Page 14 of Unwrapping Spring Break

His expression is stern as he pushes me away. “Pack your things.” That was the same tone he used on the vendors, and I don’t like it. Not one single bit.

“What? Why?” I frown and huff, jerking my arm out of his grip and crossing them over my chest. “What did my dad say to you?” I’m going to kill him if he ruins this for me.

Jax brushes my shoulder as he walks past me to the beds. “You’re to get packed and go to their room. You’re not staying with me.”

My jaw drops as he dares to put my things back into my suitcase. The same things I just started to unpack. Again.

Who the hell do they think they are to make my decisions for me? I’m twenty-three, for fuck’s sake. To hell with them!

I storm over to the bed and slap Jax’s hand away from my things. Oh, I’m getting out of this room alright. “Go to hell, Jax.” I shove my things into the suitcase as quickly as possible, without care for wrinkles or how anything looks. Thankfully, I’d yet to start unpacking my toiletries, or this would have taken far longer than I’d like.

Giving the zipper a hard tug, I jerk the suitcase off the bed and move toward the door, dragging it behind me.

I don’t turn around, but there’s no fucking way I’m leaving without a parting shot. “Neither you nor my dad gets to tell me what to do. Screw you both for even trying.” Then I open the door, step into the hallway, and let the door slam shut behind me.

My parents’ room is closer to the elevator than what used to be my room, but I’ll be damned if I go there. I’ll take the stairs first. Luckily enough for me, there is a second elevator next to the stairs, even though it’s a longer walking distance to the hotel lobby.

Fifteen minutes later, the same bellhop from before leads me to my own room. This time, I’m two floors above my parents and Jax. There’s no chance they’ll see me up here. I even left instructions at the front desk that they should not let any of them know which room I’m in.

For a few moments, I debate whether to go to a completely different hotel, but I will not be chased off by them. I am not my daddy’s little girl anymore.

This hotel has a stunning view. I like the atmosphere, present company aside. If they don’t like it, they can suck it up.

The bellhop sets my bag on the folding stand next to the dresser. After giving him a generous tip, I step onto the balcony as he leaves. The fresh air calms my nerves as I take in the scene below me. I take a few deep breaths, and my resentment melts to a respectable level.

It’s fine. I’ll pretend I’m on vacation by myself. Put shopping with my mother out of my mind, shove my dad and Jax away, and just live in the moment. I glance down from the balcony and see the one thing that will smooth away what remains of my bad mood.

After taking a couple of laps in the water, I know I was right. The pool is exactly what I needed to ward off my ire. Cool water cascades down my body as I come up for air. I bob beneath the surface and swim until I feel all the tension dissipate.

Climbing out of the pool, I grab a towel from an attendant, gently squeeze the water out of my hair, and walk over to a poolside lounge chair. I spread out over the chair, allowing myself to bask in the sun, soaking up the Bahama vibes.

A few minutes later, someone clears their throat. I open my eyes to see one of the cute cabana boys I saw earlier standing beside my chair. “Would you like a drink, ma’am?”

It’s not brunchtime, but I’m living in the moment. “Yes, please. A raspberry mimosa sounds refreshing. Thank you.” He nods and leaves to grab my drink. He’s not even gone three minutes before he returns, drink in hand. He sits it next to me and walks over to another guest.

I bring the cup to my lips and take a small, delicious sip.Ahh. This is what I needed.Living in the moment. Living for the sun, the vibes, and the freedom to do what I want.

It’s the perfect time to start my tan long before summer comes. The warmth radiates through my body for a moment before someone stands in my sun and casts a shadow over me. With a scowl, I open my eyes to glare at them. “Do you mind?”

Oh, shit. It’s Jax. Wearing a smirk I’m aching to kiss off him. He stands there, looming over me, looking downright lickable, especially when I catch a glimpse of what my hands felt under his clothes. I lick my lips as I take him in.

Jax is wearing swim trunks, which are fitting, making me squirm in my chair. His broad shoulders frame his thick smooth chest. His waist is narrow, with abs you only read about in books. He must keep a strict workout routine because even without priming himself, he is cut. The muscles on his body would make many men jealous, not to mention some women. I fight the urge to trace those divots with a fingertip, to run my fingers down his body to the spot I want the most.

“Why aren’t you wearing any clothes?” His ridiculous question breaks the trance.

Damn. It would have been so easy to forgive him if he had kept his mouth shut.

“I’m not even going to dignify that with an answer.” I pick up my drink, taking another sip as though I don’t have a care in the world, let alone what he thinks or will do. I rest my head against the pillow on the chair and continue to ignore him.

I know the moment he moves because the sun’s warmth is back on my skin. Curiosity gets the best of me, so I open my eyes to search for him. He’s taken up residence in the seat next to me. I roll my eyes but seize the opportunity of his proximity. “You don’t get to control me any more than Dad does. You don’t even get to try.”

“I know.” He sounds resigned. I glance at him and take note of the regret on his face. It helps to know he’s a little sorry for his actions, and I decide to let it go. But if it happens again, I’m unleashing holy terror on him.

We sit there in silence for the rest of the afternoon. My calm returns, and I feel better overall. Of course, being able to sneak a peek at Jax’s body every time I reach for my drink helps.

Chapter Twelve

Jax

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