by Autumn Reed
“You really only have one question you need to answer—are we worth it? Yes or no. That’s it.”
“It’s not nearly as simple as you make it sound.”
“The question is simple. I never said the answer was.”
Were Jackson, Chase, Liam, Knox, and Theo worth it? My heart said yes, but I needed more time to allow my brain to catch up. I was risking a lot, we all were, by continuing our scandalous relationship. I had to be certain.
“Can we go to bed?” I heard the suggestion in my words, and I didn’t even care if he mistook them for a come on. This would be our first night together in his bed, and it felt like I’d been waiting too long already.
“I thought you’d never ask.” He lifted my legs off his lap and stood. “Come on, Penny. You’re sleeping in the study tonight.”
While Jackson took care of Penny, I wandered into the guest bathroom to complete my nightly routine. I smiled again at the large bag of products and noticed a new hair dryer and brush on the counter, both identical to mine at the loft.
Instead of the pajama pants and tank I’d found the last time I stayed over, a lace-trim satin slip hung on the hook. Without hesitation, I stripped out of my clothes and pulled it over my head. The plum-colored, silky fabric felt cool against my skin and clung to my curves in all the right places. It was sexy without being revealing, and I liked how I felt in it. More mature. Confident, even.
I headed upstairs, surprised by the flutter of excitement without the nerves. Whatever happened or didn’t happen between us tonight, I wasn’t worried about it. I was happy to just be with him.
Jackson rested against the headboard with his legs crossed in front of him, wearing only boxers. His eyes scanned my body, then repeated the action. My skin burned under his intense gaze, even as a shiver ran up my spine. He was almost too much, too alluring, and my breath hitched.
He smiled like a jaguar who’d caught his prey. “I’m pleased to see you found my gift.”
“Should I expect new, and increasingly skimpier, nightwear each time I stay over?”
“If you’ll wear it, then absolutely.”
“Seems rather extravagant. I would have been fine in the pajamas from last time.”
“Those were ideal for when you slept with Knox downstairs. There’s no way I would have been able to sleep while knowing you were wearing this. Thankfully, I’d already purchased several options.”
He crooked a finger, beckoning me to join him. I hesitated for only a second before striding toward him. “Rather presumptuous of you.”
“I hear confidence is sexy in a man.”
“What about in a woman?” With finesse I didn’t know I possessed, I climbed onto the bed and straddled him in one fluid motion.
He groaned and immediately reached for my hips, massaging my skin through my slip. “Yeah, it’s definitely sexy in a woman too.”
Though we’d shared fleeting moments together, none had been like this. We were so close that when I inhaled, my breasts brushed against his chest. The thin layers of fabric between us didn’t seem to matter, because I felt him everywhere.
Jackson’s lips grazed mine, and I wrapped my arms around his neck, threading my fingers through his hair. When I felt goosebumps along his skin, I finally relaxed, realizing he was just as affected as me. I reveled in the softness of his curls and the strength emanating from him while he explored my mouth slowly, passionately, his kiss a promise of what we could share.
His hands drifted down my thighs and toyed with the hem of my slip, then slid beneath it. He skirted the edges of my boyshorts before gliding up and along my back. Rough fingertips skimmed the sides of my breasts, every stroke of his fingers telegraphing his adoration. I sank down until his erection pressed into me, and he caught my groan in his mouth.
Our connection deepened, our kisses frenzied as we tasted and relished and teased each other. Every caress sent a jolt of need through my body, and I struggled to maintain control.
Just when I thought he was finally going to make the next move, he released my lips and rested his forehead against mine. “Tell me you can imagine us together like this,” he panted. Jackson pulled back enough for me to see his intense expression. “It doesn’t have to be every night. I don’t need to be your only one. I just need to know you’re mine.”
I let out a breath, embracing the words I hadn’t realized I needed to hear. He was telling me I could have this—him—whenever I wanted, as long as I was brave enough to accept. Even though my skepticism remained, unloading my fears on him and seeing, feeling, his certainty had lessened its power.
“Yes, Jax, I can imagine it.”
8
Off the Market
Haley
“Haley, Liam, so glad you could both make it.” Patrick leaned in to hug each of us.
He looked sharp in his charcoal suit and cranberry-colored tie, his attire befitting the host of a glamorous holiday party. Clearly at ease in the luxurious surrounds of The Capital Club, I could see why he'd chosen to relocate the annual Zenith event from his home. Not only was it a more convenient location, it boasted stunning views of downtown San Jose that rivaled the ones from Liam's penthouse.
“Listen, there's something,” he started to say, but was interrupted by a woman's voice calling Liam's name. I recognized her as Patrick's executive assistant, Doris.
During my stint as an administrative assistant, I'd interacted with her on a number of occasions and knew she was Patrick's right-hand woman. Beyond her efficient and professional demeanor, I didn't know much about her. And, now, she was charging toward us dressed in a tweed skirt suit with a snowflake brooch on the lapel, her gray hair coiffed into a sophisticated bun.
“Liam Carlyle,” she chastised, shaking a finger in his direction.
“Hello, Doris.” He brought the back of her hand to his mouth for a kiss. “You look ravishing.”
She narrowed her eyes at him, seemingly unaffected. Interesting. Most people, when faced with Liam's looks, accent, and charisma, fell at his feet.
“I find it amusing that after all these years, you still think you can distract me with your charm.” I laughed to myself, surprised by this unexpected side of Doris. She marched on, undeterred by Liam’s flattery. “Guess what, or rather who, I saw in the most recent edition of the Silicon Savvy?”
“Patrick,” Liam said, turning to him, “you didn't tell me you were named Silicon Valley's Man of the Year a second time.”
I kept one ear on the conversation while eagerly accepting a stuffed mushroom from a passing waiter. Since Liam had insisted on accompanying Patrick for the menu sampling, he'd given me a head's up on all of tonight’s delectable options. I couldn't wait to try the dessert, especially the mini chocolate gingerbread Bundt cakes.
“Fortunately, not. You wouldn't believe the offers I got after that article.” He shuddered.
Liam chuckled. “Oh, I'm sure I can imagine.”
“Gentlemen,” Doris interrupted with the severity of a school headmistress. “Back to the matter at hand. Zenith's hottest new couple was featured in the About Town section.”
I shot Liam a wary glance as Doris swiped at her phone and held the screen out for inspection. It displayed a photo of us taken in the lobby of the California Theater the night we attended the opera. The photographer had captured an intimate moment when Liam pulled me close and whispered something in my ear. It was by no means scandalous, but the caption below the image read, “Is Liam Carlyle, one of Silicon Valley's most eligible bachelors, finally off the market?”
“So, is it true?”
Patrick's expression was apologetic, and I now realized that he'd been trying to warn us before Doris's ambush. How had I not realized this would come up? Every time I encountered other Zenith employees in a social setting, the question of which member of Team Jaguar I was dating inevitably arose.
“If the Silicon Savvy reports it, it must be true,” Liam answered in a flippant tone.
Instead of the
scowl I expected, Doris clapped her hands together with unrestrained glee. “Finally! I've been waiting for Liam to find the perfect girl, and I'm so glad it's you, Haley.”
I forced a smile, sensing there was no use denying it. “Um, thank you.”
Patrick excused himself to mingle with other guests, and I saw Knox and Jackson standing off to the side, holding tumblers of amber-colored liquid. How much of the conversation had they overheard? Enough, if the smirk on Jackson's face was anything to go by.
Doris leaned in, lowering her voice as if we were co-conspirators. “Liam thinks he can fool me, but he forgets that I've known him since he was a surly adolescent.”
My earlier dread faded, replaced by a sense of amusement. “I'm sure you have some interesting stories to tell.”
“You have no idea, my dear.”
“Doris, you minx,” Liam teased, wrapping his arm around my waist and pulling me close to place a kiss in my hair.
I tensed briefly before relaxing into his embrace. I didn't want the other guys to feel slighted by this new development. While they had agreed that I would attend work functions on Liam's arm, appearing at an event as his date was different than being referred to as his girlfriend.
“I'll leave you two lovebirds to enjoy the party.” She sauntered off, clearly pleased with herself.
“There's the happy couple now,” Jackson teased as he and Knox neared.
They both looked incredible, and I had to remind myself that they were completely off limits. So, when Liam released me to snag a champagne flute, I focused my attention on our surroundings. Guests clustered around the high tables scattered throughout the room, sipping drinks and talking. Holiday music played in the background and large Christmas trees dotted the walls, casting a warm glow on the dimly-lit room.
My resolve weakened, and I couldn’t resist taking a moment to soak in the image of my boyfriends. From Liam's double-breasted jacket and tie to Knox's traditional black suit paired with a white shirt unbuttoned at the collar, they looked amazing. And, they were all mine, even if no one else knew.
Jackson leaned close, speaking in my ear. “You look stunning, but I’d rather see that dress on my bedroom floor.”
I stared at my strappy gold shoes, even as awareness swept up the back of my neck and over my face from his intense gaze. “Are you trying to torture me?” I asked, still not daring to meet his eyes.
“I could ask you the same question.” He moved away suddenly, jumping into Liam’s and Knox’s debate over college football teams.
I excused myself to the restroom before I could do something stupid, like kiss Jackson under the watchful eyes of the entire office. I'd already given the Zenith rumor mill enough fodder for the evening.
Emerging from the stall, I discovered Kara and Megan reapplying their lipsticks in front of the mirror. I hadn’t seen Megan since Tyler introduced her as his girlfriend at Theo’s birthday party. Even though we hadn’t spent much time together, she seemed nice.
“Haley!” Kara's cheeks were bright, and she pulled me in for a hug.
“I take it you’re not the designated driver tonight?” I smirked, sensing that she’d already imbibed a number of free drinks.
“Nope.” She smacked her lips with a pop.
“Hi, Megan. How have you been?”
“Busy, but good. You?”
“Same. I love your lipstick.”
“Thanks.” Megan smiled, glancing between Kara and me. “Did you guys plan to match?”
I looked down at my dress and over at Kara's and laughed. We both wore fitted emerald green dresses, but Kara's sheath had a subtle paisley pattern that coordinated with her black pumps. Mine was a wrap dress that gathered at the waist and draped over my hips. Her hair was smooth and down, and I'd pinned my waves away from my face with a sparkly clip. Close enough, at least from a distance.
“No, but we definitely need a picture,” I said.
“Let's take it in the photo booth!” Megan bounced on her toes as we exited the restroom.
“There's a photo booth?” I asked.
“Yeah, it's in a room off to the side of the bar. You should grab Liam. I hear there's mistletoe.” Kara winked.
“Word gets around fast,” I muttered darkly.
“Liam? Was he at the jazz club for Theo's birthday?” Megan piped in, oblivious to my displeasure.
I shook my head. “He was out of town.”
“Let me guess . . . on assignment. Tyler and I have been dating for six months, and in that time, he's missed my birthday, our four-month anniversary, and Halloween.”
Four-month anniversary? Did people celebrate that type of thing? Suddenly feeling like a terrible girlfriend, I wondered what day our anniversary fell on. Was it the day I'd come home to Santa Cruz, or did it commence with my first date? Would I share the same anniversary with all of the guys, or would we each have our own special day? If it was the latter, I'd be celebrating for almost an entire week each month. The idea made me laugh to myself.
After a stop at the bar, we reached the unoccupied “photo booth.” I surveyed the setup, realizing it was nothing more than a tablet with a printer off to the side. Megan grabbed a top hat from the table of holiday-themed props and placed it on her head. Kara tried on a pair of elf ears, and I found a hat garnished with a tinsel Christmas tree.
Tyler, Logan, and Chase strode into the room and grinned when they spotted us. Chase looked especially handsome in a dark gray suit paired with a pale blue shirt that matched his eyes. I hated not being able to touch him in public, our interaction limited to stolen glances and unspoken desire that belied the depth of my feelings for him.
“That must be Liam,” Megan said, and I looked around before realizing she was referring to Chase. Kara snorted into her glass, and I glared at her.
“Actually, that's Chase. He's a member of Team Jaguar, and he was also not at Theo's birthday,” I clarified.
“Oh, my bad,” Megan said. “I just assumed from the way he was looking at you.” She waved her hands before her, seeming flustered. “Sorry, forget I said anything. I have a bad habit of speaking without thinking first. And I may have had a little too much to drink,” she rambled.
I laughed nervously, relieved when I spotted Liam leaning against the doorframe, drink in hand. His eyes never left me, making me feel naked beneath his searing gaze.
“Liam's the smoldering sex god hovering in the doorway,” Kara offered.
I was going to kill her. “Sex god?” I mouthed, and she merely shrugged.
Megan shook her head in disbelief. “Zenith sure knows how to pick ’em.”
Once we'd taken our photos and collected the prints, Chase and Liam joined me while Logan hovered near Kara. Tyler introduced Megan to Liam and Chase before she dragged him over to the photo booth.
The five of us watched on as they laughed and flirted, kissing and hamming it up for the camera. They were adorable together, and it almost made me wish my love life was that simple. Almost.
“Your turn,” Megan directed at me. “You and Liam should go now, before it gets crowded.”
Tyler's raised eyebrow didn't escape my notice, but I was thankful for the lack of comment on my relationship status. As recently as October, he'd suspected that I was dating Theo, even though I'd never confirmed it.
“Come on, gorgeous.”
Standing at the prop table, Liam's arm brushed against mine. “I'm sorry about Doris. She's always had a soft spot for me, and she was excited.”
“It's not your fault she blindsided us. I didn't realize you two were close.” I considered grabbing a red arrow with “Naughty” printed on it before ultimately selecting oversized glasses.
With a line starting to form, we took our places and started the photo booth countdown. Liam slid his arm around my waist, and I smiled at our image on the screen. Between my ridiculous glasses and his red feather boa, we were quite the pair. Liam tickled my side, and the camera caught me mid-laugh as I tried to ignore the onlookers.
For the next shot, I stuck out my tongue. Somehow, even with his eyes crossed, Liam was still adorably charming. The third countdown began, and he looped his boa around my neck, looking me in the eye as he gently tugged me toward him. His heated gaze was full of promise, and everything and everyone around us faded into the background.
“You, my love, are breathtaking,” he said moments before capturing my lips with his. This kiss left nothing unsaid, clearly declaring that I was his and he was mine.
The sound of whistles and hoots broke through my Liam-induced haze, and I squinted through one eye to see that everyone was looking at us, cheering for us. My cheeks burned, and although I wanted to bury my head in his chest, I refused to cower. I peeked at Chase, relieved that he was smiling and talking with Logan as if nothing was out of the ordinary.
Still unsteady from that kiss and the attention, I rushed to grab our pictures from the printer. As I placed them in my clutch, I spotted Vanessa—the beautiful blonde who’d been after Liam for as long as I’d known him—standing in line for the photo booth with the other girls from her team. She openly assessed me before turning back to her friends, laughing loudly at something one of them said.
Apparently, not much had changed since I accidentally bumped into her when I first started my assistant job at Zenith. She’d been rude to me then, and she wasn’t any friendlier now. After tonight, I just hoped she’d be able to move on from Liam once and for all.
“Let's check out the balcony.” Liam offered his arm, and I eagerly accepted.
We threaded our way through the crowd, escaping to the large patio. Lined with outdoor heaters, the space was warm, intimate even, despite being exposed to the cool night air. He led me to a group of chairs clustered around a fire pit sunken into a coffee table.
“Are you warm enough?” He crossed one leg over his knee, leaning back and resting his arm on the loveseat behind me.
“Very. All I need is a marshmallow to roast.” I stared into the flames, reminiscing about all the years my dad and I had gone camping for Christmas.
