JAMIESON
“Yeah, got it. Thanks, Mack.” Hanging up the call after talking to the contractor, I feel a bit better. He’s confident we’re not looking at much more than ten grand to fix the roof and re-tar the whole surface. Better than I’d hoped for, for sure. Now I can concentrate on the bigger problems I have to tackle. China namely, and her court case. My mandatory appearance with the lawyer to deal with the will and Dad’s positions for each of us has kept my mind reeling with why the lawyers want to meet with me alone. Wyatt’s health and keeping him in the dark about all of it will be the real trick until I have the details. He’s only just woken up from the coma, and even yesterday, they had to sedate him to deal with his manic depression. China and Circe are handling him well enough, but he’s still a mess.
“How the fuck am I going to keep him out of this shit?” I say aloud. Yeah, I’m muttering to myself again, but with good cause. I thought the worst part about coming to Cali was the heat and Marca a close second, but neither are even close to what I’m dealing with now. I’ve bitten off more than I can chew, and I’m being pulled in too many directions. Something’s going to crack soon, I know it. I feel it.
Yesterday, after seeing Carli rubbing one out alone in her car, it had me wanting to do the same. Dealing with the shop had me in further knots. To boot, the women I’ve been knocking off stress with are nothing like her. So that meant I was in my hotel room, stroking my cock single-handedly. Well, not really single-handedly, but unassisted for sure.
Did I think I’d never see Carli again? No. More like, I hoped I would, but I hated the idea of it as well. Her silky skin. That contained frame with curves in all the right places. Sass that I’d love to spank out of her. And that fucking hair? I’d love nothing more than to wrap it around my hand a few times and pull it like a fucking tether.
Bending her will, and her back, is enough to haunt me. Carli is dangerous and exotic, and she’s a mystery. Pulling up to the hospital today, I actively searched out her rental. Mainly because I’m intrigued by her, and I’d love nothing more than a confrontation. Her smart wit, her sassy attitude, and that ‘give no fucks’ air about her raises my competitive streak. I want her to give in, but I’d rather her fight me for it.
Wandering to the visitor entrance, I’m hating the heat. Every step I take causes my soul to burn up a little bit more. This hellish environment makes my skin crawl and my body itch to hit the hills. Yeah, it’s summer in Colorado, but I could always take off to New Zealand. A few hours in the air would get me cleared out, and after the first trail was blazed I’d be breathing much better. But I can’t yet. I have to make sure Wyatt’s good, that Doll isn’t incarcerated, and that I get Wyatt firmly secured in Crown Industries before I’m forced into the position of president. That’s the very last fucking thing I need.
“Whoa. Watch where you’re going, little lady.”
Almost running headlong into a petite brunette, I wind my hands around her body, making sure she doesn’t fall. Last thing I need is a lawsuit for knocking someone unconscious in a public place. Pressing her hands tight into my chest, she looks up at my face and smiles wide.
“Tall glass of water! You really are a mountain, aren’t ya.” Not the first time I’ve heard that.
“Sorry, head was elsewhere. My mistake,” I tell her, still holding her close. Her perfume is overly sweet, like she’s masking something. Pushing back and stepping away, I try not to seem affronted by it.
“Join me for lunch, and we’ll call it even.”
Before I respond, I hear, “He’s busy with me, sweetie.” Pushing herself in between me and the tiny brunette, Carli reaches for my hand before spinning to the other woman with a sweet smile. “Sorry I’m late, Dear.” She turns back to me and kisses my cheek. “I didn’t mean to take so long. I hope you weren’t bored.”
Hoping the surprise isn’t written all over my face, I try to smile, accepting her unnecessary save. “Yeah, it’s good, love. I just ran into this lady and was about to apologize.” I turn to the brunette that’s now been pushed out of the way. “Sorry ’bout that.”
Clearing her throat, she shoulders her bag with pure disappointment written all over her face. “No harm, no foul. Enjoy your date,” she says before walking off.
Genuinely surprised, yet pleasantly thrilled, I lift Carli’s hand that’s attached to mine and kiss the back of it. “Where are we going?”
She pulls her hand back with a devious look. “Oh, I’m not going out with you, Crown. I just wanted to cock block you with that little piece of ass.”
Turning to leave me, she pulls her hand away, and I decide to take control. Stepping quick, I grab her, bringing her close. “You’re eating with me. That’s final.”
“Really, Crown? Is that so?” Narrowing her gaze, Carli tries to look evil. She’s about as evil as a caterpillar.
“Yes, really, Katana.” I pull her body up against mine, taking in her heat and ire. It’s nice. “Now,” I say, breathing down on her, looking her in the eye as I dare her to look away. “Where would you like to go? Your choice, Katana, but I’m driving.”
She laughs. “You wish you had control over who drives, Jamieson.”
Not many can get away with calling me that, but I like it when she does.
Bringing her even closer so that her chest is pressed tightly up against mine, she sucks in a little breath and I love it. It doesn’t take much to bother her; getting her to crack is where the challenge will be. “Tell ya what. I’ll drive us there, you eat, and then after, you can show me your skills.”
“I have mad skills, Jamieson. I don’t think you have what it takes to rival mine,” she scolds, grasping my cock tightly. Carli knows she’s playing with fire, but she’s more than content to see if she’ll win.
Reaching down, I place my hand over hers and squeeze, egging her to hold it tighter. I growl at the feel of it. “Carli, show me your mad skills after I feed you.”
“And what if I’m not hungry for food?” Twisting her hand around, she grasps lower, pushing on my frayed resolve. “What if my needs are more than what food can give me right now? Maybe I need something else.”
Peeling her hand off is definitely not what I want to do right now, but doing this twice in as many days will not help me get her out of my head. Backing away, out of her reach, I say, “No more games.” I’m honestly surprised by my own reaction, but even more, I’m surprised to see the start of a pout crossing her features.
“The games have only just begun, Crown. Buckle your seatbelt, it’s going to be a hard ride.”
Laughing, I start toward the car. “Then show me your worst, Katana.”