Page 62 of Dangerous Pursuit

“Oh. My. God. That was…” She shakes her head, at a loss for words.

“Yeah…” I don’t have many words myself because she’s right. That was… something else. I crawl up and lie beside her, reluctant to leave her even though I should probably clean up.

“I mean, is that normal? Because if so, I’ve been missing out.” She’s so candid, I love it.

“Hell, Mia, that was the hottest thing in the world, and I didn’t even get my dick into you, so that’s saying something. You’re so damn responsive, that watching you gets me off. I came in my fucking pants, Mia. That’s never happened before.”

“Really?” she asks, shocked.

“Really,” I respond, and she beams. I think I just fell in love.

What the hell?

“And to think we’re just getting started.” She snuggles into me.

“You have no idea.”

ARE YOU MINE?

Mia

I’m staring out the window of my hotel room, too excited to sleep anymore, watching the sun rise over the mountains of Montana, sipping my coffee. This is insane. I can’t believe I’m in another state after flying for the first time yesterday. Not only that, but I’m here with my boyfriend.

The only problem is that we’re in separate rooms, but he insisted, saying he wanted me to have my own space so I didn’t feel pressured. He must’ve missed the memo when I said I was ready. It’s time to be more persuasive. That’s my plan when we come back to the hotel tonight because I’m tired of waiting.

He ended up taking me home on my birthday two nights ago, worried what my mom would think if I stayed over. Which I think is funny, considering she knew we were taking this business trip together, but whatever. He’s trying to be considerate, and it’s sweet, but it’s also why I didn’t want him toknow about my virgin status. I want the real Jackson, and after that first incredible night, I want him now.

In hindsight, going home did give me time to process everything. It’s certainly been eventful. Having Jackson go from the bosshole from hell to my knight in shining armor to my boyfriend is a lot to wrap my head around. But even my mom has noticed that I’m happier than I’ve been in a long time, and that speaks volumes considering the stress I’ve been under. The debt hanging over my head has been rough, although it does seem to be going smoother lately.

I did two online tournaments earlier this week, and they seem to be appeased by the money I’ve paid so far. We made an arrangement to put an envelope of cash behind the bushes for them to pick up. It’s been refreshing not to worry about them showing up with this new system. They didn’t text me about any tournaments this weekend, so I’m in the clear, and I didn’t have to leave my mom vulnerable by saying anything about being gone. It worked out perfectly. I still have a long way to go, but it’s manageable. Plus, Jackson has backed off trying to figure out what’s going on, and if I can maintain this steady pace of payback, I’ll be able to coast through. That’s what I’m telling myself anyway.

I’m nervous to meet his sister. We’re booked all day to view investment properties in the area. Jackson and I went over everything I found for each one on the flight last night. We were both spent by the time we made it to the hotel after busting our asses all day to prepare for our absence, so I guess I can’t be too upset that he just kissed me good night and sent me to my room.

I’m not sure if he wants Cici to know about us—I need to ask him before meeting her this morning. There was no time yesterday since we were so busy. But not too busy to keep him from touching me the entire way and stealing kisses wheneverhe leaned in to look at something. It feels natural, as if we’ve been together for months, not days.

Finally peeling myself from the window, I notice I have an hour until it’s time. Shoot, I’d better get going. My plan for tonight means extra prep time in the shower. I can’t wait to see his reaction at each stage of undress. First, when he gets my dress off to reveal my new lingerie and then when he sees what’ll be waiting underneath. I’m giddy just thinking about it.

Between that and the nerves around meeting his sister, I’m all sorts of flustered as I’m pulling my dress on. The butterflies in my stomach are flapping uncontrollably when there’s a knock on the door. Pausing at the full-length mirror to make sure everything is in place, I inhale one last deep breath before opening the door.

“Hey,” I say breathlessly before stopping in my tracks. He’s not alone.

“Good morning, beautiful,” he says before the firecracker beside him steals the show.

“Yay! I’m so happy you’re here. I’m Cici, Jackson’s way better sibling.” She steps in to hug me, then keeps on going. “I’m excited to hang out today and get to know each other. Although I feel like I know you already with all I’ve heard. Whereas you probably only know me as the selfish brat who left my brother to fend for himself, but don’t worry. I’ll change your mind by the end of the day, I promise.”

Whoa.She’s like the Energizer Bunny—so different from Jackson’s calm and collected demeanor, although, making promises must run in the family. She’s the epitome of perfection, with beautiful blonde hair and bright blue eyes, just like Jackson, and looks even more gorgeous in person than she does in the pictures adorning his walls. How did these two get so lucky in the gene pool?Come on, God, spread the love a little.

“Jesus, Cici, take a breath. Sorry, Mia. She came early because she’s the most impatient person on the planet—” He gives Cici a look of exasperation. “—and then she wouldn’t wait in the lobby. Sorry to bombard you.”

“No, it’s fine. Come in. I just need to grab my shoes and purse before we go. Cici, I’m excited to meet you too. Thank you for letting me crash your weekend.” I step back so they can enter. “And Jackson hasn’t said one bad thing about you.” I see him shake his head and smirk.

On the way in, he cups my cheek and kisses me before whispering, “Not that you know about, anyway,” loud enough for Cici to hear.

“I heard that.”

“Good,” he states.

“You love me, and you know it,” she quips.

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