SEVEN
Sadie
I spent the weekend holed up at Jackson’s house, in his bed, mostly naked.
Our loving was passionate, all-consuming, thrilling. The way my body burned for him was uncontrollable, the way my heart fluttered when he placed a hand at my back when we’d gone out for lunch, or when he’d brought me breakfast in bed Sunday morning, left me feeling so protected, safe, cared for.
On Monday morning he brought me to my apartment for a change of clothes, waited while I changed, then drove us to the garage for work. Like we’d settle into some comforting routine already, I found myself wondering what a future with Jackson would look like. We could do just this…roll around in bed all night together, go to work in the mornings, spend our weekends fixing up old cars. As simple as it sounded, that was my dream. A life with him suddenly felt possible.
Jackson whipped into the parking lot at Fox Motors, eyes cutting to mine as he parked. “Ready to get dirty?”
“Always.” I grinned, about to step out of the car when he pulled me across the seat, smashing his lips against mine in a possessive kiss.
“Gonna be torture not putting my hands on you today,” he gruffed in my ear, his tongue flicking against the lobe and sending me into a lusty haze. “Think it’s time you just moved in with me. I want to know you’ll be in my bed every night.”
My heart slammed to a halt at his words. “M-move in with you?”
His lips turned up as he watched me. “Yeah…I want you at my place.”
“Jackson, it’s only been a few weeks!”
“Don’t give a shit how long it’s been. I’ve never had a woman at my house before, Sadie. You’re the only woman that’s been in my bed. I’ve never felt this way about anyone. Damn if I’m going to let it go…or let you prance all over town in dresses that reveal too much of what’s mine.”
His eyes swallowed up the contours of my body, his hands coming to rest at my cheeks. He kissed me long and slow, emotion and sensation overwhelming every part of me.
“Say yes,” he ordered.
“I…”
His hand slipped between my thighs, rubbing against the seam of my jeans in slow, agonizing strokes. “Say yes, Sadie.”
Warning laced his voice, and a flood of arousal dampened my thighs when I thought about the punishment he might dole out if I said no.
But I didn’t want to say no.
I wanted to start my life with Jackson, and I wanted to start it now.
“Sadie?” The word was breathed in my ear.
“Yes,” I said in a rush. “Yes, I want to be in your arms every night. I want your kisses every morning.”
“Mm…” His fingers sped at my crotch, finding the hot little button that burned for him. “That’s my girl.”
His teeth dragged over the shell of my ear, and before I could stop it an orgasm spiked through my body. “Oh God.”
I clutched at his taut forearm, riding the wave of his hand between my thighs.
“You’re gonna get way more than just my kisses every morning.” He dusted his lips across my neck, landing at my lips, plunging his tongue past the seam.
“I hope I get a few more spankings,” I teased. “I almost said no just for the punishment.”
His sexy laugh filled the car. “I guarantee you’ll get a few more of those—you’re too damn stubborn to do what I say all the time.”
I shook my head, waiting for him to come around the car and open the door, something he insisted on doing. Ever the gentleman, even if he had just worked me up into a frenzy with his fingers.
“You need any help today?” He laced his fingers through mine when I stood from the car.
“No, just some oil changes, replacing the calipers on a pickup this afternoon.” We walked across the parking lot to the office door.
“Let me know if you need anything.” He paused, placing a kiss on my lips. “Have a good day.”
“You too, handsome.” I grinned when he turned, stepping through the office door.
“Looks like someone’s bangin’ the boss. That against policy or somethin’?” Tom, a new hire, came out of the first bay of the shop.
I narrowed my eyes, not liking the way he was leering at me. He took a step closer, eyes zoned in on my chest. “Can’t say I blame him for takin’ you for a ride.”
“What the fuck did you just say?” Jackson was out of the office door, leaving it groaning on its hinges as he crossed the space separating him and Tom in a few strides. He fisted his shirt collar, holding him in a vise grip. “Say that again.”
Tom’s eyes were wide, his hands clutching at Jackson’s arm, shaking his head violently.
“You’re fired. Get out of here.” Jackson let him go with a shove, sending Tom flying backwards behind him to land in a heap on the concrete.
“Jackson—” I rushed to his side, not sure what to do.
“If I ever see you again I’ll shove my fist through your face so many times even your mama won’t recognize it.”
Tom nodded, eyes never leaving Jackson’s before he stood, tossing his oil rag on the ground and heading for his truck.
“I had a bad feeling about that guy the minute I hired him.”
“You didn’t have to—”
“Damn fucking right I did. Don’t need a guy like that working here.” Jackson’s eyes landed on me for the first time. “You’re safe here, sweetheart.”
Jackson pulled me into his arms, my hands locking behind his waist instantly as I nuzzled into his chest. Tears pulled at my eyelids. “You’re my hero.”
“Ah, baby. What kind of man would I be if I didn’t defend your honor?”
I think that was the moment I fell hard and fast for Jackson Fox. He took care of me like a man was meant to take care of a woman. With Jackson, I would never have to wonder if I was special. He showed me I was, every single day.