chapter 15
Okay, so maybe she was giddy. Several weeks of good sex could do that for you.
So far by silent agreement, they hadn’t told anyone. Though she was so sure any second now, they were gonna get busted. She did however feel guilty for not telling Lucia yet.
She wanted to tell her. Desperately. But she was also afraid of what would happen when the happy bubble burst. Would she revert to her old ways and run for the hills? Shit would get complicated if everyone knew.
Regardless of keeping that secret, JJ had a smile on her face and a spring in her step, but that was no reason for all the guys in the office to stare at her like she had two heads. Even the baby was looking at her funny. No, she's not.
But JJ couldn't help it. She was in a terrific mood. And yes, that was Jonas's fault. Not that she was complaining in the least. She usually wasn't one for PDA or people knowing her business, but this time she really didn't care. Besides, it was completely unavoidable.
And for a super spy undercover type Jonas was shit at hiding any of what was going on. They’d talked about it. About keeping the PDA to a minimum. About being careful. But it didn't stop him from staring at her. Or looking her up and down as if he wanted to lick her like a Popsicle.
Ooh a Popsicle. Yes please.
She really had to stop. But she couldn't help it. She'd insisted that they come in at different times this morning. Not like she wanted everyone knowing where she was last night. Or the last several nights really. She'd snuck in to her own room at three in the morning. And instead of him just coming in with her, he'd turned up at five, his usual time to use the gym. But instead of using the gym, he'd woken her up again with his mouth and then gone to work out. Devious man.
Over the breakfast table, Lucia eyed her suspiciously. And when Jonas walked by and pulled out her stool for her, Lucia's eyebrows popped. The moment Jonas was out of the kitchen, Lucia leaned forward. "You have some explaining to do."
"What?" First of all, she was a shitty liar. She'd never acquired the skill. Besides, this was Lucia. So lying directly to her face was nearly impossible. Lies of omission were simpler to pull off, but that required not seeing her best friend, which was kind of impossible since they lived together. "I don't know what you're talking about."
Lucia grinned, the smile going so wide she would probably split her lips soon. "For starters, you and Jonas are doing it. But where the hell are my details and gossip?"
"Would you keep it down?"
"Really? You two think you're hiding it? Everyone in this office has been watching the two of you fight like alley cats for years. All of a sudden he's pulling out your chair and looking at you like you’re his favorite chocolate dessert and he doesn't want to miss an ounce."
"Look it's just—"
Lucia crossed her arms. "Follow me."
She gave Isabella a kiss on her cheek before handing her over to Noah in the living room. The baby cooed and clapped her little chubby hands together the moment she was in her father's arms. Noah grinned at his daughter as she proceeded to smack him in the nose with her little palm.
JJ snorted. She'd wanted to do that very same thing before. As she chuckled, she followed Lucia to her and Noah's bedroom, and then her best friend whirled on her.
"Spill. Start talking right the hell now."
JJ rocked back on her heels. "Um—"
"Don't bother lying; you're bad at it. Tell me everything. Best friend code right now."
"Fine. It's just I don't really know what's going on."
Lucia snorted through her nose. "I know what's going on. You and Jonas are boning. First of all, how is it? Second of all, please tell me it was everything. You two have been dancing around the last two years, so it had better be really, really good. Third of all, when? Fourth of all, how many times? Fifth of all, was this the reason you weren't home last night or most of this week and come to think of it last week? And the reason he’s at the office extra early most mornings?"
JJ couldn't help but laugh. "Yes, fine. Okay—yes it happened a couple of weeks ago when everyone was freaking out because I decided to walk. I don't know. I've been feeling cooped up, I guess. I'm used to just doing whatever the hell I want, when I want. I mean the place is palatial, and I have everything I could ever need. I don't pay rent, and I don't pay for groceries, and I live in a fabulous penthouse, and my bedroom has a view of Central Park … So it’s heaven, right? But it’s still a gilded prison.”
Lucia nodded. "Yeah. I know. I hear you. Sometimes it can feel like that. But remember everyone is only worried about your safety. We've had a lot happen to the team, and I couldn't bear it if something happened to you."
JJ took her hand and then joined her on the edge of the bed. "I know. And I am grateful. I mean God damn it, I had a fire in my apartment. And you guys have been generous enough to let me stay. I do not mean to complain at all, I swear. It’s just, I'm not used to having roommates, so it's an adjustment. So anyway, I wanted to walk home, get some fresh air. Jonas found me of course—he was being Jonas."
Lucia chuckled. "Yes, of course, he was being Jonas."
JJ left out the part about thinking someone was following her. "Yeah, so he pulled up, and of course he was shouting at me. And I don't know what happened. Well, I do know actually. We kissed. That was the first time."
"Yeah, you told me that part. So what happened next? How did it progress? I feel like I need popcorn for this."
JJ rolled her eyes. "I don't know. Something spooked me one day when I was running errands for the office. Like you said, a lot has happened in the last year, and I swear I was seeing things. Then, I don't know, I was really freaked out. I called Jonas for pickup and he came and got me, and took me to his place because I didn't want to come back here and have to explain to everyone how I was freaking out over nothing. And everything was fine, and I just wanted to take a minute to breathe. And then the next thing I know, I’m jumping his bones."
Lucia's mouth dropped open. "You jumped him?"
"Please don't remind me. It was humiliating enough at the moment."
"Wait, he turned you down?"
She nodded. "Yep, #turnedallofthisdown."
Lucia scowled despite JJ’s attempt to be humorous. "He's a moron."
"Yes, I'd have to agree. I was pissed." Again, she left out the nitty-gritty details of the humiliation. And she left out the part about her desperation move. The need to try and block out the unpleasant memories with sex. Lucia didn't need to know all that.
"So, we came home, and I was in a mood. Irritated, ticked off, horny. And he followed me, and of course we were fighting as usual. And then he pretty much asked me if I was okay because he said I wasn't acting like myself. Which was bullshit." Liar.
"Aww, Jonas can care sometimes. He can really be very sweet."
"Weren't you just calling him an idiot a second ago?"
Lucia shrugged. "He's just like his best friend. One moment in my good graces, the next moment I want to slap him."
"I know this feeling well," JJ laughed. "So anyway, he's being all extra sweet, and then I'm losing it because I feel rejected and like a crazy person, and then he kisses me. And then we, uh, and then we boned."
Lucia whooped. "Fantastic. Wait, where the hell were we? Somehow everyone seems to know when Noah and I are having sex.”
"You guys were out. And I'm pretty sure Matthias knows. I'm not exactly quiet. But then I also didn't want a big deal made. You know me. Next week I could run. So we’ve been keeping it quiet … sort of."
Lucia clutched her belly and giggled. "Man, that poor kid. We are traumatizing him for life. Do you know how many times he’s walked in on me and Noah?"
JJ held up a hand. "I don't want to know."
"No, you don't."
"Yeah, so that's it."
"No, that is not it. Because sex is one thing, but then what happened after that?"
"Not much. I mean we still had to work. So in the middle of the night, he left my bed, grabbed his stuff and went home. Came to work the next morning like everything was normal. But then after work, he came to pick me up. That was last night. He took me to his place and made me dinner."
Lucia's slow smile warmed JJ up from the heart. "Oh boy. This is going to be a thing isn’t it?"
"Do not get excited."
Why not? You're getting excited. What if this could be real? She shoved that thought down immediately.
"I don't know if this is gonna stick. Right now it's good sex. And good food. Two of my favorite things. And obviously you know what he looks like, so huge ego boost."
"You're being ridiculous. He's the lucky one. Okay, so he made you dinner and then you guys ... "
"Well, it's very hard to keep my hands off that man. I'll just say that."
"Oh boy, you guys are gonna fall in love. I can tell. I can feel it."
JJ wanted to be excited. But she knew Lucia didn't have all the details. Lucia didn't know why she kept herself at arms length from most men. Lucia didn't know why Jonas wouldn't be sticking around forever. Lucia didn't know her deep and dark hidden secrets. So all her best friend could see was the happiness and potential. The problem was, on the course she was on, either she was going to get hurt or Jonas was. And Lucia and the rest of the team were going to get caught in the middle.
He was nervous.
You have no reason to be nervous. You've already slept with her. Twice. This is just a date.
Except this wasn't just a date. He liked her. You've always liked her. Yeah, he had always liked her. Well, mostly he had wanted to shake her and sleep with her. But liked her? Not exactly. He’d always respected the fuck out of her. She was strong. Sexy. Smart. Kept him on his toes, which was awesome and annoying all at the same time.
Yeah, he'd always liked her. But somehow, it felt like he needed to do this right. Because there were so many ways that this could go wrong. And he didn't want it to go wrong.
And now, everyone knew. Mostly because you can't help but stare at her. Yeah, that was it. Twice during their debriefing meeting this morning, he'd been so busy staring out the glass window at JJ walking by that Noah had to snap his fingers in front of his face. When Jonas had snapped out of it, all the guys had been looking at him with shit-eating grins on their faces. Fuck them all. He didn't care.
Yeah you do. Because you know how this will affect everyone if this shit goes wrong.
This was true. But given that they were grown-ups they could probably manage it. Who the hell are you kidding? You'll go back to fighting like cats and dogs and actually hate each other. Fuck, he really hoped that didn't happen. Because he had a feeling he'd be thinking about tasting her for the rest of his damn life.
He knocked on her door and she opened it with a wide smile. "What is all this?"
"This," he spun around adjusting his jacket and deliberately showing off, "is your date for the evening. Go get changed. Something sexy and flirty. You look gorgeous in red."
She paled. What was that about? Then just as quickly, she shook her head and smiled slightly. Jonas wasn’t sure what he’d said that could cause that reaction. Maybe she was feeling a little bashful remembering wearing nothing but his red tie last night.
"And just where would I be going in this red, sexy, flirty dress?"
"Can't tell you that. It's a surprise. Come on, get changed. We're going to be late."
He loved that happy, surprised grin that flashed over her face. He wanted to put that grin there all the time. Fuck, he had it so bad. This was going to end in disaster if he wasn't careful. Slow it down. Don't overwhelm her. This was supposed to be easy, fun, not too serious. He had to repeat that over and over again until his brain started to remember.
When she came back out, she'd opted for red and black. Fine by him. She still looked amazing; the dress tied at her neck, leaving most of her back exposed. Which meant he could touch as much as he wanted.
"You look—wow."
She grinned. "Oh, this old thing?"
"Come on. Let's go before everyone notices we’re all dressed up."
With a giggle, she followed him through the path of least resistance, which meant from her bedroom, through the kitchen, completely avoiding the living room, gym area, and conference room. They snuck out the door, but not before Oskar called out, "You two kids have fun now. Jonas, remember to bring her back at a reasonable hour. And if you two are gonna get up to extracurricular activities, please warn the rest of us so we can wear our earmuffs. I don't think Matthias has recovered after the other day."
Jonas groaned. He was going to fucking kill the German.
But JJ didn't miss a beat. "You guys can go eat a bowl of dicks, you hear me?"
A bark of laughter choked out of Jonas and he stared at her. "A bowl of dicks?"
She nodded "Yep, I'm going with it."
"Woman, you are ridiculous."
She danced into the elevator. "Yep, but that's why you love me."
He knew she was kidding. She was being flippant. She did not mean that. But it's not untrue. Oh shit. He was tripping over the landmines of his feelings. Because he was falling for her. Even though he could see the collision toward disaster. He didn't care.
Once they were in the car heading toward the Met, she turned to face him. "A car service? My, my, Jonas Castillo giving over control? I must ask what is happening here."
"You and I both know I give you control. But I figured this way we could have some fun, and be irresponsible and not have to worry about driving anywhere. So relax. We're on a date."
"I love how all our dates thus far consist of you telling me what we're going to be doing."
He shrugged. "I see no problem with this."
"Well, hold onto your britches because I will plan a date for you, and it's going to be something you don't expect."
"I look forward to it."
He took her to a show at the Met. And admittedly the show wasn't all pleasure. It was also to do a check-in on a client whose husband had been more paranoid as of late. She'd come into the office to ask for additional protection and the team set up surveillance on her. But last week she called asking them to call it off. The event at the Met was mostly a welfare check on a would-have-been client. But after that, everything was all JJ.
The Met was featuring a lesser-known opera. And it was short; only an exhibition to get everyone to buy tickets to the big show. And of course there was the party after. But they weren’t staying for that.
Mrs. Elliot Anderson looked none too pleased to see him. But still, she was cordial and introduced him and JJ around. When he managed to get her alone for a moment, she said, "I told you; I made a mistake coming to Blake Security. I'm not in danger."
"I understand what you're saying. At the same time, I just want to be sure. Sometimes people say things on the phone if they’re being coerced. So we like to do a welfare check in an environment where they don't expect us. More difficult to lie this way. But you’re fine?"
She nodded. “Yes, absolutely." Jonas could see the lines of tension around her mouth. This woman was not okay. But he was learning to maybe let go a little bit. Of course he'd send Dylan or Ryan to follow her and sit on her place. But he couldn't force her to want their protection.
Once he was done with her, he found JJ chatting with an artist near the bar. The guy was laughing, reaching out a hand and caressing JJ's arm. That had Jonas frowning immediately. Mine. Yeah, that constant thought, that was gonna have to stop, too. She would not like being referred to as his. Still, he had to maneuver her away from the handsy artist.
He strode right up to her, leaned down, and nuzzled her neck. "You ready to go sweetheart? I want to feed you."
She turned into him with a happy smile. "You said my favorite words. When she’d bid the guy goodbye and they were halfway to the door, she turned to him. "Don't think I don't know what you were doing."
"And don't think I won't stake my claim. I want you. He was trying to poach. I didn't appreciate it."
"So you peed all over me?"
Again, the unexpected laugh. "Seriously? I mean, if you're into that … ”
"Eww. I am not. But someone's feeling very territorial tonight."
“Of course I am. I'm here with the most beautiful woman in the room."
The rest of the night, Jonas couldn't remember when he'd had this much fun. He took her dancing. A little salsa, a little merengue. They were a little overdressed, but man, was it fun. And true to his word, he kept her well fed. The classic Mediterranean place he'd taken her to had a Michelin starred chef. And JJ squealed when she saw where they were going.
"I've been trying to get a table here for a year."
"I aim to please."
After dinner, once they were headed back to the car, he slid an arm around her before leaning down to gently brush his lips over hers. "So princess, your place or mine?"
"Aren't you being a little presumptuous?"
He laughed. "Hell yes. And I promise you sweetheart, I'm a sure thing."
"In that case, I’m yours."