by Cam Johns
"Okay Jackson…just tonight." I turn so he can put it on, before slipping my shoes on. "Are we pleased now?"
"Very baby." He grabs my hand and leads me to the full length mirror at his front door and stands behind me. "See...you look elegant." I smile up at him through the mirror. I turn to hug him and he lifts me off the floor.
"Thank you, Jackson."
"You’re welcome…let's go."
We arrive at the Hyatt shortly after we leave. There is a crowd of people at its exterior, paparazzi everywhere. "Wow, I didn't realize this was such a big deal." I whisper, looking at Jackson nervously. He looks down at me lifting my chin.
"Don't worry, you'll be great." He steps out of the limo when the driver opens the door and reaches for my hand. As I step out, cameras are already flashing. I just want to get in as quickly as possible, but a reporter stops us of course.
"Mr. Turner, how much would you like to raise for your charity this evening?” His charity?
"As much as possible, Jessica. We've been doing this a long time and I'm always humbled by the many donations we still receive.”
"And who is this beautiful young lady, Mr. Turner?" She asks gesturing toward me. Oh God. He pulls me in close.
"This is Karisma Washington our new Vice Chairman."
"Wow, so young...congratulations Miss Washington. How do you like working for such a strong empire?" She asks, shoving the microphone in my face.
“I just feel blessed to have the opportunity to make change." I look up at Jackson. "There's no place I'd rather be." Jackson smiles at me, blushing at my admission.
"Thank you Miss Washington. Mr. Turner."
"No problem, Jessica."
He grabs my hand and leads me to the backdrop everyone stops at to take a photo. He pulls me into him once again and there they go, snapping away. The flashes are almost blinding. He grabs my hand again and leads me into the hotel. I'm so glad that's over. I've been here with my parents for another benefit before, but I'm actually happy to be here with Jackson. Once inside he takes me over to the bar, getting me a glass of champagne. "Here, you'll need this dealing with some of these people. As I'm sure you already know." He smiles at me. I take it he knows my mother is loaded. "Yes, I know about your family."
"Of course you do. I'm sure your brother investigated me."
"That he did." We both laugh.
"Okay, you ready?" He holds out his arm.
"Ready." I say taking it.
For the first hour or so we work the room with him introducing me to everyone. Eventually, he is taken away and I am left alone to talk to others. It was actually quite easy, considering there are a few familiar faces here. Every once in a while I see Jackson staring, looking at me with those fuck me blue eyes. Soon, I'm talked out and retreat to the bar for another glass.
"Miss Washington." The voice is familiar, but I can't place it. I turn to face him.
"Mr. Dean. How are you this evening? You must be having a decent day today with your ankle."
"I'm okay, I have my cane." He says showing it to me.
"I see. So, I take it you're familiar with Jackson's charity."
"Absolutely. It's just good business."
"You come alone?"
"No, my brother is here." He points over to a tall, white haired gentleman. I can only see the back of him. "You look beautiful tonight."
"Thank you." I say blushing. "So... you're ready for your appointment Monday?" I say, desperate to change the subject.
"Yes, you and Matthew will have me ready in no time."
"Well, I've been promoted, so someone else will be overseeing your treatment now." He looks slightly agitated, making me uncomfortable.
"Really?"
"Yes, I'm on the top floor now."
"Corporate?" He stares, making me instantly regret telling him what floor I was on. Jackson comes and stands next to me in his intimidation stance.
"Everything okay here?" He asks assertively but only staring at Colton.
"Yes, Mr. Turner. I'm actually one of Miss Washington's clients," he extends his hand, "Colton Dean." Jackson reluctantly shakes his hand.
"Nice to meet you Mr. Dean. I hope you'll continue to use our services even though you will no longer be seeing Miss Washington." He says making sure to reiterate he will not be seeing me.
"Yes…of course."
"Okay, it's time to take our seats. Nice meeting you Mr. Dean." He cordially smiles, grabs my hand and takes me to our table. He pulls out my seat to sit before sitting beside me. Alyssa, Jonathan, Mrs. Weinstein and her husband join us. "Why’d you look nervous talking to that guy?" He leans over to ask me.
"I don't know. It was something about him that made me uncomfortable." He stares at me for a second.
"Excuse me a moment. Jonathan." He and Jonathan get up from the table to have a sidebar.
"What's going on?" Alyssa asks.
"I don't know." Jonathan takes out his phone while Jackson returns to the table.
"What's going on?"
"Nothing baby, I just want to have that guy checked out."
Oh, my overprotective Jackson. "I'm sorry, I could be over exaggerating."
"Don't worry about it. Let's enjoy the rest of the evening." He kisses my knuckles.
Once everyone sits, waiting for dinner to be served. After an hour of eating and speakers taking the stage, Jackson is introduced to the crowd as the final speaker. Everyone, including me, stands and applauds him as he takes the podium.
"Thank you all for coming. It's always a pleasure to see so many of my friends anxious to open their wallets to me. It’s a wonderful thing." Everyone laughs. "Your generosity is overwhelming. Where's my brother?" Jonathan stands. "Get up here bro." Everyone applauds as he goes to hug Jackson before he continues, with Jonathan at his side. "As all of you know, my brother and I were adopted at a very young age by a gracious family. It was our adoptive mother that taught us the true meaning of love, family and patience before she died. My brother and I weren't always as well behaved as we are today, after all. The Healing House is what she called our home. It was a sanctuary for my brother and me. With this charity, we hope to give other foster children and their families the same opportunities. Even though we didn't grow up with money, we were rich with love and a dedicated family. Therefore, we believe every foster child deserves that same devotion. Thank you all.
He hugs his brother again as everyone applauds, not a dry eye in the place...not even mine. I wipe the tears from my eyes as Jackson comes to my side. When he sees me he embraces me.
"Don't tear up baby." He pulls me away at arm’s length. "Are you okay?"
"Yes, I'm good." Is it possible for me to want him even more? Jonathan comes over and pushes Jackson to the side.
"My turn." He gives me a big hug, shockingly. Oh wow, this is different. This is the first time I've seen him let his guard down. "I'm so happy you're in Jackson's life...between me and you." He backs up and gives me a kiss on the cheek. The music starts to play and everyone goes to the dance floor. Jackson pushes his brother back out of the way.
"May I have this dance?" Jackson asks holding out his hand.
"Yes, you may, handsome." He pulls me into him looking down at me. I think he likes doing that.
"I hope you're coming back to my place tonight."
"We'll see."
"I'll take that."
He pulls me to the dance floor, shaking peoples' hands on the way. I see other women swoon at him as he passes by. Bitches. When did I become so possessive? Once on the floor he pulls me close, holding up one of my hands to the side and wrapping my other hand around his back. He begins to sway to the jazz that the band and the Sade wannabe singer is filling the hall with. He glides across the floor with me effortlessly, never looking away.
"You dance very well, Mr. Turner."
"Why thank you Miss Washington. This is definitely more my speed."
"Yes, I can tell."
"Was I that bad?"
"Not at
all." He smiles, pulling me in tightly.
"May I cut in?" A tall gray haired man asks. Before Jackson turns around he looks pleasingly annoyed. Weird.
"Pops, you made it." He says hugging his father, patting him on the back.
"I got here in time for your speech. Couldn't have done it better myself."
"Thanks Dad. Robert this is Miss Karisma Washington, Karisma my father Robert Turner."
"Nice to meet you, Robert." I say shaking his hand.
"Yes, I finally get to meet Karisma." Jackson smiles nervously.
"I see Jackson has been talking about me."
"Only good things. How about a dance?" Robert asks.
"Sure." I look up at Jackson as if I'm asking for permission.
"Okay, I guess." Jackson says reluctantly. He backs off the floor, blowing me a kiss and goes to talk to other guests.
"So, Karisma how do you like working for my son?"
"I love it there. I’ve made some good friends."
"That's good to hear. You know he really likes you."
"Yes I know…I feel the same."
"Well that's good to know. I've never heard him speak about anyone at all, let alone so highly." I blush at the compliment.
"Does he? I'd like to know more about him."
"Jackson definitely took it the hardest when his mother passed…he may have done things he regrets. When he’s ready, he’ll talk to you about it." I smile at him, anxiously anticipating learning more about Jackson. From what his father is saying, however, it seems that will be an uphill battle.
"Okay, long enough." Jackson says patting his father's back.
"Hope to see you soon, Karisma."
"And you as well, Robert." He hugs Jackson and walks off the floor to talk with Jonathan.
"Okay, no more interruptions, Miss Washington." I giggle as he pulls me in close.
"So, who else did you tell about me?"
"Anyone that would listen." he says smiling. We dance, enjoying only each other, until the end of the night. About ten, before everyone starts to leave, Jonathan takes the podium.
"Excuse me everyone." He taps the mic and everyone turns their attention to him. "Thank you all for coming out and for your generous donations. Tonight we have raised five hundred thousand in proceeds for our Healing House Charities!" Everyone erupts in applause and cheers. It's so exciting, that's great! I hug Jackson ecstatic about the good news. "Everyone get home safely and see you next year."
"Okay babe, you ready to go?" He says sliding his hand down my face.
"Yes, I'm ready to go…to your place." His eyes widen happily. He grabs my hand and hurries toward the exit before I change my mind.
On the way out we say good night to his father, Mrs. Weinstein and her husband. Hugging Weinstein I spot Mr. Dean eyeing me with a stealth stare. As if he’s a lion and I’m his prey. I could be reading too much into this, so I choose not to say anything to Jackson. Besides, if Jonathan finds anything on him I’m sure they’ll take care of it.
Riding to Jackson's, everyone is visibly exhausted. I laid on Jackson's chest for most of the journey, fighting to keep my eyes open, taking in that Jackson smell. Once we arrive, Jonathan pulls Jackson aside for some secret discussion so I walk with Alyssa to Jonathan's white Ferrari.
"So, did you enjoy your first benefit?" She asks.
"Yes, it was nice. Jackson made sure I was comfortable...as usual."
"So about that…are you two together now?"
"No…everything fell apart with Kevin hours ago. He wants to take things slow and I agree...for now anyway." We both giggle.
"Ummhmm, y'all gonna get it in soon...trust. You couldn't even keep your hands off each other tonight."
"Yeah, it's tough…and intense, but it will only make it better if it does happen."
"What are you two cacklin' about?" Jonathan asks, putting his large arms around our shoulders. It's nice to see this side of him.
"I should be asking you that?" I ask smiling. Jackson comes over, removing Jonathan's arm from my shoulder.
"Don't worry about it." Jackson answers.
We say our good-byes and head inside the house. In the foyer, Jackson spins me then pulls me into him.
"You did so well Karisma. I was so proud of you."
"Thank you Jackson." I loved hearing him say that.
"You look beautiful too."
I blush. "Your speech was great by the way. It made me wanna learn so much more about you."
"Well you can ask me anything… just not right now. We should get some rest. Tomorrow is Saturday, we have all day," he says kissing me on the forehead. He turns on his security system and grabs my hand to head upstairs. "So are you sleeping in here or in my bed?" He asks, stopping at the extra room. I know if I sleep in the bed with him, I would want to do something.
"I'll sleep in here tonight." I say softly.
"Yeah, I don't think I can resist you either." He kisses my hand and waits for me to go in and closes the door.
I sit on the bed for a while, not believing that this is my life for the moment, and yet I'm happy about it. Who knew I could be this way without Kevin? I really wanted to believe he wouldn’t betray my trust again. However, I was messing around with Jackson, so I guess maybe I deserved it. Besides, his slip up was my way out. One thing is bothering me…how did Julia even know about Kevin? I begin to take off the expensive clothes and jewelry, laying them out carefully. I put on the T-shirt Jackson had given me earlier and get in the bed, turning off the lights. I finally relax and release the tension of the day. I exhaled and dozed off peacefully.
Chapter Eleven
I wake up warm and thirsty in the middle of the night. I decide to find the kitchen and get some water. When I open the door, I notice Jackson's door is open, so I try to walk softly. Luckily for me, when I walk downstairs, little motion lights escort me through the hall and into the kitchen. Even though my detective urge wants me to investigate his home, I’ll just wait for Jackson to show me around and not snoop. I grab a bottle of water from the fridge and tiptoe back upstairs to the room, leaving the door ajar, letting some air in. Not feeling quite as tired, I go on the balcony, leaning on the railing to take in the night sky. It smells like wet flowers and freshly cut grass…and like home.
"What are you doing up?" I hear Jackson behind me. I turn around and can't speak. Oh goodness…what is he trying to do to me? He is shirtless, showing off his perfect six pack abs and those muscular arms. He's wearing black silk pajama pants that fall slightly from his hips showing that perfect pelvis and his you know what. "Karisma, are you okay?"
"I'm fine…I got thirsty." I barely get, out holding up the water and looking everywhere but his face. He walks over to me, backing me against the railing as I finally look into his blues. He leans down putting his hands on the railing on either side of me. Shit. He smells scrumptious.
"If you keep looking at me like that, I'm gonna fuck you on this balcony." Oh goodness. He kisses me softly and grabs my hand, bringing me back into the bedroom. He pulls the cover back on the bed. "Lay down baby. I'm gonna close the balcony doors and turn the air on…okay?"
"Thanks."
He kisses me on the forehead. "I'll see you in the morning."
"Okay." He smiles and goes to his room. Oh, he's so perfect. Too perfect even. Tomorrow, I need to find out what's really going on. I fall asleep thinking of his chiseled physique and the day I indulge in Jackson Turner.
The next morning, I wake up, blinded by the sun beaming in the room. I sit up startled by the unfamiliar surroundings. Oh yes, Jackson. I smile, laying back down, remembering bedroom Jackson. Yummy. "Oh shit! Kevin!" I sit back up remembering I hadn’t even contacted him. He's probably freaking out, as he should be. I just don’t want him freaking out my mother too. I look around the room searching for my cell phone. "Damn, I must've left it at work." I have to at least call my mother.
I go in Jackson's room but he's not there. I look around his room, admiring the paintings on
the wall. His room is extremely oversized, large bed, couch with ottoman, and huge TV on the wall. Across from his bed are large double doors that are closed; I won't go in there. I walk over to the other side of the room and there's the bathroom, the tile on the floor is warm, huge walk in shower, the large step- down whirlpool tub is beautiful, his and her bowl sinks. "Wow." I whisper amazed. I walk downstairs to look for Jackson.
"Good morning, Miss Washington. I'm Mrs. Johnson, the housekeeper.” A small Spanish woman startles me.
"Oh goodness, I'm sorry. I didn’t know anyone else was here." I say embarrassed.
"It's okay," she smiles, "Mr. Turner is in the kitchen eating breakfast. Would you like anything?"
"Ummm...I'll have whatever Jackson's eating." I smile, tugging at Jackson's T-shirt as if I can make it grow.
"Follow me...I'll take you to him."
"Thank you."
I really wish he told me she was here. Once in the kitchen she points me to Jackson who is sitting in the breakfast nook reading the paper, already dressed in blue jeans and a button up shirt.
"Anything good?" I ask standing in front of him. He folds the paper on the table and pulls me onto his lap.
"Now there is." He kisses me softly.
"Good morning, handsome. How did you sleep?"
"It would've been better if you were beside me." Oh God, he smells so good. I smile and kiss him on the cheek.
"Here you go Miss Washington." Mrs. Johnson says, putting my fruit, toast and coffee on the table. I jump out of Jackson's lap as if I'm doing something forbidden. Jackson chuckles as I blush.
"Would you relax?"
"Don't laugh at me." I pout, sitting across from him.
He chuckles again. "Baby, we have to get you some clothes. You look hot in mine but you can’t wear that out or to work."
"Well I can go to my place and get some clothes after breakfast." He looks up at me, clearly frustrated about something. "What? What's that face about?" I ask confused.
"You're not going anywhere near that guy." He says this with authority, so matter of fact. I look up at him and decide not to tell him off for trying to boss me around.
