CHAPTER ELEVEN
Win from within.
Jack sat at the kitchen table with Ana and drank his coffee as they stared at one another. “You do know what the word surprise means, right?”
“Please, just tell me.”
“No way, not going to happen.”
“I would think that since I suffered a minor concussion last night, you’d be more willing to give me what I want. I don’t like surprises anyway.”
“You’re going to like this one, so be patient and prepare to be amazed.” He got up, kissed her nose, then started putting dishes in the dishwasher.
Joining him at the sink, she leaned against it and smiled. “Can you give me one small clue?”
“I’m not going to give you a hint, even if you stand there and flash me all day. I’m a strong man with a lot of willpower.”
Standing, she adjusted her tank top. “If I was well-endowed, I bet I could’ve made you sing like a canary. Flashing you is never going to get me what I want.”
Turning off the water, he dried his hands and let out a long breath. “Ana, you’re the sexiest woman in the world, and you should’ve figured that out by now. I’m tempted by you all the time and have proven that twice already this morning. So don’t try and play that card with me.”
“One tiny hint isn’t going to kill you.”
“No it wouldn’t, but then it wouldn’t be a surprise.” He turned on the water and started to whistle as he finished the dishes. He watched her walk out of the kitchen and swore that she put more sway into her hips than was completely necessary. Which was fine because he wasn’t going to crack and knew that when she found out what he was doing, she’d be very appreciative.
“Ana.”
“In my office.”
Strolling in, he noticed she was typing furiously on her computer. “What are you working on?”
“I’m writing the grant proposals for my new study and plan on working at home today, so I can get them all done.”
He sat in the chair next to her desk and admired her long legs and remembered how much he enjoyed having them wrapped around his waist earlier as he drove himself into her tight heat. Checking his watch, he realized that any more thoughts like that would make him late, so he scrubbed his mind. “Are you excited about the study?”
Turning, she tightened her ponytail and then crossed her legs. “Like you can’t believe. If my hunch is correct, this could be a huge breakthrough for dementia patients.”
“I’m so proud of you and can’t believe my girlfriend is a freaking genius.”
“Well, I can’t believe you’re such an accomplished athlete.”
Taking her hand, he grinned. “I should be done around five or six tonight, so do you want me to bring home some takeout?”
“No, remember I’m cooking dinner since you’re leaving tomorrow. We can eat around seven and then maybe watch a movie or something.” Uncurling her legs, she sat up. “Are you sure about this whole boyfriend-girlfriend thing? Maybe we should just keep it casual for a while and see how we do.”
“No, Ana! You said yes last night and can’t take it back. Not every date we have is going to end up in the ER, and the next one is going to be great.”
“All right, I guess we can give it a try. You did get me a Key lime pie, after all.”
Standing, he held his hands out and waited until she took them. When she did, he pulled her against his chest and rested his head on top of hers and was pretty damn sure their hearts were beating in sync. “How’s your head?”
“Good, I don’t have any residual pain and feel back to normal.”
“You sure gave the ER doc a run for his money last night and had him against the ropes for a while with all your questions.”
“I’ve spent the last ten years studying the human body and specifically the brain, so when I bounce my coconut against a cement floor, I want to have as much information as I can.”
“Well, I hope you got what you wanted because the guy was sweating by the time he walked out of the room and was probably second guessing everything he knew and wondering if it was enough.”
“Being a doctor means you never stop learning, and if you want a profession that stays static, then don’t become an M.D. Advancements in treatment happen at lightning speed now, and if you don’t want to keep up, then get out of the game.”
“I like your kick-ass attitude, Doctor.”
“So, what are you doing today?”
“Nice try,” he replied before kissing her head and stepping back.
Rolling her eyes, she pulled out her chair and collapsed. “Fine but know that I’ll keep my eye on the gossip sites and see if I can figure it out. People hardly ever leave you alone, so maybe someone will get a picture of you doing whatever mysterious thing you’re trying to keep from me.”
“Good thing you’re a chicken and have decided a career as a master spy is not for you.”
“I said the CIA wasn’t a career for me, but that doesn’t mean that I’ll not use my skills for evil and try and ferret out the truth of your secret mission today.”
“Well, good luck with that.”
“Said as insincerely as possible.”
He blew her a kiss and then walked out, whistling a jaunty tune. She was going to be so happy when she discovered the truth, and he knew the look on her face when it happened was going to be worth waiting for.
***
Ana looked at her phone and was surprised to see that Jack was calling. After all the mystery this morning, why would he have time to check in? “Hi, honey. Are you ready to tell me about the surprise?”
“Ana, the surprise is about to die a sad and ugly death. I need you to come over and help me save this thing.”
Tipping back in her chair, she let a satisfied smile spread across her face because the truth was finally going to be revealed. And, she didn’t even have to wait half a day for him to spill the beans. “How interesting since you were so tight-lipped this morning. It’s only two, and now you need me?”
“Are you done gloating? Because if you are, then I need you to get your sweet little girlfriend-butt down here and help me out.”
“My sweet girlfriend-butt? My…my, Jack, how quickly things change.”
“Ana, stop. I need your help and am desperate.”
She sat up suddenly and started paying attention to what he was saying. “Are you hurt? Is someone threatening you? I’ll call Joel, and he’ll have a team ready in less than an hour. Tell me where you are.”
“I’m not hurt, and you don’t have to call Joel. I’m at a photo shoot, and it’s not going well.”
“What?” she shrieked.
“Don’t break my eardrum.”
“I’m sorry; I thought you really needed me.”
“I do. I texted you the address and want you to come down here as soon as you can. No one is pleased with me right now, and you’re the only person who can fix this.”
“Start from the beginning and tell me what’s going on.”
“Get in your car, and I’ll explain everything as you drive over. I’m doing this for you and need your help.”
“Why didn’t you just say that then? I would’ve already been in the car.” She got up from her desk and looked down at her clothes. “It’s not going to matter how I’m dressed, right?”
“No, trust me.”
“All right, I’m on my way to save the day.” She laughed at her own joke and noticed he didn’t join her. Maybe this was more serious than she thought. “Honey, I’m just kidding. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
“Thank you. I’ll see you soon.”
Ana strode up to a large building in downtown Miami in an area that was filled with industrial buildings and wondered what her big bad boyfriend needed. She’d just texted him that she was here and watched a door open and him walk out. Giving him a visual check, she decided he was unharmed, but in a seriously bad mood.
He was dressed in his usual T-shirt and athletic shorts, so that didn’t give her a clue, but his hair looked different. “Did they put gel in your hair?”
“Yes, and I have some tanner thing on my skin,” he replied as he engulfed her in his arms and squeezed. “I’ve never been so happy to see anyone in my life.”
He smelled the same, acted the same, and spoke the same. He must be suffering some existential crisis. “Spill.”
“Let’s go inside, and I’ll explain everything.”
Following him into the building, she saw that it was a photography studio and was buzzing with people and activity. “Are you doing a commercial? That’s not much of a secret.”
“I wanted to surprise you,” he replied as he led her into a dressing room. “Do you remember when we talked about all of the endorsements that I do?”
“Sure.”
“Well, you said that you would take the money if I posed for the underwear ad and,” he picked up a pair from a table and held them up. “Surprise, I’m doing one.”
“I never said that, Jack. And if I did, it didn’t come out right.” She twisted her hands together and had a bad feeling about what he was about to tell her. “I hope you’re not doing this for me.”
“That’s exactly what I’m doing, and it’s cratering.”
“Oh, my word, Jack. What’s going on?”
“I got this idea that I would take the endorsement and then give you the money for your research. I thought it would be a good surprise, and then you’d know for sure that I mean what I say. The problem seems to be that I’m not great at posing in my skivvies.”
“You have stripped down to your underwear so that you could give me a million dollars for research?”
“Yeah, I thought it was a really solid idea. Until I started posing and sucked at it.”
“A good surprise is when you show up with flowers or cupcakes or maybe a DVD set. Giving someone a million dollars is crazy.”
“I’m not actually giving you a million dollars. Your cousin Birdie set up a foundation, and she’s going to invest the money so that you’ll always have money for whatever research you’re interested in pursuing. She said this was the best way to do it, so we wouldn’t be hit with a huge tax bill that would eat up over half of it.”
Feeling tears gather, she sucked in a breath. “That’s so…”
Picking her up, he held her close and collapsed on the sofa. “Honey, this was supposed to make you happy.”
“I am.”
“But you’re crying.”
“Happy tears.”
“Ana, I just want you to have what you need.”
“You sweet, crazy man.” She put her mouth against his and proceeded to show him exactly how she felt. There was a knock on the door, and a loud huff announced whoever was coming in. Ana pulled away and smoothed out her hair.
“So, this is the woman who’s going to save our photo shoot?”
“Yes, Charles, this is my girlfriend, Ana, and she came down to help me out. We’ll be out in fifteen minutes and can knock this one out before five.”
“Famous last words,” huffed Charles. “I expect to see you both out there and be ready to shoot.”
Ana watched the door close with a resounding thud. “So, how am I going to save this thing?”
“I suck at trying to look sexy and need your help. Apparently, I appear to be stiff and uncomfortable.”
“You’re pretty much sex on a stick, so I’m not sure how that’s possible. Tell me how I can help.”
“I think just having you here is going to get me in the mood.”
Ana patted his chest, got up, and looked for her purse. “I have just the thing.” Placing it on her lap, she started to dig around and wished her purse didn’t resemble a black hole. Things went in and sometimes were never seen again. Finally, she emptied the whole thing out on the couch, and the little plastic bag with the answer to their problems made itself visible. She pulled it out and held it up in triumph. “I’ve got it.”
“What is that, and how’s is it going to save us?”
“When I was giving my dissertation for my doctorate, Birdie got these for me from Rory. They’re buds that fit in your ear, and I can communicate with you through this nearly invisible mic. She spoke to me while I was presenting, and it totally calmed me down. If Ella needs my help on a date, then she wears it, and I feed her lines to use, so she doesn’t feel so awkward.”
“I had no idea how devious you were.”
“I like to think of it as resourceful since deceit is such an ugly word.” She held up an earbud and nodded. “You can wear this, and I’ll say sexy things to you.” She snapped her fingers and grinned. “Voila. Instant success.”
He took the tiny bud out of her hand and smiled. “I like having you in my head, and I bet this is going to work.”
“Let’s get it set, and then go out there and blow their minds because there are a lot of women out there that are going to enjoy seeing you half-naked.” Sitting back, she thought about what she’d said, and had a bad feeling erupt in her stomach as the reality of millions of women seeing her boyfriend in his skivvies became real.
“Oh, no, honey. Don’t get that look on your face.”
“It’s fine; I can handle it. It’s for a great cause, and if it means that you’re going to be the star of millions of women’s fantasies, then I can live with it.”
“Are you going to be mad now?”
Shaking her head, she worked on accepting what was about to happen. “I don’t own you and have no right to have an opinion.”
“Oh, yes, you do. You have every right because, to some degree, you do own me. The same way that I own you. Tell me now if this is going to be a problem.”
“No. This money will do a lot of good if the research can help people. I can live with women ogling you, but this is the last one, Jack. No more underwear ads.”
He leaned down and kissed her hard. “If my woman says no more underwear ads, then so be it.” He ran his hand along her arm and winked. “Guess this means you’re keeping me.”
“Yes, I will be.” Nodding to herself as much as him, she handed him the bud. “Now, let’s try this out and see if it’ll work.” She watched him place the bud in his ear and then she put the mic up to her mouth. “Testing.”
“I can hear your voice and feel a hundred times better.”
“What should I say?”
“Something sexy.”
“I don’t know what to say that’s sexy.”
“Hearing your laugh always turns me on, so you could just do that.”
“Maybe I can just remind you what we did this morning or something that I want to try later.”
“Works for me.” He glanced down at his shorts and wondered if it was too much. “Go easy, honey. I don’t want to be indecent.”
Ana followed his gaze and covered her mouth as her eyes grew large. “Maybe I’ll just talk about something else; no need to advertise the goods.”
Standing, he took her hands and pulled her up. “Let’s go and kick this ad’s ass.”
“I’d like to take a bite out of yours.”
His eyes flew down, and he let out a booming laugh. “God damn, you make me happy. As long as you’re by my side, I can do freaking anything.”
“Same,” she replied quietly as they walked into the studio.
Jack walked over to the director and crossed his arms. “I’m ready when you are.”
“Thank God,” he replied tersely.
“So, can I see what shots you’ve taken?” Ana asked. “I want to understand what you want and why the pictures you’ve already taken are not working.” She smiled up at the director and noticed his surprise. “Is that an unusual question?”
“No, I was just wondering where you came from and whether you’ve done this in the past?”
“No. I’ve never been to a photo shoot.”
Jack moved closer to Ana and put his arm around her shoulder. “Charles, did I mention that Ana has a doctorate in neuropsychology and has a prestigious fellowship at the University of Miami?”
“No,” he replied impatiently.
“She has a study that she wants to do on the effects of certain drugs on patients with early cases of dementia. I’m doing this shoot so I can put my fee into our foundation and the money will be used for research.”
“Oh, well, that’s…”
“A long shot, but I’m hopeful,” Ana responded.
“My father suffered from dementia, and it was agonizing for everyone in the family.” Taking Ana’s hand, he shook it. “I’m happy to be a part of something that can change that.”
Ana put her hand on his arm, squeezed, and gave him a big smile. “It’s only a hunch, but I have a good feeling about it.”
“Well, let’s get this thing going then,” Charles responded.
Jack put his mouth against Ana’s ear. “Nothing shy and awkward about that. You just charmed a very irritated director and made him a teammate. Nice going.”
“I didn’t do anything; you did.”
“We did it together.”
“Ana, come over here,” Charles called out.
Pressing a kiss to Jack’s cheek, she winked. “Let’s get your sexy on, so we can go home.”
“Never heard anything better in my life.”
“Charles, I clearly know nothing about this, and just tell me to stop if you think that I’m totally off base. For me, the sexiest thing about a man is his smile, and Jack happens to have a deadly one.” Turning, she looked up and winked. “I had no interest in him, but he kept smiling at me and gave me no choice but to fall for him, and I think that’s true for a lot of women.”
She pointed to the computer and the photos from earlier in the afternoon. “He looks like he’s faking it and I’m sure that’s not what you were looking for. I think men will buy the underwear because they revere Jack’s capability on the field and his reputation as a good man. And, if a woman buys them, then she’s hoping her significant other will look a little like him when he puts them on. Or she’ll think he’s handsome and sexy and like his picture on the package.” She turned and put her hand on Jack’s face. “This face only needs a smile, or maybe one of those looks he gives the opposing team. That’s all.”
Charles studied her and remained silent, which meant she’d totally said too much and should’ve kept her mouth shut. What did she know about advertising? Sinking into Jack, she wondered what she’d gotten them into.
Charles smiled at the pair of them and nodded his agreement. “I think you may have something there, Ana. Let’s give it a try and see if it works. It can’t be any worse than the shots we took earlier. How are you going to direct him?”
“Don’t worry; we have that covered.”
“Places, people. Let’s see if we can get something that we can use.” He motioned to Jack to get ready. “Let’s do the first shot in the patio against the white wall and see what we come up with.”
Jack shed his shorts and was dressed in a pair of boxer briefs as he stood against a white wall and waited for direction.
Ana sucked her breath in because her man was magnificent. She, of course, already knew that, but seeing him almost naked with a lot of people standing around hammered the point home. She noticed he seemed uncomfortable as he waited for things to start and decided to start making him comfortable. “Hi, handsome, are you having fun yet?” She watched a smile fall across his face as he searched for her.
He spotted her and mouthed, “No.”
“Vanilla or chocolate?” She watched his confused expression and laughed. “Would you choose vanilla or chocolate ice cream?”
He mouthed, “Chocolate.”
She smiled. “Cats or dogs?”
He gave her a bored look and mouthed, “Dogs.”
She gave him a thumbs-up and chuckled. “I guess I’ll keep you for a while because you’re turning out to be kind of perfect.” The look that crossed his face was a mixture of desire, love, and happiness and the sound of the camera going off startled her. Apparently, they had started, so she kept talking away as pictures were taken. She was no expert but would bet there were more than a few money shots taken. Nobody was more appealing than Jack Ellis, and it wasn’t because he was built like a Greek god, but because of who he was. It was his insides that made him irresistible, and all the pictures that were being taken demonstrated that perfectly.
Ana held Jack’s hand as they walked out of the building and looked up. “What?”
“Thanks for the save; I think we’re going to make an amazing team and I couldn’t have done it without you.”
Leaning over, she kissed his arm and smiled. “I like being the voice in your head and felt pretty powerful. I might’ve enjoyed it a little too much, though, because I may have discovered a latent desire to rule the world.”
Laughing, he stopped and pulled her into his arms. “Why don’t you start with me and see how that goes? If it works out, then you can move on to world domination.”
She leaned up and captured his mouth, giving him a deep, lingering kiss. “All right. I guess every ruler needs to start somewhere.”
“Time to go home.”
She opened the door to the car and jutted out her hip. “Whoever gets home first better be naked when the other one gets there.”
“Either way, I win,” he replied as he jogged to his truck and jumped in.
“Yeah, that’s what I was thinking.”