The next morning, Holly woke refreshed and fully rested. She could not remember sleeping so soundly in months. Jackson’s bed was so comfortable and warm and…
Her eyes shot open and she realized exactly how she was sleeping. Her head was resting on his bare chest and one arm was draped over his torso. One of Jackson’s arms clutched her tightly. His hand had slipped under her loose nightshirt and was touching the naked skin of her hip.
His rhythmic breathing was loud in her ear and she was frozen as she contemplated how she got herself into this position. As comfortable as it was, it was hardly appropriate.
Gingerly, Holly began edging herself toward the far side of the bed, away from Jackson. She hoped that she could free herself from his embrace before he awoke to find her wrapped around him in such a compromising position. However, he woke up before she had the chance to make her escape.
“Where are you going?” Jackson mumbled sleepily. His eyes still closed, he reached toward her.
“Um…I…” She was at a loss for words. Her boss was officially awake and fully aware that they had been cuddling.
“Is it time to wake up?”
Holly glanced at the clock, noting that it was a little after nine in the morning. “Yes. I think we forgot to set an alarm.”
“It’s too early,” he grumbled, turning on his stomach and forcing his face into the pillow. His usually tidy hair was messy and gave him a youthful look that Holly had never seen before. She longed to reach over and smooth down the wayward hair but couldn’t bring herself to go through with it.
“Well, I’m going to go try and sneak into my room for a shower and a change of clothes before your mom gets up.”
“Mrs. Klein moved your stuff. She put it all away in the bathroom and closet. I saw her doing it a few hours ago.”
“Already?” Holly was shocked and her cheeks reddened. She was not usually a heavy sleeper, but for some reason she had slept through Mrs. Klein moving her entire wardrobe. And now the housekeeper knew they had spent the night together. Holly wasn’t sure the thought bothered her as much as the fact the housekeeper believed they were already a loving couple. “All right then. I guess I’ll start getting ready.”
The hardwood floor was cold against Holly’s feet as she rushed toward the bathroom for her shower. Although Jackson probably fell back asleep, she didn’t want him catching a look at her bare legs. In the light of a new day, she was fully aware of how little she wore to bed the night before and the thought of it made her cheeks flush an even darker shade of crimson. At least now she’d have her own clothes to wear to bed so she wouldn’t be in a position to take Jackson’s things, even if she loved the faint smell of him that accompanied the shirt.
She looked around the bathroom to find that her things were already placed in the appropriate areas. Her toothbrush was in the toothbrush holder, her shampoos and soaps were in the shower, and her lotions and makeup were lined up neatly against the mirror. Her favorite silk robe was even hanging next to the shower. To anyone else, it would’ve looked as if they had been living together for weeks. Mrs. Klein was extremely thorough in her work and for that, Holly was grateful.
The hot water felt good against her back and washing her hair and body was like washing away all the questionable choices she made over the past few days. As much as she hated to admit it, Holly was falling for Jackson. He was kind, funny, generous, and made her entire body tingle at the smallest touch. However, he was still her boss and she knew this whole situation was merely so that Jackson could win the vote for mayor. It was temporary and she needed to remember that.
She had to learn how to distance herself from her work and focus on what her boss needed her to do without all the emotional strings that seemed to be multiplying. If not, then in a few weeks, she’d be left with a broken heart while he fought to change the world.
Holly blow-dried her hair and put on some natural makeup before donning her robe and making her way to the closet to look for something to wear. Jackson was out of bed and she thought she could hear him talking to his mother somewhere in the apartment. When she entered the closet, she found her clothes had been sorted by garment type and color. Mrs. Klein had even folded her panties neatly in one of the built-in drawers, Holly noted with wry amusement. She put on a pair of nude pumps, black skinny jeans, and a low-cut, billowy, white top that flattered her without showing all of her business. Almost forgetting, she ran into the bathroom to grab her engagement ring.
A very naked Jackson brushing his teeth greeted her as soon as she entered. She was frozen in place, her gaze glued to his naked form, both inappropriate and desirable. His muscular chest was well-defined and his legs were toned from many trips to the gyms and an active lifestyle. She dared not look at the place where his thighs met, but she would not get a chance, either. Jackson cleared his throat loudly.
“Enjoying the view, Miss McIntyre?” he jested, grabbing a towel off the rack and wrapping it around his waist.
“Oh my goodness, Jackson. I am so sorry.” She threw her left arm over her eyes and blindly felt along the bathroom for the countertop. “I just came in here for the ring. I didn’t know you were in here. I totally would have knocked.”
“Relax, I was joking.”
Holly’s hand grazed something warm and she let out a small shriek of surprise.
“My arm,” Jackson said helpfully, taking her hand and guiding it to the vanity.
She felt the metallic shape of the ring and she gripped it tightly. “Here it is,” she said, her voice barely a squeak. “I’ll be leaving now. I didn’t see anything, I promise. Not that there wasn’t anything to see. I mean, not see.”
Jackson laughed openly, a deep and throaty sound that came from his gut. “Holly, you’re ridiculous. Stop covering your eyes. You’ll hurt yourself.”
She uneasily lowered her arm and peeked over her sleeve. “I really am sorry about that. I didn’t know you were even in here.”
“Don’t be sorry,” he said, turning back to the counter and selecting a bottle of cologne. “Are you almost ready to go?”
Holly nodded and slid back out the door, shoving the ring on her finger. She closed the door behind her and paused a moment to catch her breath. It seemed that they were constantly putting each other in compromising positions. There was no way she could handle staying in the same room as him for the foreseeable future. Last night she could hardly sleep after their little conversation. She found him all too confusing. One moment, he made her feel so completely desirable in a way that only a man who is interested in a woman can. But in the next, he reminded her that she was an assistant and she was doing her job well.
As hard as it was to admit, she kind of did feel like a hooker. One who was desired, used, and then left on the corner with some money and career advice. It was time she focused on getting the most out of this arrangement. She was ready to start exploring the event planning business. Being a lady of leisure just wasn’t her style and she definitely didn’t want to go shopping again.
***
“Holly, I need you to plan my party,” Ursula announced over the rim of her Bloody Mary. They were sitting outside at a high-end café in the center of the city. The weather was perfectly crisp and the sharp smell of fall was in the air. Photographers had followed the trio to the restaurant, but were chased away by management and a few large bodyguards who seemed to always be hovering around them now.
Holly nearly choked on her bacon. “You want me to plan a party?” The party planning gods must have heard her plea.
“You want to be an event planner, no?” She raised an eyebrow.
“I do. I’ve just never planned anything large…just some things around town or at my parents’ restaurant.” Holly glanced at Jackson, who was suddenly very interested in a piece of toast. He had something to do with this, no doubt.
“Well, it will be small. A birthday party with only two hundred of my closest friends.” Ursula waved her hand in the air dismissively.
“Two hundred people?” Holly paled. There was no way she could handle that.
“More or less. I want it to be a costume party. Obviously, I’ll be Marie Antoinette. I’ll need themed cocktails and I prefer live music. DJs are not my thing.”
Holly swallowed, trying to settle her racing mind. If she was going to be a big city event planner, she was going to need to get used to those kinds of monumental tasks. “Okay. I think I can handle that. Do you have a date in mind?” She hoped the woman wasn’t about to suggest Halloween, as that was only a mere month away.
“The fifteenth.”
“Of November?” Holly questioned. “December?”
“October.” Ursula inspected her talon-like nails.
Holly gasped. “That’s only two weeks away!” Ah, it would seem the gods had a sick sense of humor.
Ursula smiled and reached into her small Gucci clutch, removing a credit card. “You will be surprised how well people respond to money. Put whatever you need on this card. Also, invitations need to be sent out very soon. I’ll make you a list.”
Holly took the card, trying not to look as frightened as she felt. “Are you sure you want me to do this?”
The older woman looked at her like she did not understand the question. “You are to be my daughter-in-law. We need to trust each other, no? I trust you to plan my party.”
Holly shifted guiltily in her seat, catching Jackson’s eye. “I’ll try my best, Ursula.”
“Merveilleux!” Ursula clapped her hands. “The last party before my son becomes a married man. Have you picked a date? I long to see your wedding.”
Holly bit her lip. “We haven’t really decided yet. Maybe in the spring.”
Ursula pursed her crimson lips thoughtfully. “Spring. That will not do.”
“Why not?” Holly asked.
“I’ll be mort, ma chère. Dead,” she answered simply, taking a cigarette out of her clutch and lighting it at the table.
“Mother,” Jackson said tightly, “stop being so dramatic. And don’t smoke, you know what your doctor says.”
Ursula waved his hand away. “I am a grown woman and if I want to spend my last days smoking like a chimney, you will let me.”
“You’re not even dying,” he said in annoyed disbelief.
“For now,” she said, tapping her cigarette into an ashtray.
“Jackson.” Holly placed a hand on his arm. “Ursula, Jackson doesn’t mean to tell you what to do. He’s just worried about your health.”
“We all die in the end. What difference will cigarettes make?” she asked, taking a drag.
Holly took a deep breath before continuing. “Jackson and I just got engaged and you and I just met. I feel like I haven’t even gotten the chance to get to know you properly. Then there’s a whole wedding to plan that we haven’t even really talked about yet. It could be more than a year before we come close to walking down the aisle. Then what if Jackson and I have kids? I would want them to know their grandmother. Will you miss out on the wedding and grandchildren and holidays and birthdays because you end up with lung cancer?”
Ursula stared at her, her eyes wide, her lit cigarette dropping ash on the white tablecloth. Jackson gaped at her, as well. Holly bit her lip and waited for one of them to respond to her rant. When neither did, she began to think she’d severely overstepped some boundaries. She was honest, open, and seriously harsh in her outburst. But, as she had once lost an uncle to the ravages of lung cancer, she couldn’t watch Ursula dig her own grave.
“Okay.” Holly rose from her chair, grabbing her purse from the floor. “Now that I’ve firmly stuck my foot in my mouth, I think I’m going to go. You two enjoy your meal and I’m going to go…somewhere else.”
She hurried from the restaurant and out onto the street. Ignoring the bodyguards and hailing a cab, she went back to Jackson’s apartment to await him and the possible repercussions of her hasty actions.
***
“You’re amazing.” Jackson’s voice startled an unaware Holly, and she glanced up in surprise. It was late at night by the time he came home and she was already planted in his bed wearing a pair of comfortable-looking shorts and a tank top.
“What?” She frowned slightly.
“I know you were put into a weird spot, watching us bicker about her smoking, but I really appreciate you speaking out. No one’s ever stood up to my mother like that before.”
Holly put down the magazine she was reading and brought her bare legs to her chest. “I—I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend anyone.”
“No, I’m glad you said what you did. That’s what my mother needed to hear.”
“Really?”
“Yes, you were perfect. I really think you made her consider her options. She put out the cigarette on the spot.”
“She did?” Holly asked eagerly.
Jackson’s heart tightened. “She did. And as I was leaving lunch, I realized I had some promises to fulfill to you.”
Holly cocked her head, playing with the end of her braided hair. “What promise?”
“Wait here.” He strode from the room to the hallway, bringing back a large, paper-covered object. Jackson had spent hours that afternoon calling his connections and outbidding all those in his way. “Come open it.”
Grinning, Holly scrambled from bed. “You really didn’t have to get me anything. You’ve already done so much.”
“Just shut up and open the goddamn gift, Holly,” he laughed, holding it upright for her to tear off the paper.
“Holy fuck.” Holly gasped, covering her mouth with a hand. “You’re joking.”
“Nope. It’s yours.”
Holly inspected the canvas, tears welling in her eyes. “Jackson, is this a fucking real Degas?”
He nodded, satisfied in her response and amused by her sudden cursing. “It’s called Danseuses à la barre. Do you like it?”
“I love it,” she whispered, her voice cracking. “I can’t believe you got me a real Degas.”
“Believe it,” he said, leaning it against the dresser. “I’m having someone pick it up tomorrow to have it framed. I’m just fulfilling my promise to you and thanking you for telling my mom to cut the shit.”
“I just said what anyone would have.” Holly wiped an emotional tear from her eye.
He pulled her closer so their faces were inches apart and his arm was firmly around her narrow waist. Jackson could smell the scent of her faint perfume and the heat emanating from her tiny body aroused him. “No, no one else would have had the balls to talk to her like you did. Hell, I don’t think I even do.”
Holly shook her head. “I didn’t do anything. You’re giving me too much credit. And you got me a fucking Degas, Jackson.”
His lips curled into a smile. “I like that.”
“Like what?”
“How you say my name.”
***
Holly bit her lip, suddenly feeling the heat between them and the brush of his hand inching under the hem of her shirt. “It’s just a name. You hear it all the time,” she said, remembering her thoughts that morning about keeping everything professional. She was slowly coming to terms with the fact that it was never going to happen.
“But it’s you saying my name.”
Suddenly feeling braver than she really was, she whispered, “Jackson.”
“Again.” His fingers tightened on her back and his icy eyes smoldered.
“Jackson.”
He groaned and pulled her to the bed so quickly, she almost didn’t know how they got there. She lay on top of him, and between her legs she felt his manhood pulsing, making her body react. Her breasts were pressed against his firm chest while his hands roamed her body, stopping to cup her buttocks and pull her sex closer to his own. The feeling of him, hard against her, made her moan.
“Again,” he ordered, his lips touching hers. He pulled the tie from her hair, letting her golden mane shower over both of them.
Holly paused a moment, taking in the view of the most powerful man in New York, who was now just beneath her. His eyes gleamed with lust and he jerked his hips up to grind against her in a rhythmic pattern. “Jackson.”
“God, yes,” he growled, crashing their mouths together.
For a brief second they moved together in perfect harmony before Jackson abruptly broke their kiss.
“What’s wrong?” Holly asked, her brows creased with worry. One second he was groping her like a teenager and the next he looked like a trapped animal.
“We can’t do this,” he murmured, his hands still firmly planted on the bare skin of her back. “This wasn’t supposed to happen.”
“Seriously?” Holly could hardly believe he was rejecting her again. The past few interactions they had were lust fueled and steamy, but always cut short.
“It just feels so wrong. This was supposed to be professional.”
She raised a brow, an odd anger filling her body. “Your cock between my legs doesn’t feel professional.”
He gaped at her, obviously surprised at Holly’s sudden crassness. “I-I—”
“Shut up,” she said, straddling him, her fingers working the buttons of his shirt. She almost expected him to stop her, but he seemed too shocked to move. Once his chest was fully exposed, she ordered him to take it off.
“Holly, what are we doing?” he asked, still complying with her direction.
“What we both want.” Holly sounded braver than she felt as her lips collided with his. “We don’t have to have sex just yet, but I need something. I can’t have you lead me on like this.”
“I’m not leading you on.”
“At the dinner, you promised me anything I wanted.”
“And I’ll get you anything you want,” he murmured as she ran her freshly manicured fingers down his chest.
“I want you to stop whining. And I want you to stop leading me on.”
“That’s not my intention.”
“Then prove it,” she said, pulling her tank top over her head and throwing it to the floor.
His hands grabbed on to her lace-covered breasts and she came down hard on his manhood, equally enjoying the sensation. She dragged her tongue down his muscular torso, feeling him tense up in arousal. Holly fumbled with the buttons on his slacks but quickly freed his member from his pants and took him into her mouth.
Jackson moaned as she licked up the length of his shaft, whispering her name. “God, Holly, I can’t take it. You’re too good.”
She smiled, glad she was finally fulfilling what they both needed. She watched him convulse with each flick of her tongue, his eyes closed in ecstasy as his fingers tangled in her hair. When he finally rumbled in climax, she took it gratefully, her mouth firmly about his cock.
As soon as he finished, he dragged her upward, slamming her against the bed, settling himself between her thighs. Holly panted in anticipation as he slipped her panties down her legs and threw them to the floor. With a mischievous grin, his face drifted downward, settling on her sex. No one had ever done that to her and she blushed at the thought of him being so intimately acquainted with her. But she was the one who’d pushed forward and it was too late to back out now.
Her toes curled as she felt a wave of orgasm wash over her. She clutched the bedspread and cried out, catching a glimpse of an accomplished looking Jackson between her knees.
“Was that enough for you?” he asked smartly, crawling up to the top of the bed.
“That was so incredible,” she breathed. Holly couldn’t feel her legs and merely closed her eyes, enjoying the relaxing moment of mutual release.
He lay down next to her, an arm draped over her waist. “You’re just full of surprises, Holly McIntyre.
“A surprise for a surprise,” she replied with a grin. And not even for a second did she regret it.