Page 6 of Unwrapping Spring Break

With the trip settled and planned, I’m free to return my attention to the other work waiting for me. However, I want to avoid a couple other potential issues before I devote all my attention to the Bahamas. Now, I have the incentive to get myself into a position where I won’t be concerned over what piles up on my desk while I’m gone.

It’s surprising how easily I fall back into work after I decided to address the Lily situation. I was distracted before, but now, I’m ready to move forward armed with a solution. Okay, maybe I’m excited to spend some time alone in Lily’s company without anyone else around. Still, it’s for business.

My office phone rings, drawing me out of the import license renewal form in front of me. My fingers fly over the keyboard after I tap the speaker button to open the call. “Griffin.”

When the voice on the other end of the line speaks, I realize I should have looked at the caller ID before answering.

“Jax, it’s Alexander.”

Shit.

Immediately, I stop typing to pick up the receiver.

“Hello, Alexander.” I click save on the form so I don’t lose any information, then give him my full attention. “What’s up?”

“Is everything arranged for your trip?”

It’s not an unusual question, but it’s coupled with a sense of uneasiness. I switch to my email with a couple of clicks, pulling up the confirmations from the airline and the hotel. “Yep,” I say. “All set. I’ll add the meetings to the agenda before I leave today.”

“Great.” His voice sounds flat, like his mind is elsewhere. “Just remember you don’t have to come back with signed contracts if they refuse to meet us halfway on the import fees.”

“I know.” We’re in a position to play hardball on the issue. We don’t need the new client as much as they need our business. “I’ve added the wiggle room to the spreadsheet. If the trip is cut short, so be it.”

“Perfect.” Alexander pauses, increasing the sense of foreboding in the air. “Now, what’s this I hear about you taking my twenty-three-year-old daughter to the Caribbean?”

Chapter Five

Lily

Ishouldn’tbedoingthis. I shouldn’t be going to the Bahamas for spring break. I’m not in college anymore. This isn’t who I am. Not only that, but I definitely shouldn’t be going to a different country with my dad’s business partner.

This is a terrible idea.

And yet, here I am. It’s six fifty-three in the morning, and I’m standing outside my house with a suitcase next to me. Inside the suitcase are the sexiest bikinis I own and a few other items I might need. Like condoms and a blindfold.What the hell am I thinking packing condoms to go to the Bahamas with a man who is off-limits? I have truly lost my mind.

When Jax called to invite me to go with him on his business trip, he didn’t give me a chance to say no or talk him out of it. He simply gave me instructions, then hung up on me. The demand caught me so off guard that when my mother called right after, it slipped past my lips, and I blurted out the conversation I’d had moments prior.

Of course, she thought it was a great idea. My mother immediately jumped to the conclusion that I am taking an interest in the family business and this trip is the first move toward me quitting my teaching job and stepping into my dad’s shoes.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

I absolutely love teaching. While I understand and enjoy how my dad’s business works, I don’t love cigars themselves. They’re unappealing. Some taste sophisticated. Some taste horrific. As if those reasons weren’t bad enough, cigar smoke stinks.

Once it becomes clear that my intentions with Jax have nothing to do with business, I become comfortable letting my mother believe whatever she wants. It’s much better than the truth. She’ll probably have the wedding planned and paid for by the time we get back—anything to keep her from butting in on my love life.

I can only imagine how my dad reacted when she told him I’m going with Jax. There’s no doubt in my mind she would have made a fuss about it. Of course, my dad will have his own conclusions. Here’s to hoping he doesn’t kill his business partner.

A few minutes later, my fear is proven wrong as Jax pulls up to the curb. He drives a Porsche, which makes sense given his luxurious lifestyle. After I peer inside, he pops the trunk. I drag my suitcase to the back of the car, slide it in the trunk next to his, and then stuff my carry-on and purse between the two bags. I sigh as I close the trunk and walk around to get into the passenger seat.

“Did you talk to Dad?” I don’t even say good morning before launching into the questions I haven’t been able to ask yet. “Does he know I’m going with you? And why exactly did you ask me to go?”

I study his profile as he pulls away from the curb and drives into traffic. Today, he’s dressed more casually, in a button-down shirt and a pair of khakis. The sun isn’t quite peeking over the horizon yet, but he’s wearing sunglasses so dark that I can’t see his eyes. I learned long ago you can know what a person is thinking or feeling by looking at their eyes. As a good businessman, Jax also knows this, which is probably why he has them on.

“Hey,” I say firmly. “I asked you a question. I’d appreciate an answer.”

He stays silent, but a sly grin appears on his face. Obviously, he’s amused by his cleverness and my frustration.Asshole.I’m a morning person, but it’s too early to deal with the range of emotions I feel around this man. I frown at him. What annoys me the most is the fact he looks so damngoodfirst thing in the morning.

Jax hasn’t shaved, but the stubble adds to the whole world-traveler look he has going on. It makes him appear more rugged—more masculine and handsome—with a jawline I’d love to lick. His hair isn’t styled, and I notice a slight wave to his black locks. Typically, the waves are slicked back. I like it better this way. He seems more natural, which is rare because he’s always dressed to the nines. It’s interesting to see this side of him, like I know a side of him no one else gets to. There’s this electric pull to the more relaxed part of him. I can’t help but feel lucky, and I want to see this side more often. Even if he is trying to frustrate me.

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