Page 65 of Dangerous Pursuit

“So, why did you leave San Diego, and what brought you to Bozeman?” Mia asks her, changing the subject.

“It was just time. My best friend, who happened to be my roommate, moved in with her boyfriend, so there was that. But I’d also decided I didn’t want to work for my parents and thought it would be easier not to if I lived somewhere else. There were some other things going on, and I guess I just needed a change. I went with Bozeman because it was still on the western side of the states, not too far away, and had heard it was booming. I figured if it didn’t work out, then moving back was the worst that could happen.” Cici shrugs at her last statement.

The waiter returns with the wine, giving me a moment to let that sink in. It was more information than I’d ever gotten from Cici about why she left, and it all came pouring out with one question from Mia. There’s something so genuine about her that it makes a person want to open up. I’m not the only one to see it.

“So, since it worked out, do you think you’ll stay for good or return to San Diego eventually?” Mia prompts.

“I’m not sure long term, but I do like it here. Real estate is going well, and I’ve made some good friends. But I’d be lying if I said I never missed home and the people I left behind, like Lily and Jackson. I guess we’ll just have to see what the future holds. How about you? I heard you graduated from high school early. What’s next?” she asks Mia, directing the attention away from herself.

“With a full-ride scholarship to SDSU, I’ll start there in the fall for accounting. Cindy comes back in July, so I’m not sure what I’ll do over the summer. I’ll probably find another job to keep me busy.” Mia responds and takes a sip of wine.

“Mia, you can stay on with us until you start school,” I interject immediately. I don’t want her going anywhere.

We’re interrupted to give our orders, but when the waiter leaves, Mia addresses my comment.

“Jackson, you won’t need me when Cindy gets back. And anyway, it might be easier to find something near campus while everyone is still gone for the summer.” She shrugs like it’s no big deal. But it is a big deal because…Iwill still need her. I don’t think I’ll ever stop needing her.

The rest of the dinner went well, with all of us getting to know each other better. Although my sister and I grew up together, it’s different now that she moved away to start a new life for herself. It was also convenient to learn more about Mia with someone else asking the questions. All in all, this trip couldn’t have worked out better.

I’d still like to dig deeper into what’s going on with Mia, but I decided not to while we’re here and to focus on developing whatever this is between us instead.

I’m done signing the bill, and we’re about to head out when some guy stops at our table. He’s trying to convince Cici to go out for drinks since it’s Friday night. Mia and I look at each other, and I’m pretty sure we’re on the same page.

“Cici, why don’t you go ahead? Mia and I can catch an Uber back to the hotel. It’s been a long couple of days for us.” Mia looks at Cici and nods in agreement.

“Are you sure?” Cici asks.

“I’m positive. Go have fun, and we’ll see you in the morning.” I stand up, prompting them to follow.

Cici comes over and hugs me. “Thanks, Jackson. You’re the best. Love you.”

“Love you too. Stay out of trouble.”

Cici and Mia say their goodbyes, and I’m leading Mia out the door at last. I’m beyond ready to get her alone and, finally, into my bed.

HAPPY

Mia

My nerves are skyrocketing as we make our way to Jackson’s room. It was quiet in the Uber on the way here. I was too busy imagining how the rest of the night would go, and I bet Jackson’s thoughts weren’t far off. I’m more than ready for what’s about to happen—I just hope he is, which is hilarious, considering I’m the virgin here. I almost laugh out loud at the absurdity.

“What’s so funny?” Jackson asks as he opens the door.

Hmm… I didn’tthinkI actually laughed. “What do you mean?” I ask, playing dumb.

“You were smiling. What were you thinking about?”

Maybe honesty is the best approach here. “What’s funny is that I’m the one who’s never had sex, but you’ve been the one stopping us,” I say matter-of-factly, setting my purse down on the counter and turning to face him.

“Is that so? Tell me, do you think what we did on the way to the zoo was funny?” he asks as he stalks toward me.

“No.”Gulp.

“Do you think what we did on your birthday was funny?” He’s inches from me at this point.

“No,” I breathe, lust taking over.

“And do you think it’s funny that your pussy’s about to know what it feels like to have my dick so deep inside it’ll never be the same?”

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