for what comes next. We don’t have the time to ward off what will happen if the press gets a hold of this. He can be someone else’s problem if that happens.” I tossed the file aside. “It’s in his contract. We can drop him. I never thought he was going to get very far. I’m not wasting any more energy. There are other people who will be much more successful. That’s who we should be concentrating on.”