Anna and Jackson

by Tigris Eden

  “Why you all up in my space?” I ask, not even caring that I sound exasperated. My voice is breathless, and I can’t help but wipe my hand across my forehead. Shit. I’m a hot ass mess. This waiting is going to be the death of me. I’m tempted to say screw the pony lessons so Jackson can screw me.

  Jackson doesn’t comment. He doesn’t say shit. His grin is sly, devilish, and all-knowing as he places his hand high up on my thigh and squeezes. I actually have to hold back a moan so Ava doesn’t think I’m crazy.

  “Hands on the wheel, Sheriff.”

  He doesn’t move his hand.

  Nope. The beautiful and sexy bastard squeezes me. His hand relaxes, and then he squeezes my thigh again.

  “I’m an excellent driver,” Jackson says as he turns and winks in my direction. “I can go slow, or I can go fast, but at the end of the day, I know how to park this vehicle right where it needs to be.”

  Now he’s throwing in double meanings, and it’s taking forever to get to the stables. Right when I’m about to scream, he parks the truck, leans over, and kisses me soundly on the lips. Ava is in a fit of giggles from the back seat. She thinks it’s funny when Jackson kisses me.

  I melt.

  Yes. Melt.

  I’m a huge, sappy dork, and I don’t care that the feel of my man’s lips makes me shiver from head to toe. I can’t help it.

  “You ready, Ladybug,” Jackson asks. He’s not the least bit affected.

  Ava nods her head excitedly before clapping wildly.

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yes, Daddy. Yes!”

  Jackson looks over at me and winks again. He unbuckles his seat belt, jumps out of the truck, and walks to Ava’s side of the truck where he unbuckles her from her car seat. I do the same for myself, but wait a moment before actually stepping out of the vehicle.

  Think of anything other than sex.

  Starbursts. I see those when he makes me come.

  Groaning, I bow my head, close my eyes tightly, and pray for strength.

  Dear Lord, please give me the strength to maintain a sliver of composure. Don’t make me look desperate. I swear I’m not desperate, and above all, I know I shouldn’t be asking this, but please, please, please, make sure I get laid.

  “You should be ashamed of yourself. Asking the good Lord to ensure you get some tonight,” Jackson says, laughing.

  Oh my God.

  Did I say that out loud?

  I quickly change the subject.

  “We need a bigger vehicle.”

  “Uh, hun, you sure you don’t mean something else?”

  “No, stop trying to go there.”

  He’s laughing now, full-on belly laugh.

  “Darlin’, you were the one going there.” Shaking his head, he walks after Ava, who’s farther up the path, heading for the stables.

  We do need a family vehicle. I know people want to be alone when they’re newlyweds. I get the allure. Naked Sundays, blowjob Thursdays, and, of course, all-day-sex Saturday. Yeah, that’s how we’ll be, but with little Ava, we’ll have to mix it up and get creative. There’s no doubt in my mind that Jackson will get sole custody of Ava. Vivian will have supervised visits, but I am officially going to be someone’s mom. As scary as it all seems, I’m okay with it.

  None of this bothers me. I’ll have plenty of practice between my Godson and little Ava to perfect my nurturing skills.

  What does bother me is Ava, already five, with no little brother or sister to share her childhood with. She’ll have her cousin, but she needs more.

  “Baby, you coming?” Jackson whispers in my ear, his body crowding mine now as he places his hands around my waist. I must have slowed down as they walked ahead. I’m too busy thinking about what my future with him looks like. The nape of my neck tingles with awareness. Jackson’s punk ass is doing it on purpose. Baiting me, ramping up my horny meter to a level that’s so uncomfortable, I’m tempted to forget all pleasantries and take him right where I stand. An image of me riding him until I’m depleted of strength enters my mind, and I almost cave. Almost. Be classy, Anna. You got this.

  If Jackson wants to play this game, then I’m going to ensure that I’m the winner. I step out from under his arm and as I turn, I make sure to press my body close to his. My soft to his hard. I try to walk away, but am snagged around the waist by his strong grip, and he pulls me roughly against his front so that I can feel the evidence of his desire.

  “You’re playing with fire darlin’,” Jackson warns in his deep southern voice. It’s the sound he makes when I’m all he can see. All he has time for. Whoever said southern men were calm gentlemen got it ass backwards. He is anything but calm.

  “Why, I declare, Jackson Storme, the fire-breathing sheriff,” I say in my sweetest southern drawl.

  “Don’t sass me, Anna. This is a game you won’t win.”

  Now his voice is deeper, darker. I turn my head to look up into his eyes, and I swear they’re on fire. His eyes tell me all the ways he plans to use me tonight. My entire body lights up, and I can’t repress the shiver that rocks me straight to my core. I wink, kiss the underside of his scruffy jaw, and make my way towards Ava. Taking her hand, we make the walk the rest of the way to Knoll’s stables. Jackson’s mother, Corrine, suggested we take Ava for riding lessons, and said she’d just buy her the pony, but I promptly put a stop to that; not because I don’t want Ava to have a pony, but the upkeep alone would be outrageous, and although Jackson has the money, it isn’t necessary that he spend it. Not to mention, that’s how spoiled children are made. Ava needs to earn her pony, if that’s what she really wants. Too many times, I see parents push their children into things they wanted as kids. Jackson and I refuse to do that with Ava. We’ll let her tell us her passions in life, and see to it that she gets to explore them to the fullest. Right now, she’s into ponies.

  I’m wearing black leggings and a long, white tunic and sneakers. In my head I was trying to dress the part of stay-at-home mom. Isn’t that what they wear? Comfy clothes? Ava’s pulling me towards the dressing room so she can change into her riding gear. Gear that costs a fortune. There was a time when I was little that I dreamed of going to Knoll’s to learn to ride. A lot of the kids from school would talk about it, but because my mother couldn’t afford it, it wasn’t something I got to do. As soon as Ava’s dressed, I French braid her hair down the middle, help her with her boots, and send her on her way.

  “Ride well, Ladybug.”

  Ava turns and gives me a serious nod before taking off.

  There are six other little girls her age, all dressed and ready to go. They’re all so serious and attentive as they listen to their instructor. Jackson and I take a seat in the stands. He’s the only father there. The rest are nannies or mothers. Six months ago, if you’d told me I would be at Knoll’s, with Jackson Storme, watching my daughter take riding lessons, I would have shaken my head no at the impossibility of it all. But I am here with Jackson, and Ava is my daughter—or soon-to-be daughter. It’s all so surreal. I’m smiling. Cheesing it up as I realize this isn’t a dream. I’m going to be someone’s mother and someone’s wife.

  Oh my goodness.

  My man is loaded, and we’re taking our daughter to riding lessons.

  I snort, and one of the well-made-up moms turns to shush me, but spots Jackson and smiles bashfully. Jackson, the ever-southern gentleman, nods his head, and with his honey-coated voice rumbles, “Ma’am.”

  “Sheriff. I didn’t know your Ava would be riding.”

  “My mother suggested it.”

  “Corrine would know,” the woman spouts, still smiling.

  I feel invisible at this particular moment as little Miss I’m-Divorced-Cuz-My-Husband-Left-Me-For-His-Secretary swoons and engages only Jackson in conversation as if I’m not there. I get it. He’s hot, and he’s the sheriff—there’s something inherently sexy about a badge attached to a man. Control, and…manliness are what he exudes. He’s confident and cocky, but in a way that is still g
entlemanly. And he knows it. But I know she sees me, and I know she knows who I am. Because everyone—and I do mean everyone—in Beauville knows that Jackson and I are getting married.

  “Be a dear and fetch us something to drink would you?” She actually looks me directly in the eye as if I’m gonna do it, too.

  Oh hell, no. This broad is not looking at me like I’m gonna jump up and go fetch shit.

  I don’t acknowledge her. Jackson, on the other hand, gets tense.

  Oh, now the lightbulb goes off.

  I swear. Men can be so daft.

  “Gwen, this is my fiancée, Annabelle Macon. You guys were in the same graduating class. You remember her?”

  Gwen’s squinty eyes go wide as if she is just now realizing who I am. Yeah, bitch. You know me. She sits up straighter and has the nerve to try and look really confused.

  “Oh my God, is it really you? Hey, Annabelle. I hardly recognize you, did you put on some weight?”

  Lord. She’s testing my last nerve. I know I got the all clear today, but it’s a little too soon to go off on someone. I’m better than that. I’m not going to tear into her, but I want to. I want to so bad.

  “I may have, Gwen. Weight gain is attributed to happiness. You, on the other hand, are looking not so happy,” I retort.

  Jackson knows I’m irritated and stands. I think he’s moving, so I get up too, but he places a hand on my shoulder and takes the bleacher behind me, pulling me between the catch of his legs where he breathes against my ear. “You’re right babe, Gwen could definitely use a sandwich or two.” He says it loud enough for her to hear, and instead of her back talking, she huffs out a frustrated breath before turning back around and watching the girls ride.

  “Aren’t you just famous.” I snort.

  “Yeah, but I only got eyes for you, baby. Gwen’s just lonely.”

  “Not your problem, Jackson.”

  “You’re right, baby.”

  Damn right I am.

  Until Her: Chapter 12

  The ride home was taking too long. Anna had upped the ante. She was doing everything she could to twist Jackson up.

  It was working. He was good and twisted.

  He pulled his truck into Treat’s drive and wasted very little time getting Ava out of the cab. She’d fallen asleep on the way home. Joey had already agreed to watch her for the night. The sun was barely setting, and all he could think about was that he had the whole damn night to feast on Anna’s skin. He wasn’t allowing either of them time to come up for air.

  “Anna. Shower, dress, killer fuck-me shoes, and whatever shit goes underneath.”

  To that, she grinned, made a quick retreat up the staircase, and set about following his request. His body was strung too tightly, and he felt like he may actually fuck shit up—which he couldn’t allow to happen.

  Joey was in the kitchen making Ava’s chicken tenders.

  “Where’s your man?”

  His sister scrunched her face up. She only did that when she was pissed or upset.

  “William’s back in town.”

  That was all she had to say. Treat’s father was a giant dick. He also owned one of the largest corporations in the U.S.. Don’t get in the way, he reminded himself. Treat liked to handle his father on his own and wouldn’t want Jackson butting in.

  “We can stay home,” he offered.

  Damn, he was really looking forward to taking Anna out, but Joey was family, and if she needed him, he’d have her back.

  “It’s all good. William Cavanaugh doesn’t scare me.”

  “Glad to hear it. Treat was requested, or went on his own?”

  “A little of both, I think. Either way, I’m ready. You go out and show Anna a night she won’t forget.”

  He planned on showing Anna a hell of a lot more than the night. Jackson placed Ava on the couch and kissed her head before going back to his sister and tugging her into his arms for a hug.

  “Love you, Josephine.”

  “Love you, Jackson.”

  He’d made reservations at a Brazilian Steakhouse that served the best fucking steak. He’d just stepped out of the guest bathroom when he heard the music. If he had to put money on it—and win—he’d say Ava was up and acting crazy. He grinned to himself as he got dressed. He didn’t need to style his hair, but he made it look presentable. He completed the grey slacks and button-up shirt with a tie. He grabbed his phone, rounded the corner, and stopped. He wasn’t going to last the night. Annabelle was a vision.

  “Oh, how the mighty have fallen,” Joey teased.

  Jackson didn’t deny it. He’d fall again and again if he were walking up to the beauty standing in front of him. Anna had pinned her hair on top of her head. She was wearing a beautiful orange-red empire-waist dress that started off orange and slowly turned red until it rested in waves against her shoes. How the fuck did he know it was an empire-waist dress? Easy, his mother, his sister, and every other woman he’d ever dated would gush about how the dress accentuated their non-existent curves. Anna had curves going on for days. Ass, legs, voluptuous breasts, and her hips, her fucking hips were in every sonnet ever fucking written about women and their shapely figures. But what really drew him were her glossy lips, it was a mouth a man could nibble on and never tire of. She was gorgeous.

  Neither of them said a word. But words weren’t necessary. Their eyes spoke of their devotion to each other as they looked their fill. He’d been struck dumb. Speechless. His entire life flashed before his eyes in hyper-speed. The highlight reel. Their wedding. Their first baby, second, then third. Their home and all the laughter that would fill it. First days of school. Recitals. Football and baseball games. Graduations, college, grandkids. He saw it all, and all of it was with Anna.

  “Annabelle.” Damn, his voice sounded shredded. He was feeling entirely too much. He swallowed the sound jammed in his throat and stood straighter.

  “Jackson.” Her eyes were warm and reflected the kind of love he knew made him the luckiest bastard alive. The evidence of the slow simmer of her need had him taking a step closer. Her chest rose rapidly with each shallow breath she took as they eyed one another. She needed him just as much as he needed her. If not more.

  “You two are gonna make me sick with all your sweet. Go have dinner and enjoy each other. I’ll see y’all in the morning,” Joey said, breaking the spell. They needed to get moving. Jackson held out his hand, and Anna walked right to him. If he kissed her now, they’d never leave, and he needed to feed them both. They were going to need the fuel. He planned on keeping her up until morning, and time was wasting.

  “Be good for your Auntie Joey.”

  “I will, Daddy.”

  “Thanks for watching the ladybug.”

  “Don’t mention it. I plan on enlisting y’all soon, and activating the Godparent lifeline,” Joey said, patting her swollen belly.

  Jackson wasted no time getting them to their destination. The restaurant was packed, but because he’d called earlier in the day, they were seated a few minutes after they arrived. The waiter stopped by and asked for their drink orders, and Jackson told him they needed a few more minutes. They were cuddled up in a booth, sitting next to a fireplace and enjoying a secret conversation. Jackson wrapped his arm around Anna’s shoulder and pulled her closer.

  “One drink maximum. Want to fuck you sober. We’ll have plenty of time for drunk sex later,” he said against her lips.

  Anna’s hand crawled up his chest where she laid it over his heart, her eyes clear and free of any secrets. He saw his own version of heaven in her eyes. His future was sitting right next to him. Damn, she had him hooked. Whipped. Strung out like a goddamned junkie, jonesing for his next hit.

  “I don’t even need the first drink. We have plans to get me knocked up do we not?”

  “You really gonna put me on the spot? I can’t perform under your task master conditions,” Jackson joked. He lifted her chin and placed a light kiss on her lips. “We’re gonna make those babies, but I want you
tied to me first, baby.”

  “I’m in knots over you already, Jackson.”

  That’s what he wanted to hear.

  “Good. Tonight, if it happens, it happens, but you and Indi need to speed up the plans.”

  “How much speed are we talking?” she asked, serious.

  “No more than a month. Make it happen. I’ll pay for everyone’s tickets. People need passports? I’ll get those, too.”

  She wanted to argue, he could see it in her eyes, but when she opened her mouth to protest, he swooped in with a harsh kiss. When he pulled back, her eyes were glazed over.

  “I’ll tell Indi. Have them clear out their schedules. But I still don’t have a dress.”

  “Don’t give two shits about your dress. Show up in a bag. Don’t care. I’m marrying you in thirty days.”

  “Okay.”

  The waiter came back. Jackson ordered a beer, Anna got an ice tea. They both ordered the same steak. Jackson got two servings, and Anna one. She watched him wide-eyed.

  “Seriously, Jackson?”

  “Plan on making love to my woman all night, I ain’t fucking around.”

  “Well, alrighty then.”

  Jackson winked before nodding in her direction.

  “Gonna look at the plans for the new house tomorrow. You want to come?”

  “Can’t. Got a wedding to plan. I’ll go next time.”

  “Fair enough.”

  “Well, look who we have here,” a very annoying voice said.

  Vivian and Jackson’s mother had walked over to their booth. Why wasn’t he surprised? Jackson cursed beneath his breath and gently untangled himself from Anna before standing and greeting his mother and Vivian. Damn manners. It was ingrained in him.

  “Mother. Vivian.”

  “You gonna invite us to sit?” his mother asked.