by Marika Ray
"I'm sorry, did I wake you up?" There. Normal conversation.
He smiled finally, gesturing me inside and staring down at me as I squeezed my way into his apartment. I tried not to touch any of that exposed skin as I slid by, knowing a single touch could start a riot in my body. I wasn't there for that, no matter the fact that I’d never seen that fine of a specimen up close before, and really, the occasion called for caressing and maybe even some stroking. I was only there to let him know about my change in plans as a courtesy among friends. Just friends.
"Had a crazy day at work today. Laid down to watch some TV. Next thing you know, you're knocking on my door with what smells like a hell of a lot better dinner than I had a few hours ago." He rifled through the bag, pulling out cartons as he moved to the small table set up against one wall, like my being there wasn't odd at all.
I spun around and took in his apartment, seeing that it was basically a studio with everything wide open. The kitchen flowed into the living room, which flowed into his bedroom. His white sheets were pulled back and rumpled, proving he'd rolled right out of bed to answer the door. Ripping my gaze away from the site of his warm bed, where his delicious body had laid just moments earlier, was a harder task than I'd ever admit. The apartment was clean but stark, without much in the way of decorations or sense of style.
"You planning on staring at my apartment all night or sitting down to eat with me?" Jax' smooth voice brought me back to the fact that I'd brought us dinner and my stomach was threatening to let out some cringe worthy growls if I didn't eat right away. I smiled, desperately trying to ignore the fact that he'd stretched out in a wooden chair, his body looking like it was on display for me.
I took the opposite chair, my lazy sprawl matching his but in complete opposition to how wound up I felt around him. "So. I have news." My stomach broke in with a growl to end all growls.
He lifted a thick eyebrow. "Wanna eat first before your stomach riots completely?"
My cheeks heated, even though I knew I had nothing to apologize for. I'd worked hard today and there just simply wasn't time to eat until now. I opened up a container and jammed a fork into it, not wasting another minute. If he didn't want to talk yet, fine by me.
He followed suit with a different container and we ate in friendly silence, switching dishes every now and again so we shared everything. He finally sat back and rubbed his washboard abs, like the amount of food he'd eaten would somehow erase his damn fine physique.
I shrugged and kept chowing down.
A few minutes later I had to admit defeat and set the carton down for the last time. I looked up and saw that Jax had been staring at me, a grin making him appear younger than his thirty-one years.
"What?"
"I like how you eat." He hurried on when I twisted up my face in confusion. "Most girls barely eat in front of guys, like they're too dainty to slam some food. You just go for it, and I like it."
I threw back my head and laughed, loving how he liked the very thing that always pissed off my dad. "I forget to eat sometimes when I have a bunch of things going on so when I do eat, I have to pack it in. I figure it evens out eventually."
His continued smile made me feel so good I found another reason to be happy with my change in plans. I wanted Jax to continue to smile at me like that. I wasn't sure when his happiness or approval began to mean something to me, but there it was.
"You wanted to talk to me about something?"
Standing up quickly, I took the cartons to the trash can in his kitchen. I wasn't sure what all I wanted to tell him, but now that I was here, I didn't want to bring him into all the drama that may happen with my father due to this change of mind. He just needed to know I wasn't going to pressure him any longer about the store.
I wasn't sure where that would leave things between us, but I hoped we could still see each other, even though our paths didn't have to cross any longer.
"Can we go outside?" I was wringing my hands, a tell-tale sign I needed to get outside the four walls. Like my voice wouldn’t work properly without pulling in fresh air. That never failed to calm me down and get me on the right path.
"Sure." Jax didn't even question it, just stood and held out his hand for me.
I put my hand in his, immediately feeling the callouses that said he wasn't an office worker like all my previous disastrous dates. He led me to the door and opened it for me, letting me walk out onto the patio in front of him. The door closed softly behind me as I took in the gentle lapping of the water right off the dock. The breeze was kicking up and it was getting colder, so I folded my arms across my body to conserve my body heat. I'd run out of the house with only a pair of shorts and a tank top on, not even thinking about grabbing a sweatshirt. I was in too much of a hurry to see Jax.
Warmth flanked my entire backside as Jax came up behind me, his arms holding me in place as they came around me. His hands grabbed the railing in front of me and I felt sheltered and not the least bit nervous anymore.
"Better?" he whispered in my ear, his breath fanning my neck and making me shiver.
I nodded, hoping his nearness indicated he felt the same about me as I felt for him. If I'd been the slightest bit unsure of my new plan, all that was swept away with the touch of his skin to mine. This was worth exploring.
Speaking into the breeze, I knew he'd hear me, pressed up against me as he was. "I've decided not to pursue purchasing The Surf Shack. Instead, I need your help in a different way."
The sounds of the night floated by, the revving of a boat engine somewhere in the harbor, the clink of silverware in someone's backyard as they ate a late meal. I tried to control my breathing as I waited for Jax to respond. I didn't know why I was so nervous, other than the fact that I really liked this man when I'd never felt that way before. He hadn't liked me at first, and I desperately wanted him to change his mind about me.
Finally, I saw his hand leave the railing, then felt my long hair being pushed to one side of my back, exposing the left side of my neck. His head dipped down and his lips brushed the curve of my shoulder where it met my neck. Shivers of a different kind took over my body at his touch.
"Just tell me what you need and I'll help you. But you better talk quick because after seeing that gorgeous ass of yours multiple times recently, I really must insist on finishing that kiss we started the other day before you ran away." His lips sketched across my exposed skin as he spoke, fueling my goose bumps.
My eyes widened and I went willingly when he spun me around to face him. I stared at him, his jaw locked tight, the bright blue of his eyes making me pause. If I didn't know better, I'd say he was almost angry.
"Thirty seconds, Sage."
My gaze flew back to his, realizing he wanted me to spit out my plan now, and knowing my brain wasn't going to be able to do it. I wasn't used to this level of intensity, having only dated preppy college boys and corporate stiffs who lacked flirting skills of any kind. Hell, I didn't think this was even flirting. Jax was flat out telling me what he wanted and that was hot.
"Later," I whispered as I lifted my arms and wrapped them around his neck. I had to lift up on my toes to even reach, but the moment Jax saw my intent, his hands grabbed my hips and lifted me up, slamming our bodies together. I wrapped my legs around his waist and just held on for dear life, unsure that this was really happening.
Jax pivoted and my back crashed into the wall of his apartment. I didn't have time to register pain before his lips slammed down on mine, swallowing my gasp of surprise. His warm tongue flicked across my lower lip, demanding entrance I was all too happy to give him. Hips pressed into my center the same time his tongue plunged into my mouth, tasting me. I groaned, too lost in the moment to worry about moving too far, too fast with him. He was all heat and solid muscle, consuming me as I was pinned helplessly to the wall.
I had no frame of reference for this kiss. It didn't even compare to any kiss I'd ever had. The kiss reverberated all the way down to my toes, my mind completely shutti
ng off and my senses taking over. Gripping his hair in both fists, I pulled him closer and ground my hips on his body, completely out of control.
"Do you need that?" Jax pulled a fraction of an inch away from my lips, his voice like tires over gravel.
I blinked, not comprehending what he was asking or why the hell he was coming up for air when I had every intention of never breathing again if only I could die kissing him.
With our bodies finally still, I felt a vibration coming from my backside. Realizing it was my cell phone in my back pocket, I dragged a hand out of his hair and reached around to silence it. No call could be worth pausing something that felt so good.
I glanced down to turn it off, seeing my father's face on the screen. I screwed my eyes shut tight, desperately trying not to let his intrusion douse this heat.
"It's okay if you need to talk to him, Sage." Jax let an inch of space come between us and helped me slide down his body. Feet firmly back on the ground, I nodded, knowing my father would just keep calling back, getting angrier each time I ignored his call.
I cleared my throat. "I actually do have to take this." I looked up at him, not able to hold back the proud smile at his mussed hair, knowing my hands had done that. He didn't look angry at all, I was relieved to see. Just hotter than hell in his plaid, flannel pants and ripped torso I'd had my legs around just moments earlier.
This was why I needed to be free of my father once and for all. I was not going to be turning thirty next year and still be dropping everything to take his call like a disobedient child. Mark my words.
"Hold that thought."
11
Jax
I kissed her forehead then backed away from Sage, physically sick about putting distance between us after that life altering kiss. If I was reading her right though, she needed some space to deal with her father.
Jogging through my house so I could get back to her quicker, I grabbed a shirt and tugged it on. My sweatshirt was lying on my dresser, so I picked that up and took it back out to the patio to give to Sage. I appreciated her lack of clothing very much, but I didn't want her getting cold out there without my body to keep her warm.
Jesus, that woman kissed like she ate. All gusto and enthusiasm, no hesitation or apology. I hadn't had a kiss that good since I was in high school and every kiss felt that amped up due to out of control testosterone levels instead of actual skill or chemistry. She'd just about climbed up my body trying to get close to me and didn't complain when I'd slammed her against the wall. I should have been more careful with her, and if she gave me the chance to kiss her again, I promised myself I would be.
I hung the sweatshirt over her shoulders and leaned back against the railing, seeing that her face was stony, all the heat from before replaced by an icy, cold anger.
"Father, you don't need to do that. What do you mean?" Sage began to pace the deck, her voice firm but with an evident shakiness.
I frowned, listening closely but not able to make out what her father was saying back to her. This guy sounded like he was a hard ass, completely oblivious to the stunning, dynamic woman his daughter had become. I didn't like him already.
Without another word, she hung up and closed her eyes on a deep sigh.
"That went well, huh?" Maybe she'd talk to me about it.
She walked back to me, putting my sweatshirt on, even though it hung off of her and covered her hands. The sleeves were pushed up by shaky hands and then they were on my face, locking me in place, like I'd choose to be anywhere else but right in front of her.
"My father is flying out here tomorrow night. He doesn't trust me to handle things. That only gives me tomorrow to get started on my plan." She stopped and her eyes took on a determined gleam like I'd never seen before, instantly making me never want to be on this girl's bad side.
"I know we haven't had a lot of time to get to know each other, Jax, but do you trust me?" Her eyes softened, the iciness leaving, a raw pleading taking its place.
My hand moved to cup her jaw, my thumb tracing down her soft cheek. I should be running scared, wondering how I got in so deep with this woman so quickly, but my feet stayed where they were and I dug in even deeper. "Remarkably, I do. I trust you to do what you need to do. Just tell me how to help you and I'll be there for you."
Her eyes closed for a brief second and when they opened again, there was moisture there that wasn't before. A smile ghosted across her face before I leaned in and took those lips one more time, sealing the deal.
And then I did the hardest thing I'd had to do in a long time and I backed away.
"Go be badass, Sage. I've got your back." I gave her a smile to boost her confidence. To show her I was in this with her. To show her that this was just the start of an 'us'. To say what I couldn't yet with actual words.
Sleep didn't come for hours after Sage left. Different scenarios were running through my head, battling for top position. We'd discussed nothing. I had no idea what her plan was, or what she intended for her and I. We'd made no promises to each other, yet I felt like I'd do anything for her. Which should scare me, but didn't. I was completely convinced she was solid, that we were solid. Anyone else would laugh at my blind trust, but I pushed away the doubts and decided to just trust her.
But she wasn't the only one who had a plan. I had a plan now too. Which was why I was on the phone with Bailey, an old friend of mine. We'd dated a few times, but there was no chemistry. I had still been bent about the shit that went down with my ex-girlfriend and in no shape to take up a new relationship. Bailey was awesome, not blaming me for acting like an ass when I should have been focused on her during our dates. We'd stayed friends, which I appreciated since she was best friends with Esa, who was set to marry my boss, Ivan, in just a few months. I had no favor to call in, yet I was calling it in anyway.
"Well, well, well. If it isn't the gorgeous Jax Stern lighting up my phone. To what do I owe this honor?" Bailey's voice boomed out of my phone, her personality always seeming larger than life.
"Hey beautiful, you got a minute?"
"For you? Sure. What's happening?"
"I need you to dress me."
A pause. "Okay, so I know we dated way back when, but you know that ship has sailed, right?"
I laughed, realizing that had come out all wrong. "Sorry, yeah, I know. I meant, I need you to pick out an outfit for me. Money's tight but I'm willing to part with it to get some fancy clothes today. I need your eye."
"Phew! I was worried for a second. You betcha. I'll pull some items off the rack so you can get in and out quickly. How dressy are you looking to go?"
"Unfortunately, pretty fucking dressy."
I pulled at my collar, the expensive material sliding smoothly across my skin, like a silk cage designed to lull you into thinking you wanted to be there. This was not my usual environment, to put it mildly. Of course the bastard was on the penthouse level of the best hotel in Huntington Beach. Only the best would do, I suppose, when you were a real estate mogul moving properties and millions of dollars a year.
Just a few hours ago I'd spoken to his gatekeeper, finally granted access to a face-to-face with him when I told them I owned the property he was looking to buy. I'm sure he expected an easy negotiation. I was just a small town boy clinging to a failing rental shop. He probably thought he was doing me a favor by throwing money at me and bulldozing the shop my dad built with his own two hands.
This wasn't my arena, but this was my town. I had every right to be here. Every right to fight for my property. Every right to tell him what I came to say. Worst case scenario: he hated me. Best case: he tolerated me. Either way didn't really matter to me. I wasn't here for me, I was here for Sage.
The door swung open long moments after my loud knock. A young man, with black hair slicked back to perfection, stuck his hand out, trying to impress me with his grip strength. Unfortunately for him, I didn't sit around pushing paper all day. I actually worked for a living, which was clear by my firm grip and the callouses t
hat must have scraped his baby soft skin.
Arm wrestling match lost, he spun around and led me to a separate room with a long table set with eight glossy, dark wood dining chairs. He indicated I should sit, but I decided to stand, preferring to make this quick and to the point. The kid left with a shrug, off to call in Sage's father, I'm sure.
I didn't have to wait long. The door was pushed open and Mr. Vanderman bustled in, the kid in his wake, ready to do his bidding. Sage's father was older than I anticipated, his grey hair neatly trimmed, thin reading glasses perched on his nose, a sour expression carved into his hard face.
No wonder Sage's voice shook when she talked to him. There was nothing warm or kind or fatherly about this man that stood before me. A deep sense of gratitude for my own father rose up in my chest, nearly choking me.
"Mr. Stern." He inclined his head, reaching out to shake my hand.
"Mr. Vanderman." I shook his hand, relieved not to find myself in another strength battle.
He sat down at the head of the table, unbuttoning his suit jacket and settling in. I chose the seat off to the right of him and waited for him to launch into his deal, ignoring his lackey entirely.
Instead he set his papers down and just looked at me, perhaps cataloging all my features and making assumptions about me based on what he saw. And good luck to him because I could bet he had no idea what conversation we were about to have.
"My daughter has met with you already?" he finally asked.
I nodded. "Yes, she did. Almost had me convinced to sell when that's the last thing I want to do."
He harrumphed. "That's her job. Except she is supposed to get you to sell. Not almost."
The anger was already bubbling up in my chest at his condescending tone and his implication that Sage had somehow failed when he had no idea what was really going on here.
"Well, I'm not selling, because Sage understands something you fail to see." His eyes narrowed, clearly not liking my own tone. "The Surf Shack is a landmark of Huntington Beach, built by my father in the seventies by his own two hands." I paused. "Have you ever built something with your own two hands, Mr. Vanderman?"
