Chapter Three
Jax
As he watched Josie take in the opulent foyer and living room, he cataloged each expression. Every stone, every tile, every square inch of this home was designed with her in mind. If there was anything she found displeasing, he would have the contractor here first thing in the morning to fix it. Spinning around to face him, Josie looked up, catching his gaze with her own awed one.
“This place is magnificent. How I envy you…I’ve always wanted a home like this.” Breaking his gaze, her face lowered in embarrassment. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to be rude. I’ve just only ever seen homes this breathtaking on TV. Uhmm… Where am I sleeping? I would like to freshen up if you don’t mind.”
Mentally berating himself for not seeing to her comfort first, Jax took hold of her forearm and led her to her temporary room. Pointing out different areas of the house as he walked her upstairs, Jax led Josie to the room he intended be their nursery. Adjoining the master bedroom via the shared bathroom, the smaller room would be perfect for their children when they were young.
Painted in soothing colors of blue and cream, the room had been designed with Josie’s comfort in mind. Not only would she be able to attend to their babies quickly and without leaving their suite, she would be able to view the lush garden he had had planted for her, as she rocked their child to sleep. Once the children were old enough, they would be moved into the rooms at the end of the hall that, at the moment, were bare of design. Jax had been adamant the rooms should stay unadorned until Josie was able to decide how she wanted the children’s rooms to look.
As he watched, Josie trailed her fingers over the ornate mantle over the fireplace, a look of pleasure on her face. Carved into the wood were the words “Where there is JOY, there is Love” among a bed of lilies, Josie’s favorite flowers. Jax had found it fitting that Josie’s initials spelled the word joy, as, from the moment she walked into his life, he truly felt the meaning of the word. He wanted their children to be surrounded in that joy from the first moment of their lives, and had made sure JOY was marked on every wall in their home.
Breaking the comfortable silence that had descended upon their entrance, Jax spoke quietly “You will be in here. The bathroom connects to my room, and we will share, but you can lock the door to my side while you are using it. The other bedrooms are empty at the moment, and the other bathroom on this floor is not functional at the moment. There are two more bathrooms downstairs I will show you once you are rested, and I’ll give you a tour of the rest of the house in the morning. I’ll go downstairs and arrange dinner, just follow the lights when you are ready. You are welcomed in any room of this house, so feel free to explore whenever you have the urge.” His heated gaze caught her own befuddled one, Jax smiled slowly. “What’s mine is yours Baby Doll. Make yourself comfortable.”
Josie
After his departure, Josie sat at the end of the bed and, exhaling deeply she fell back against the plush bedding. Although she wasn’t sure what to expect going into this venture, his almost possessive demeanor was not it. From the guiding touches, to the light caress of her hands as they walked, Jax’s behavior almost felt covetous. For her!
“Pull yourself together Josie. He’s just trying to make you feel comfortable in this awkward situation. He needs your help as much as you need his right now.” She admonished herself severely. “He isn’t interested in you like that! If all those blondes are any indication, you are half a foot too short, and twenty pounds too heavy. Never mind the flaming red hair!” With another sigh, Josie rose and walked over to the adjoining bathroom.
Oh what luxury was this? She questioned herself. Had she thought her room was beautiful? It didn’t hold a candle to the opulence of the bathroom. Done in her favorite colors, turquoise and grey, the room felt more like stepping into a spa than just an ordinary washroom.
The huge walk in shower sported six jets, once activated would fall on the bather from every direction. A massive, spa styled tub lay adjacent to the shower; the massive depths perfect for a pair of lovers indulging in aquatic sex. A shiver ran down Josie’s spine as she imagined herself, naked skin pressed against Jax’s wet skin. The hard planes of his chest teasing the sensitive buds of her erect nipples. Her body, straddling his muscular thighs, his hard cock nestled between their bodies. Snapping out of her lust induced daze, Josie made her way over to one of the side by side sinks and splashed a good measure of water over her reddened cheeks.
Patting her face dry, Josie took in her rumpled form in the mirror. Most of her hair had escaped the simple chignon she had tamed it into. Her once crisp shirt was severely wrinkled and askew, and the elegant navy pencil skirt was bunched around her waist. Making a face at her image, Josie did her best to restore some measure of tidiness to her appearance; honestly, there wasn’t much more she could do until she was able to retrieve a few changes of clothing and her toiletries.
Making her way out of the suite, Josie did as she was directed, and followed the lights downstairs to the magnificently appointed kitchen. Stopping at the entrance, she took in the sight before her. Jacket tossed across a nearby barstool, Jax stood behind the large island in the middle of the kitchen, sleeves rolled up to his elbows, top two buttons undone, chopping carrots with the ease of a man comfortable in the kitchen.
A delicious aroma wafted from the pan, and Josie could smell fresh bread baking. The appetizing scents had her stomach rumbling; reminding her she had not eaten since the bagel she had at breakfast. Sensing her presence, Jax looked up, catching her gaze. With a warm smile tilting at his lips, he waved her further into the room.
“Come. Sit here and keep me company while I finish dinner. The chicken is keeping warm, and the buns are just about ready. I’m almost done with the salad, and we can eat in here, or in the dining room if you prefer.”
Carefully climbing atop one of the plush barstools, facing Jax, Josie answered “Here is fine. It really is a magnificent kitchen you have here. I’ve only ever seen something of this magnitude in design magazines. That is a huge fridge. I’ve never seen anything like that. Did you have to custom order it?”
Placing a glass of white wine in front of her, Jax’s indicated for her to drink with a small nod of his head. Grateful for the small reprieve from her blabbering, she quickly brought the chilled glass to her mouth, and almost moaned at the taste. Crisp and delicious, the wine was perfect in every way. Closing her eyes to savor the next sip, she was unaware of the small sounds of pleasure emitting from her throat until she looked up, and caught the heated look that passed over her. Lowering the cup, and her eyes, she willed herself not to go red with embarrassment. Here she was, sitting arm’s length from her boss, and she was making porno noises! Josie was snapped out of her reverie by the click of the plate being placed in front of her.
“Dig in Baby Doll. There’s enough for seconds, but save room for dessert. I bought a little treat for your first night under our roof.”
As she focused on the delicious meal in front of her, Josie’s embarrassment faded, as Jax carried on a one-sided dialog. He touched on everything from the latest philanthropic endeavor his company was undertaking, to the puppy his niece brought home one day, and hidden from her mother. It wasn’t discovered until his sister went to tuck the child in for the night “And then she noticed the puppy hiding under the bed! Lulu tried to play innocent, but she had her mom’s lack of guile, and ended up confessing immediately.” He finished with a small chuckle.
Before she knew it, Josie had finished her entire plate, and three glasses of the delicious wine. Feeling just the tiniest bit tipsy; not having indulged in alcohol for a while, Josie was unable to contain the questions that had been stumbling around in her head all evening.
“Jax, I just don’t get it. Why do you want me to stay here and act like your girlfriend? It just doesn’t make sense… I mean, it’s not like you are unattractive, or mean, or smelly or, or, or, whatever! You could have anyone here with you. How is my being here helpful?”
Draining the rest of the glass, Josie reached for the rest of the bottle, but was stopped as Jax’s hand cupped hers. Bringing her hand down to rest on her thighs, he cradled her, lightly stroking the skin on the inside of her palm.
“I think that’s enough wine tonight Baby Girl. I need you clear headed tomorrow. As for your questions, I promise I’ll answer every one of them soon. Just know only you can help me, and you being under my roof is one-hundred percent necessary. For now, I think it’s time you went to bed.”
Standing, Jax pulled on the hand caged between his own, until she was standing inches from his muscular frame. Moving one hand from her own, Jax tilted her chin and brought her face up to his own. Dropping a small, chaste kiss on her upturned mouth, Jax whispered against the parted flesh.
“I’ll be up to tuck you in in just a minute. Go upstairs to the bathroom and brush your teeth. Under the sink you’ll find every toiletry you need. I’ve ordered pajamas be placed in your closet, and I expect you to be wearing them when I arrive. Go now.” Turning her towards the door, Jax gave her a light tap on the behind which had her jumping slightly, and urged her on her way.
Josie felt as if she were dreaming. The worries from earlier were still there, but the alcohol and amazing food made them feel as if they were behind a waterfall; muffled and hazy. Slowly walking up the staircase, Josie studied the pictures adorning the wall. Jax and a bevy of busty blond beauties, alongside a regal older couple comprised the majority of the pictures.
Stopping at the largest, Josie studied the women, recognizing a few from the office. One in particular was often in Jax’s presence. Mindy? Mandy? The name had been mentioned, but Josie’s inebriated brain couldn’t quite place it. At first saddened by proof of the seriousness of the relationship between the blonde beauty and her sexy boss… She wouldn’t be taking up valuable wall space if she didn’t mean something to Jax, right?... she didn’t notice at first the similarities in their appearance. Once she spotted the distinct shade of cerulean blue of her eyes… the same shade of Jax’s, Josie noticed the same shade in the eyes of the rest of the family. With the exception of the oldest lady, someone Josie could safely assume was Jax’s mom, every person in the photo had the same amazingly compelling shade of blue. They were related! That assurance made Josie grin in delight.
Continuing up the line of photos, she wondered at the empty frames she spotted between the family photos and pictures of lilies that covered the entire space. Maybe Jax was leaving room open for pictures of his own family, assuming her ever decided to settle down and marry. The thought depressed Josie, melting away the grin as if it had never been.
Once in the restroom, Josie searched under the sink as directed, and, much to her surprise, found all of her favorite toiletries. From the expensive cleanser she indulged in, to her preferred brand of toothpaste; everything she used daily was awaiting her. Making quick work of her nightly routine, Josie moved quickly to the closet across her room, and opened to find a beautiful lace baby doll nightie in a shimmering pale pink, lined with white lace hanging behind the door. The material was soft as silk to the touch, and she suddenly couldn’t wait to try it on.
Removing all of her clothes in record time, leaving them piled on the floor, Josie slipped the garment over her head and delighted in the cool slide of material against her heated skin. Although slightly snug around the bust, the gown fit comfortably. Coming down to the tops of her thighs, only the barest hint of her intimate flesh was covered by the gown. Glancing at her reflection in the mirror hanging inside the closet door, Josie was taken aback at her provocative appearance.
The alcohol had lent a flushed look to her cheeks, her hair wild from finger combing it, the snug fabric of the gown lifting her bust into prominence. For the first time in years, Josie felt sexy. She hadn’t realized until just now how Lawrence’s constant put downs and derogatory remarks had affected her self-confidence. Little by little, his digs and taunts had chipped away at the confidence she had so painstakingly built through the years. No more. Josie was ready to let that insecurity fall to the wayside and take what she desired. No more timid, self-doubting pushover. Josie was a goddess, and it was time she started acting like one!