Chapter 12

ASHER

Tonight I’m meeting Jade again. Despite having gone out with her several times, I feel unsure about how she’ll react. Ever since she confronted me in the park, our relationship has changed. No woman has ever had the audacity to confront me with such veracity as her. There’s something about her boldness and lack of fear regarding me that intrigues me.

I wait impatiently in the lobby for Jade, and when the elevator finally reaches the bottom, I’m a bit taken aback by her appearance. She’s wearing a form-fitting crimson dress, revealing curves I hadn’t noticed before, with a pair of sparkly high heels. Her hair falls over her shoulders in a waterfall of curls, her eyes rimmed with black liner, making her deep blues pop.

“Sorry, I’m a little late. Jacob is running a slight temperature and I wanted to make sure he was settled in before I left for the evening.”

“No need to apologize,” I say with a frown, thinking of the small boy being sick as I steal away his caregiver.

She smiles and pushes a rogue curl behind her ear. Her love for the little boy is evident all over her face, making her even more beautiful.

“Jacob is a lucky little boy to have such an amazing woman like you looking after him. And you look absolutely breathtaking,” I say. “You always do.”

She smiles, and I lighten watching her blush. I don’t know what it is about this woman. She makes me feel things I haven’t felt before, and I barely know her. Before I can stop myself, my lips are on hers as I wrap my arms around her small frame. Her lips are soft and smooth and if I could spend the whole night tasting her sweetness, I would.

She leans back and smiles again, reaching up to gently swipe at my lips with the pad of her thumb.

“Cut it out before you’re wearing more lipstick than me,” she teases.

I lean in and kiss her again, not caring about the smudge. “I’d gladly pay that cost.”

Taking her hand in mine, I escort her to the waiting car.

The partition is already up and I briefly consider making good use of the temporary privacy, but decide against it, careful not to take things too fast. I don’t want to overstep my boundaries, especially while I’m trying to get back on her good side. I don’t know what this is yet, and I need to make sure not to ruin what could eventually grow into something.

As soon as I settle into the seat, she leans over, her head resting on my shoulder.

“I hope you like surprises,” I say.

“It depends on the surprise, but I’d like to think I’m a pretty good sport, so I’m sure I’ll love whatever you have up your sleeve.”

A grin spreads across my face at her candidness as we enjoy the quiet ride to the restaurant with an occasional glance longer than necessary. I’m almost disappointed when we arrive, not wanting the moment to end. I enjoy having Jade close to me, feeling the warmth of her against my skin.

Ed opens the door and I escort her inside of Chateau’s, a quaint seafood restaurant by the ocean. I watch her smile widen as we’re led to a private candlelit table near the beach.

“This is amazing,” she gasps just a above a whisper. “I love the smell of the ocean and listening to the sound of the waves crashing.”

I help her to the seat before sitting down in my own, happy with her reaction. I thought she was a vision to behold before, but the way the candles dance against her skin makes her look like an angel. What is it about this woman that intrigues me so much?

“I’m glad you like it,” I say. “I have so much more in store to bring a smile to your face.”

She blushes a little, but instead of looking away, she holds my gaze and manages to make me feel naked and exposed. My dick instantly hardens, pressing against my pants.

How in the hell am I going to make it through this dinner if she keeps giving me looks like that?

I shift around in my seat, trying to discreetly find a more comfortable position. Our drinks arrive at the table and it’s as if Jade can read my mind. The way she handles the straw, wrapping her lips around the cherry she fished out her glass, makes my whole body tingle. I suspect she’s doing it on purpose just to watch me squirm.

I’m finally able to find some relief when Jade steers the conversation to Jacob and her worries about his temperature.

“Do you want to call and check in on him?” I ask. “It might put your mind at ease.”

Jade massages her temples and shakes her head. “No, it’s my night off and he’s with his mother. I don’t want her to think I’m second guessing her ability to care for her own son, but I’m not sure if Magdalene knows where his medicine is, or that he prefers his stuffed tiger instead of his elephant when he’s not feeling well.”

She grabs her napkin off the table and starts to fold and unfold it several times. “Shit,” she says. “I can’t imagine having kids if I’m this stressed out already and I’m just the nanny.”

I reach across the table and place my hand on top of hers. “Your nurturing spirit is one of the things I like most about you. That and your take-no-shit attitude. I’m sure you’ll be the perfect mom one day. What you’re feeling right now for Jacob, never lose that.”

Her cheeks flush and I watch as her eyes water a little. “Thank you, Asher. I really do appreciate you saying that. I’m just going to check my phone really quick to see if I have any missed calls or messages.” She grabs her phone and scrolls through it quickly.

I can’t stop the smirk from making its way to my face. I’m usually the one making the apology as I check my phone several times throughout a date. When I’m with Jade, I put my phone on silent and forget all about it. All thoughts of business, meetings and contracts float away for a few hours and I’m completely consumed by her, a freedom I’ve never experienced before. She’s the only distraction I want right now.

She taps on the phone for a few more seconds before tucking it away into her purse.

“Sorry about that,” she says.

“No worries,” I say. “So, what made you want to become a nanny?”

“I wouldn’t necessarily say I wanted to be a nanny. It just sort of happened out of a need I had and being in the right place at the right time. If you would have told me six months ago that I would be changing diapers every day, I’d have thought you were delusional,” she says.

I listen intently as she takes me back in time, retelling her story. I hang onto her every word as she delves deeper into her post graduate life and what things are like for her now. Our dishes come and go, but I have no desire to leave until Jade is ready. These are the types of conversations I’ve longed for. No talk of celebrities or trying to find ways to scheme into the next party just to rub elbows with the elite.

The excitement in Jade’s eyes makes me want to know more about her. One thing is certain, she can tell a damn good story. Her excitement intrigues me, and I find myself smiling as she goes from one story to the next. Her happiness over the smallest of things is truly infectious and I’m positive that’s what has been missing from my life. The hours roll by as we sit there getting to know each other a lot better. I don’t want to leave but there’s a noticeable chill in the air tonight, especially with us sitting so close to the water.

I watch Jade rub her hands up and down her arms trying to stay warm.

“Let’s go,” I say reaching for her hand. “The last thing I want is for you to catch a cold because I didn’t want the night to end.”

We get into the Rolls-Royce and warm up quickly. Luckily, the stories keep coming as we ride back through the city. The ride home goes by in what feels like seconds.

“How about you come upstairs to my place?” I ask. Our previous dates have all ended in her lobby and she never invited me up, understandably as the place is not her home.

Jade checks the time and looks back at me. “Sure. It’s not too late yet. Plus, I’m curious to see what things look like from your vantage point. I know you have the better view.”

I smile and take her hand as we exit the car and head up to my penthouse. “Now remember, this isn’t my full-time place so don’t be shocked at how empty it is.”

She laughs and wraps her arm around mine. “I’ve seen a bachelor pad before,” she says. “I’m fully prepared for gym shorts on the bathroom floor and dirty dishes in the sink.”

I nudge her playfully and she squeals a little. “Stop, I’m ticklish,” she giggles.

“Well, Ms. Sinclair, you’ll be happy to know there’s nothing on the floor or in the sink,” I say, slipping my key into the before holding the door open for her.

She walks in and takes her time looking around. “Wow,” she says. “This place is pretty bare, but it’s nice.”

I toss my keys in a bowl next to the front door and walk up behind Jade, wrapping my arms around her. “Very bare, but I’m only here temporarily so I just brought over a few necessities to help me get by. One day, when we both have some free time, we’ll go to my home. I know you’ll love it out there.”

She places her arms over mine and we stand there in the middle of the living room for a few moments.

“I had a good time tonight,” she says.

I kiss her neck and then sprinkle kisses down to her collarbone. “I did too, but any time I spend with you is a good time,” I say. “You’re amazing company.”

I reluctantly release her and motion to the couch. “Why don’t you have a seat and I’ll fix you something to drink.”

She saunters over to the couch as I watch her hips sway from side to side when she walks. She sits down and crosses her legs, revealing a little bit more of her thigh. “Actually, just water for me. The wine at the restaurant was enough.”

I fix our drinks and join her on the sofa, placing the glasses on the table as I lean over to kiss her.

“I’ve been wanting to kiss you all night,” I say.

Jade leans over to rest against the arm of the couch, her dress creeping dangerously up her thighs.

“Well, what stopped you?” she asks. I watch as she wraps a curl around her finger, twirling it slowly.

“I didn’t want to go too far too fast, and kissing you only makes me want you more.”

She reaches over and pulls me to her. “I’ll tell you if it’s too fast or too far,” she says before putting her lips against mine.

Her tongue gently taps my lips and I part the way for our tongues to mingle together. I explore her mouth and she explores mine, each kiss deeper and more passionate than the last. This time I’m the one who pulls back. My dick is so hard it’s a wonder it doesn’t snap in half from the pressure. I’m a little lightheaded, considering all the blood just rushed south. I feel my length throb in sync with my heartbeat like a drum.

“Stay,” I say. “Stay the night with me. Don’t leave.”

She closes her eyes and sighs. “I want to, I really do, but I just can’t. I have to get back to Jacob early in the morning.”

“Just go back in the morning. I’ll walk you over there myself,” I say, trying to plead my case.

She laughs and shakes her head. “And do the walk of shame in front of boss lady? No thanks.”

I drop my head in feigned defeat. “Well, if you’re determined to leave me here in this condition,” I say motioning to my very obvious erection, “then give me one last kiss before I take a cold shower.”

Jade places her hand on the bulge and gently strokes up and down. “I’m sorry, but trust me, you aren’t the only one who needs a cold shower. I think I can manage one more kiss. That’s only fair since I can’t stay the night and help you with your problem.”

The touch of her hand, even through the fabric of my pants, is enough to make me harder. I’m struggling to keep a clear mind with her doing that as my thoughts become a misty haze. If a kiss is all she’s offering, then I’m going to make the last kiss of the evening count.