Page 22 of Beach Bum Billion-Heiress
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Jax
I kissed her forehead then backed away from Sage, physically sick about putting distance between us after that life altering kiss. If I was reading her right though, she needed some space to deal with her father.
Jogging through my house so I could get back to her quicker, I grabbed a shirt and tugged it on. My sweatshirt was lying on my dresser, so I picked that up and took it back out to the patio to give to Sage. I appreciated her lack of clothing very much, but I didn't want her getting cold out there without my body to keep her warm.
Jesus, that woman kissed like she ate. All gusto and enthusiasm, no hesitation or apology. I hadn't had a kiss that good since I was in high school and every kiss felt that amped up due to out of control testosterone levels instead of actual skill or chemistry. She'd just about climbed up my body trying to get close to me and didn't complain when I'd slammed her against the wall. I should have been more careful with her, and if she gave me the chance to kiss her again, I promised myself I would be.
I hung the sweatshirt over her shoulders and leaned back against the railing, seeing that her face was stony, all the heat from before replaced by an icy, cold anger.
"Father, you don't need to do that. What do you mean?" Sage began to pace the deck, her voice firm but with an evident shakiness.
I frowned, listening closely but not able to make out what her father was saying back to her. This guy sounded like he was a hard ass, completely oblivious to the stunning, dynamic woman his daughter had become. I didn't like him already.
Without another word, she hung up and closed her eyes on a deep sigh.
"That went well, huh?" Maybe she'd talk to me about it.
She walked back to me, putting my sweatshirt on, even though it hung off of her and covered her hands. The sleeves were pushed up by shaky hands and then they were on my face, locking me in place, like I'd choose to be anywhere else but right in front of her.
"My father is flying out here tomorrow night. He doesn't trust me to handle things. That only gives me tomorrow to get started on my plan." She stopped and her eyes took on a determined gleam like I'd never seen before, instantly making me never want to be on this girl's bad side.
"I know we haven't had a lot of time to get to know each other, Jax, but do you trust me?" Her eyes softened, the iciness leaving, a raw pleading taking its place.
My hand moved to cup her jaw, my thumb tracing down her soft cheek. I should be running scared, wondering how I got in so deep with this woman so quickly, but my feet stayed where they were and I dug in even deeper. "Remarkably, I do. I trust you to do what you need to do. Just tell me how to help you and I'll be there for you."
Her eyes closed for a brief second and when they opened again, there was moisture there that wasn't before. A smile ghosted across her face before I leaned in and took those lips one more time, sealing the deal.
And then I did the hardest thing I'd had to do in a long time and I backed away.
"Go be badass, Sage. I've got your back." I gave her a smile to boost her confidence. To show her I was in this with her. To show her that this was just the start of an 'us'. To say what I couldn't yet with actual words.
* * *
Sleep didn't come for hours after Sage left. Different scenarios were running through my head, battling for top position. We'd discussed nothing. I had no idea what her plan was, or what she intended for her and I. We'd made no promises to each other, yet I felt like I'd do anything for her. Which should scare me, but didn't. I was completely convinced she was solid, thatwewere solid. Anyone else would laugh at my blind trust, but I pushed away the doubts and decided to just trust her.
But she wasn't the only one who had a plan. I had a plan now too. Which was why I was on the phone with Bailey, an old friend of mine. We'd dated a few times, but there was no chemistry. I had still been bent about the shit that went down with my ex-girlfriend and in no shape to take up a new relationship. Bailey was awesome, not blaming me for acting like an ass when I should have been focused on her during our dates. We'd stayed friends, which I appreciated since she was best friends with Esa, who was set to marry my boss, Ivan, in just a few months. I had no favor to call in, yet I was calling it in anyway.
"Well, well, well. If it isn't the gorgeous Jax Stern lighting up my phone. To what do I owe this honor?" Bailey's voice boomed out of my phone, her personality always seeming larger than life.
"Hey beautiful, you got a minute?"
"For you? Sure. What's happening?"
"I need you to dress me."
A pause. "Okay, so I know we dated way back when, but you know that ship has sailed, right?"
I laughed, realizing that had come out all wrong. "Sorry, yeah, I know. I meant, I need you to pick out an outfit for me. Money's tight but I'm willing to part with it to get some fancy clothes today. I need your eye."
"Phew! I was worried for a second. You betcha. I'll pull some items off the rack so you can get in and out quickly. How dressy are you looking to go?"
"Unfortunately, pretty fucking dressy."
* * *
I pulled at my collar, the expensive material sliding smoothly across my skin, like a silk cage designed to lull you into thinking you wanted to be there. This was not my usual environment, to put it mildly. Of course the bastard was on the penthouse level of the best hotel in Huntington Beach. Only the best would do, I suppose, when you were a real estate mogul moving properties and millions of dollars a year.
