Jackson follows me into the bathroom and I pretend I don’t notice. Standing practically naked I turn the water on and then I feel him against my back. He stands there unmoving as I face the glass enclosure.
I wait for him to say something, or touch me, but he doesn’t. My breathing grows shallow as the anticipation builds. He’s toying with me and I’m a moth to his flame.
Unsure of what to do, I slowly slide my underwear down and I feel his warm breath against my ear. I can feel the heat emanating from his body. His chest barely grazes against my back when he breathes. I close my eyes and inhale the mix of steam and Jackson’s cologne. Every part of me aches for him. I want to move or speak, but I don’t want to break the spell.
We stand like that for what feels like an eternity. The large glass door is fogging up and I lift my hand to open it, but Jackson’s grabs my wrist.
“I’m still angry.” His deep voice causes the hairs on the back of my neck to rise.
I slowly turn and my hand gingerly skates across his chest. Somewhere between the kitchen and the bathroom he lost his shirt. My hand falls to his waistband and our eyes remain glued to each other.
“Let me make it better,” I rasp as I unhook his belt. “I think your anger is misplaced.” I unzip his shorts and they fall.
Jackson grabs my breast and squeezes, his thumb rubs back and forth across my nipple. “Did he touch you?”
My breath catches at his question. “No,” I say softly as I touch his face. “He didn’t touch me.”
His other hand rests on my hip since he can’t move it higher but his fingers crush the skin as he tightens his grip. “I can’t,” Jackson drops his forehead to mine.
“Can’t what?”
Jackson releases a measured breath, “I can’t think of his hands touching you.”
He rolls my nipple in his fingers and I moan. “I wouldn’t let him,” I croak as he repeats his movement.
His hand drops as he slides the glass door open and nudges me in.
Carefully, we enter the large marble two-person shower. The jets shoot out of the sides and the rainfall showerhead cascades down on us. Jackson seats himself on the bench that takes the back wall. His eyes beckon me forward.
I push my wet hair back and settle between his legs. His hands tug at the back of my thighs pulling me forward.
“No other man should touch you.” His lips press against my stomach as his fingers indent my skin and dig in, thrusting me forward even more.
The hint of pain only heightens my senses.
“No other man’s hands should feel what I feel beneath my palms right now.” Jackson’s hand slips between my legs as he pushes them apart. My hands slap the cold marble tiles as I try to stay upright. “You’re my everything,” his voice is laced with pain as he inserts a finger inside me. “I won’t let anyone take you from me.”
My head falls back as my legs shake while he plunges his fingers over and over. He twists his hand so his thumb presses against my clit. “Jackson,” I whisper as my eyes roll back.
“Only me,” he groans with a possessive tinge.
Everything about this time I can feel as if it’s his mission to claim me. Each movement is him proving to either himself or me that I’m his. I belong to him. He belongs to me. In this moment we belong to each other.
I look at him and his eyes pierce my soul. “Only you,” I reply.
“I’m still pissed.”
“Good. I like pissed off.” I smirk and his eyes narrow as he weighs my words.
He continues to finger me as I climb toward my orgasm. Every part of me is alive. His hands awaken me and cherish me. Even though I know he’s angry that I went against his wishes, right now he adores me. Protecting me even when he’s being rough.
My legs begin to quake as I get closer to release, but the desire to be filled by him is too great. I drop my arms and grip his neck. Leaning in I kiss him with everything I have. Our tongues push against each other, swirling and volleying for power. I need him to take it all away. Take the doubt, the pain, and the weeks of dread I’ve held on to. And he does. Jackson takes it away with each twist of his tongue. Each thrust of his hand … he takes it away.
“I need you inside me,” I say breathlessly as his lips press against my neck.
Jackson groans before I feel his teeth graze the sensitive skin. “Do you now?” His hands don’t relent as he grinds his thumb harder against my clit. My knees are weak and I have to hold on to his shoulders for support.
“Yes, now,” I beg.
Shifting my leg over his I try to align myself, desperate for him. I close my eyes and try to fight off my release a little longer. I want him inside of me when I let go. I want to feel him fill me to the brink, where I can focus on nothing more than how we fit together.
He grabs my hips, halting me from being able to take what I want. “Not yet,” his throaty voice breaks through the fog. “Stand on the ledge,” he instructs while I step on the bench. Jackson runs his hands on my leg and lifts my leg up over his shoulder. “I’m going you make you come in my mouth first.”
And I know he means it. Jackson licks and sucks while using his finger to torture me. I get closer and closer, but he stops right before I’m ready to burst. Each time is stronger than the last. Each build goes higher than the one before. I’m going to die from the onslaught of pleasure. But what a way to go.
“I need you,” I groan as he continues. “To let me …” I stop unable to say more. When he pushes his tongue inside of me, I lose it. I writhe and scream as he draws out the most powerful orgasm I’ve ever had. Stars paint the walls and my hearing is gone as I float in complete bliss. There’s no strength left in my body as I sink to his lap. The water rains down, keeping me from being cold.
Opening my eyes, I see the desire burning in his eyes. I refuse to wait another second. I gently push him against the back wall allowing myself enough space to move.
“Don’t ever let him near you again.” Jackson’s eyes flash with a hint of anger.
“Don’t ever doubt me,” I say as I sink onto his cock.
His eyes close as I allow myself a second to adjust. He smirks and it pisses me off. I lift myself up and slam against him. Jackson’s head snaps up and he glares at me, but the love is evident beneath the anger we’re both fighting through.
Anger at his doubt. Anger at his demands. Anger that he’s angry at how I chose to handle it. I’m furious.
I ride him harder than I intend. I hear his grunts and groans, but when I start to let up, his fingers dig into my hips forcing me to keep my pace.
“Fuck me harder,” Jackson demands.
I groan and hear the slapping skin as we force ourselves together with reckless abandon. We fight the war between our wills through our bodies. Each grunt reminds me we’re still fighting for each other. The sweat that trickles down my back is evidence of the struggle we’re ready to endure. The heat that surges through my cells proves how I’ll give myself to him.
“I’m gonna come,” Jackson says with his jaw clenched.
“I love you,” I cry out as I fall back into the abyss again.
The tears form in my eyes as I’m overcome with emotion. I love him with all that I am.
Jackson seems to sense the shift as he brings his hands up to my neck. He cradles my head as I look into his eyes. Gently, he swipes under my eyes. “I love you.”
I smile tenderly, “I know.”
“I didn’t mean to be a dick before. I fucking hate the idea that you could’ve been hurt.” Jackson’s hands push the hair out of my face as he waits for me to respond.
“You can’t save me all the time.”
“I can damn sure try.”
We kiss briefly and take a shower after our non-shower.
Jackson washes my hair and body, and I in turn do the same for him. The intimacy established between us takes my breath away.
“Almost done?” Jackson asks.
“I’m going to take a few minutes to myself.”
“Okay,” Jackson says as he heads out of the shower.
I stand there alone and enjoy the solace. Replaying the last few hours in my head, I realize why he was so angry. Things could’ve gone differently, but they didn’t, and I’m grateful for that. I finish up and decide next time I’ll let someone in on my brilliant plans.
Once I’m dressed and comfortable I head out to the kitchen. He stands there assessing the damage. I hold back a laugh because it’s going to take hours to clean this up.
“Okay, Chef Boyardee, how about you order take-out?” I smile and come around the counter.
“No, this is perfectly edible,” Jackson scoffs and starts to stir the pot.
I cross my arms across my chest and at first I think he’s kidding but he continues stirring. “Jackson, I’m not eating that.” I look in the pot and it’s turning colors. “What the hell is that?” I ask incredulously.
He laughs and turns the burner off. “Fine, we don’t have to eat it.”
“Can you even name what it is?”
“It’s a surprise.” He smiles and pulls me against him.
I look up biting my lip to stop myself from busting out laughing. “Was the surprise whatever we taste at the first bite?”
“Smart ass,” he retorts.
“You like my ass.”
“That I do.”
“Perv. I’ll order Chinese. Maybe we can watch a movie?” I suggest as I call the restaurant.
Luckily they deliver quickly and before I know it, Jackson is in the doorway, leaning against his walker with one of his shit-eating grins.
After a minute of no reply I look up. “What?”
“Food’s here.”
“Good, I’m starving.”
“How about we play a game?”
I don’t like the looks of this. I can see the wheels turning in his head. This can’t be good.
My eyes narrow as I try to figure out what game he could possibly want to play. “Why do I think this is a bad idea?”
Jackson pretends he’s affronted and throws his hand over his heart. “Don’t you trust me?”
I smile and shake my head.
“Come on, we can play a board game,” he cajoles, clearly already having thought this through.
I hate board games. I always lose, but knowing my competitive boyfriend, he’s clamoring for something to win at.
“Anything but Monopoly.” I smile and grab the plates.
Jackson’s lips turn up in a grin and we make our way to the table. Once we’ve dished the food and gotten settled, he pulls a box out from the chair beside him. When I see the game he’s chosen, I burst out laughing.
“Battleship? For real? Are you twelve?” I say in between my giggles.
“Don’t insult this game. It’s a classic. Besides there’s no way in hell you’ll be able to win,” Jackson says as he starts to pull the game pieces out.
“You know every time you say these things it makes me even more determined to kick your ass?”
“I know, and it turns me on when I see you get feisty.” His eyes darken as his voice drops.
The blush spreads across my cheeks and I try to take a bite to stop my mind from going there.
Once I’ve gotten myself under better control, I start to set up my game board, placing the ships and wondering about the best positions to confuse him. “Okay, it’s been a long time and I don’t trust you not to cheat so where are the directions?”
Before I can grab the box, he swipes it and tosses it back behind him.
“What the hell?”
“The rules are simple. You put the pieces in and guess. But for every wrong answer you have to take off an item of clothing.” He wiggles his brows and I roll my eyes.
“Right, I’m not sure we played this Battleship when I was ten.”
“My Navy. My rules. I’m the admiral.” Jackson crosses his arms and leans back in the chair.
“I don’t think so.”
“Fine, then for every correct answer, you take off an item of clothing.”
“And for every wrong one you have to answer a question,” I say and smirk.
He seems to consider my counteroffer. After a few seconds of mulling it over, he leans forward. “I’m fine with that. But if you don’t want to answer, you can remove an item of clothing.”
Now it’s my turn to think it over. “You can only pass twice. I don’t see you having issues getting naked.”
“I also have no issues with you getting naked,” his voice is full of humor.
After a few turns I’m left only in my tank top, underwear, socks, and bra. Jackson is almost fully dressed. I swear he’s losing on purpose. This is why I hate board games. However, we’re laughing and enjoying the time together.
“Okay, A-12.”
“Miss,” I hoot, smiling and batting my eyelashes. “Hmmm, first kiss?”
Jackson sighs before answering. “Reagan’s best friend, Sharon, in a game of Truth or Dare. Fifth grade. You?”
“I didn’t lose that turn. C-3,” I say and he smiles.
“Miss. First kiss?” Jackson asks.
“Andy, under the stars in seventh grade. Honestly, my first kiss was what every girl dreams of.”
“How so?” he asks.
“I liked him a lot. We went to the fireworks in town and he kissed me during the grand finale. It was perfect and memorable.” I laugh remembering how sweet it was and how as soon as we finished kissing we both ran off to tell our friends.
“Kissing Sharon wasn’t memorable in a good way. We had no idea what we were doing and when I shoved my tongue in her mouth she almost started crying,” Jackson laughs and then his eyes begin to smolder. “Not like when I kiss you.”
I fight off the lust that starts to churn. “I would hope you don’t kiss me like an eleven-year-old boy. But, I do like it when you shove your tongue in my mouth.”
“And other places.”
“You’re so gross,” I laugh at his crassness.
“Deny it!” he challenges me.
“Nope,” I wink and point at his game board. “Make your pick, Muffin.”
“F-9.”
It takes everything for me to not start dancing when he gets one right. “Hit.” I smile and he has to remove another item of clothing. “Take the shirt off.” I say for selfish reasons. If I have to sit here, I might as well get to ogle.
“Fine. Your turn.”
“B-8.” I smile knowing I had to have hit and possibly sunk a ship.
“Miss. You can’t outsmart me, baby. I’m not sure I want to ask or get you naked.”
“You don’t get to decide. Ask,” I state. No way, he doesn’t get to choose—I do.
“Fine, where did you go to college?”
“Fairleigh Dickenson University for undergrad and then for my master’s I went to Seton Hall. You?” I can’t help but ask, even though I know it’s not in the rules.
“I went to Oklahoma since my dad was stationed there at the time. Then, I enlisted.”
Looking at my game, I realize I suck at this game since I haven’t gotten one right in a while. Jackson smiles as if he’s thinking the same thing. “Okay, A-1.”
If I didn’t know his competitive streak, I would think he’s trying to get them wrong so I have a better chance of being naked. “Miss,” I narrow my eyes and he leans back under my scrutiny. Staring at his glorious chest I look at the tattoos. I know what his frog means, but he has the tribal and the sun. “What does the sun tattoo mean?”
He looks confused for a second and looks down where my gaze is. “It was a cover up. Nothing really special.”
“What was there before?” I ask curiously.
“That’s two questions. You can save that for your next round. Now, pick your next move so I can get your shirt off and stare at something for a while.”
I smile and of course guess correctly. Which means I’m now in my bra and underwear—and socks.
“C-1,” Jackson guesses.
“Miss! Ha! Okay, now you answer about that tattoo,” I challenge him.
“Nothing big, stupid things we get when we’re young.”
“A name?” I ask. Ashton and Gary went and got each other’s names together in college. I thought they were ridiculous. Ashton had hers covered up with a butterfly. Luckily her tattoo was on her shoulder and they had room to play with.
“Yes, a name. Now, let’s get back to getting you naked,” Jackson wiggles his brow like a villain.
I laugh at the expression on his face and I make my next move.
We laugh and play the remainder of the game. By the end I’m completely topless and Jackson is completely naked. He of course won the game. Which infuriates me. However, I love the fact that he answered the questions so easily. We’ve gotten so many funny answers and I’ve learned a lot about him. What his first car was, why he’ll never have an animal, what his favorite color is, and how old he was when he lost his virginity. But I wonder who was important enough for him to get a tattoo of their name across his heart.
I wake up early to another one of Jackson’s nightmares. Unable to fall back asleep, I do some work from home. The press release for the upcoming product line is five days from now and then the launch party is that night. I have a few things to do to confirm everything is in order. Taylor has taken care of most things, but I need to make sure it’s perfect.
“You’re up early and on a weekend,” Jackson’s deep voice breaks the quiet.
I jump at the sound of his voice and clutch my chest trying to settle my heart. Even without being able to walk around he’s still able to scare the crap out of me. “I swear … I’m going to put a cow bell on that damn walker.”
Jackson settles on the couch and pulls the papers out of my hand. “We need some fun. What do you say we do something today—just us?”
I link my fingers with his and grin. “I could do with a little us. Plus, I’m actually ahead of the game for once. I like fun and I happen to like you.” The blush paints my face as I remember our shower three days ago and how much fun we had with each other.
His throaty laugh echoes in the room. “That kind of fun will be later. How about we go to the park and watch the boats, or we can head to a museum?”
I love the Met, which is only a block from his apartment, but I don’t know how fun a museum would be for Jackson considering he can’t walk. The boat pond would be relaxing and we could always lie out on the grass at the park. “I think the park would be a great way to spend our day.”
Jackson leans in and presses his lips to mine. The look in his eyes when he pulls back stuns me. All I see is love and desire. “You know how I feel about you?”
“I do.”
Jackson hesitates and then he cups my cheeks while his eyes pierce through me. “You’re it for me. I love you.”
My pulse spikes and I lose myself in this moment. “I love you, too.”
Needing to feel him, I kiss him again. I feel his tongue against the seam of my lips and I open to him. Our tongues glide against each other’s as the kiss deepens. Jackson’s hand slowly drifts up my arm and around my back. He presses me flush against his chest as he holds me against him. Kissing me feverishly as if his life depended on it. It’s a desperate kiss. One that I feel in every fiber of my being.
Lust spikes and I can’t fight it. I need him. My hand cups his head as I push back into the kiss, giving myself over and taking everything. I’m ravenous for him. I devour his mouth, breathing him in. The kiss goes on and on. I lose myself completely and it could be minutes, hours, who knows—I couldn’t care less.
Jackson breaks the kiss and presses his forehead against mine as I whimper from the loss. “If we keep this up, we’ll never leave.” His voice is husky and breathless, clearly affected by our intense make-out session.
“And that would be bad why?” I ask trying to catch my breath.
He laughs and kisses my forehead as I try to pull him back to my lips. “Let’s go out first. Then I promise I’ll be very bad.”
I grin. “Oh, Muffin … you couldn’t be bad if you tried.”
“Baby, you’re going to pay for that.”
“Maybe you can pay me in fun.”
Jackson groans and I giggle, running into the bedroom.
“You can run, but you can’t hide,” I hear him yell from the other room.
I take a little extra time trying to delay coming out but know it won’t help. He will take full retribution when I least expect it. I can only hope it’s the naughty kind, since our last few times have been really … interesting. Trying to maneuver without getting hurt has made it adventurous and Jackson’s made sure I haven’t suffered—at all. I grab my black shorts, a cute tank-top, and throw my hair into a messy bun.
When I get back into the living room, I don’t see Jackson there. I start looking around, waiting for him to pop out and scare the crap out of me. “Jackson … this isn’t funny,” I say trying to keep an eye out for him.
If anyone had a camera right now I’d kill them. I must look ridiculous walking around the apartment checking each corner waiting for him to suddenly appear. “Okay, babe. I’m going to the park for our date. Looks like you’re stuck here.” My voice gives away the slightest hint of fear. I turn around and he’s standing right there.
“Ha!” he screams and I can’t help the squeal that comes from my throat.
Damn him.
“Jerk,” I say and start to stomp away, furious that once again he got me.
I hear him behind me as he wheels faster. “Oh, don’t be like that. You had to know I always win. I’ve told you this numerous times. I never lose.” His arrogance is shining through.
Spinning on my heels, I turn to face him. “I wouldn’t say never, darling.”
“When have I ever lost?” He cocks his eyebrow and it takes everything inside of me not to jump him.
For some inexplicable reason I find him sexiest when he’s like this. Who am I kidding? I find him sexy all the time. Damn dimple and abs—I didn’t stand a chance. I smile since this is the perfect time to finally get my time from that godforsaken obstacle course he made me run. “Show me yours and I’ll show you mine.” I give him my best seductive grin.
Jackson clears his throat as I slither up to him. “Show my what?”
“Time. I want to see your time.”
His head tilts and he looks off to the side. “I’m going out on a limb here, but are you talking about the O-course?” A slow smile creeps across his face as he figures out what I’m talking about.
“Yup,” I smirk and start to slide my finger down his chest. “You know, that photo you have of my time.” My brow rises as his breath hitches while my hand goes lower. “The one where you owe me a whole lot of shopping and a massage.”
Jackson grips my wrist before my hands reach his pants. “What about when you see how much I schooled you?” He leans forward dropping his voice into a low seductive whisper. “What do I get then, baby?”
The heat against my ear causes me to shiver and I hear him chuckle at my reaction. “What do you want?” I try to play it cool and not give away the way he’s making my body react, even though it’s blatantly obvious.
“What do you want to give me?” His deep voice travels from my head to my toes, igniting the low flame of lust into a raging inferno.
My breaths are shallow and my pulse is beating so loud I’m positive he can hear it. “Well, why don’t you show me and find out.”
“Nah, this is more fun,” Jackson says and stands up opening the door.
“You’re not going to think this is so fun in a few hours.” With my arms crossed I lean against the door so he can’t get through.
Jackson smiles and waits for me to move. He’s in no rush and it makes me want to stomp and scream at him. It seems he’s back to his playful, jackass self. The walker he uses to get around has a seat and he perches himself on it while I stand there. The smug smile on his face causes my irritation to claw its way up.
“I’ve got all day,” he sighs dramatically and starts to look around.
“I’ll make another deal with you,” I say. “Even though I don’t know why I bother since you don’t keep up your end anyway,” I tack on just for good measure.
“I’m all ears.”
He infuriates me when he’s like this. I don’t know whether to slap him or kiss him—maybe both. “We’ll go to the park and settle in for our beautiful date. Since you’re feeling better, you’ll tell me my time and I’ll tell you yours.”
“I’m waiting for the concession here,” Jackson cuts me off and taps his fingers on the chair.
I huff, “I’m getting there, Muffin. But you so rudely interrupted.” I smile and cock my head to the side. “As I was saying, you give up the goods and if I won then you take me to a Broadway play. Then, you’ll treat me to a spa day. If you win, then I won’t call you Muffin for at least two weeks, and I’ll run that stupid obstacle course again.”
“One month,” he says quickly, counteroffering my two weeks.
“Two weeks.”
“Not good enough, and you’ll do a lot more than the obstacle course. As soon as my leg is back to normal and I get the green light from the doc, you’ll start running with me every day.”
I laugh and roll my eyes. “I think you have a better chance of me becoming a nun before that ever happens.”
“Take it or leave it, Kitty,” Jackson says, cocky and so sure he has it made.
“My final offer is three weeks.” I smile and place both hands on the walker, backing him into the wall. He’s completely trapped and his eyes narrow as he looks at the position he’s in. “And unless you want to become celibate, you’ll retract the running clause.”
His lips quirk up into a lazy smile. “You see, baby, I win. I have the time. I have the upper hand. I already know I smoked your beautiful ass. There’s no way in hell you beat me, so really this deal has to work in my favor. So you …” Jackson’s fingers wrap around my neck as he pulls me down, “… Are really the one who has to suffer.” His lips graze mine and I feel the heat of his breath against my mouth. “Take it. Or leave it.”
I can almost feel his smile against my lips. Unable to resist him and hoping this diversion tactic works, I press my mouth to his. My hands thread in his hair and my tongue plunges into his mouth. Controlling every aspect of the kiss, I push further. When he finally let’s go and starts to give back, I give him a moment. I need him to get lost in it so I can hopefully have him distracted. Plus, I know he’s already excited from our previous kiss. As soon as I hear the moan escape him, I push back and take an extra step out of his grasp. My lips tingle from the kiss and Jackson’s eyes are wide as he admires me. The bulge in his pants makes it obvious he was wanting much more.
With his defenses lowered, I move back another step letting him see who really has the power. “You better slow me down before I head out the door.” I pause for dramatic effect.
“What game are you playing?”
I start to lift my shirt but stop as I see his pupils dilate, “Jackson?”
He doesn’t answer, just watches as I hike it a little higher.
“Do we have a deal?” I ask softly.
“Whatever the fuck you want,” Jackson doesn’t hesitate in answering.
“I thought you’d say that.” I smile and take a step in his direction. He licks his lips and uses his index finger to try to call me over. “Now, come here and finish what you started and then somehow managed to bully me into giving you your way.”
Another small step in his direction, but I stop, grab the basket and blanket, and turn on my heels. “Nah, I’m in the mood for the park.”
“You’re killing me, Catherine. Absolutely fucking killing me,” Jackson groans but I hear him moving behind me.
When we’re out the door, I turn to him feeling victorious and a little devious. “Guess you don’t always win, now do you?”
We quickly reach the boat pond area of Central Park, which is only about a block from his high rise. To say he lives in the most desired area of New York City would be an understatement. It’s perfect. I’m glad he pulled me away from work and the launch. We both need this time together.
“I think we should steer clear of any more competitions for today. My balls can’t handle it,” Jackson says while laughing.
“Awww, my little sore loser.”
“When I show you the photo of your time, we’ll see who’s sore.”
I wave my hand dismissively. Even though I added a good four minutes on to his time, the reality is—I have no idea what my damage was. I didn’t really fall or struggle too much, but Super SEAL over there didn’t even break a sweat. “Want to sit at the end of the hill?” I point to the grassy section that has a small incline. That way he can sit easily and use the height to get up without too much effort. I know how much he hates the limitations his leg injury is causing. At least this is a way to minimize it. Also, he’s heavy and difficult for me to maneuver on my own.
“Sounds great. What do you have in that basket?” he asks curiously trying to peek the lid open.
“Just snacks, a few books, and some drinks.” I smile as we slowly make our way to the tiny piece of tranquility we’ll have in the middle of this metropolis.
“You thought of all that in an hour?” Jackson asks with disbelief in his voice.
“I didn’t make a gourmet meal. Also I didn’t make a disaster of the kitchen while grabbing things.”
He smirks. “I think that night worked out for the both of us.”
The blush spreads across my face as I hear the double meaning. Yes, it most definitely did work out for both of us.
Laying out the blanket, I help Jackson get comfortable and I settle in.
“Hey, get over here,” he calls and pats his good leg. “Do you want to read for a little while?”
“We have all day, babe. We can do whatever.”
It’s beautiful out. There’s a small breeze and the sun is overhead but we have some shade thanks to the trees. I lie on his leg and look up at him. His strong jaw, beautiful eyes, and short stubble take my breath away. I start to remember the first time we met, how much he affected me. Then, when I realized he was my new client, the electrical charge I fought so hard against was undeniable. But nothing like the first time I saw him without a shirt on—which reminds me of the course.
He leans back on his side and smiles. “You wanna know, don’t you?”
I sit up practically bouncing up and down. “Yes!” I’m so excited. Here comes a play, no running daily crap, and a whole lot of taunting. Well, I hope at least. As quickly as I can, I grab my phone and scroll to the photo with his time and clutch it to my chest. “Okay, you ready, Muffin?” I smirk and ready myself for the moment of truth.
“Oh, baby, I’m more than ready. I hope you get yourself a new pair of running shoes.”
“I hope you’re ready to lose to a girl.”
“If you beat me, I might cry,” Jackson jokes.
“Now that I want to see.”
Jackson’s loud laugh cuts through the quiet as he grabs his phone.
“Ready?” he asks.
“As I’ll ever be. Time to pay up, Muff.”
“Better get it all out of your system, sweetheart, because that’s the last time you’ll be saying my call sign for a while.”
I shake my head and try to get my excitement in check. “Okay, let’s both put the phones face down and then on the count of three we’ll flip them over.”
Jackson rolls his eyes and hands his phone over. “I’m not worried.”
“Neither am I.” Tentatively, I hand mine over, controlling my shaking.
We count it down, and then slowly flip the phones over and look at our times.
Game.
Set.
Match.