Page 40 of Dangerous Pursuit

After bringing her home, I hit the gym for a couple of hours to release some of the built-up sexual tension. Unfortunately, I’ll be taking care of that myself for a while. There’s no doubt our timetogether has left me pent up. I’m glad I’m holding out to kiss her, though, because when it finally happens, it’ll be worth the wait—and impossible to stop there.

I need to make plans for another date before Wednesday so she has more time to experience the real Jackson. It might have to be tomorrow since I know she makes dinner for her mom throughout the week. I’ll surprise her with something. But before I do anything else, I need to call Cici to confirm our plans and make sure everything is set for the trip.

“Hey, Jackson. Are you getting excited for Friday?” Cici asks excitedly, making me chuckle.

“Yeah, how could I not be? You’ve been talking up the place forever. Is everything set for next weekend??”

“Yep, all the showings are scheduled for Friday. We’re getting an early start, so we have time for dinner. I made reservations already and assumed Mia would join?”

“She will. And I should probably give you a heads-up before we get there. I’m sort of… seeing her.”

“Iknewit. I knew right when you said she was coming. Wait… I thought she was seventeen. What the hell are you thinking?”

“Cool your jets. I haven’t touched her. Well… I haven’t kissed her… anywhere other than her neck—barely. Anyway, that’s beside the point. She turns eighteen Wednesday, and until then, I’m keeping my hands off… for the most part.” She tries interrupting again, but I don’t let her. “Listen, I like her, okay? A lot. Just save your judgment until you meet her. She’s special. Fuck, I know she’s young, but at the same time she’s not. You’ll understand what I mean soon enough.”

“Jesus, Jackson, how did you go from hating the girl to being in love?”

What the fuck?

“I didn’t say anything about love. I’ve just managed to convince her to give me a chance for Christ’s sake. She stillthinks of me as her asshole of a boss. It’s a new development for now. Maybe I’ll have made some headway by the time we get there. Can you just wait to give me shit until after our visit?” I ask in earnest.

“I can’t believe you’re bringing a girlfriend for me to meet the first time you visit. I feel so special. I bet Mom and Dad don’t know, do they?”

“Cici, no one does. This is brand-fucking-new. Hell,Idon’t even know. I’m just seeing where it goes, and you’re the first one I’ve said anything to, so there’s nothing for Mom and Dad to know, and if there were, who cares? They’re responsible for this in the first place. Anyway, moving on, I just wanted to make sure everything’s set. Other than that, I’ll see you Friday morning. We get in late Thursday and can just Uber to the hotel. You have Uber there?” I need to get her off the Mia topic already.

“Yes, we have Uber, dumbass. I’ll pick you up at seven thirty Friday morning, then. Text me your room number because I’m at least coming to your door for a real greeting and a proper introduction to your future wife.” Damn her.

“Fuck, I knew telling you was a mistake. Please don’t make it awkward. Just act like she’s my assistant.”

“Wow, Jackson, I thought you were smarter than that. If you’re trying to win her over, I’m pretty sure playing the ‘only my assistant’ card when you introduce her to your sister won’t win any points, but if that’s what you want…”

“I’m seriously reconsidering this trip.” Not.

“Sure you are. I’d say this trip was your way to close the deal, and I’m not talking about one of the deals you’re coming to look at.”

“God, you drive me nuts. I’m hanging up now. I’ll see you Friday.” I end the call before she gets another word in. I can’t take any more of her insufferableness.

With that settled, it’s time to plan a date.

Mia

While getting ready for bed, I reflect on the day. Brunch with Jackson this morning was fun… and weird. It was surprisingly the best of all four dates I’ve been on over the last couple of weeks, which is good since the others all slighted me. I was starting to wonder if I just repelled men, but I hope that’s not the case because I really like Jackson. To put it simply, we click. The chemistry between us is undeniable, and the conversation flows seamlessly. We have a lot in common—we’re both overachievers, enjoy poker, and strive to please our parents, just to name a few.

It was nice to hear about his family, especially his little sister, Cici, who I’ll be meeting in a few days. She sounds great, and I can tell by how he speaks of her that they’re close. Jackson seems sure about this, but what if she doesn’t like me? It could be an easy way out of things becoming more serious… if that’s what I want, but I think a big part of me already knows it isn’t.

He’s sweet when he’s not intentionally trying to be an ass. I would even say he’s a catch. He’s stable, hot, knows how to treat a woman, and he makes me laugh. Honestly, I wish my birthday was tomorrow because I’m ready for that kiss—and, embarrassingly, way more than that. My body seems to light up from his touch. I can’t help but imagine what it will feel like when there are no clothes between us and his hands explore more… forbidden places.

I expected him to cave and kiss me when he brought me home after brunch, but he stayed true to his word with only a hug and kiss on my forehead. I even leaned in and licked my lips, but he ended up shaking his head, chuckling, telling me I was dangerous. Hopefully, I can get him to make a move during this trip to Montana, which, in hindsight, I’m now excited about.

What I’m not excited over is the text I got from Jay informing me that after some deliberation, the boss (whoever that is)decided to add fifteen grand to my debt for the complaints about my behavior and that I should be grateful that’s all I got. If this is how it continues to go, I’ll never pay them off. They’re fining me for being sexually assaulted. How that’s fair is beyond me, but apparently, this boss of theirs makes the rules.

They sent details for two online tournaments next week, and luckily, they’re not on my birthday or during the trip with Jackson. I decided not to tell them I’m leaving town, so they won’t know my mom is alone, but I’m screwed if they send me to a live game next weekend. The problem is, they never tell me in advance.

My phone lights up with Walker’s name. “Hey, Walker, what’s up?” I answer as I pull back the covers and crawl into bed, having just finished my nighttime routine.

“You tell me. The last text I got from you said you were staying at Jackson’s. You better tell me everything and start with whyIhad to call instead of hearing from you earlier.”

“Sorry. I know I should’ve at least told you I was home. I just wasn’t ready to talk about it. I’m still trying to wrap my head around everything. I swear I was about to call you.”

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