Acts of Desperation(28)

I walked back down to his office again and stood there watching him scribble notes onto a yellow legal pad. His top button was undone and his muted green tie was tugged loose, hanging crookedly to the side. I could tell he’d been running his fingers through his hair because it was delightfully disheveled. I knocked on his door and waited this time.

“Come in,” he said and smiled at me after looking up.

“You mind if I shut this?” I asked, motioning to his door.

“Not at all. Go ahead,” he said, leaning back in his chair.

I shut the door and turned back to him. “I’d like to get some things out in the open, if you don’t mind. I’m not really sure what’s going on.”

“What do you mean?” he said, confused. He crossed his hands over his lap and waited for me to explain.

“Well, it seemed like we were having a good time Saturday then we kind of ended on a weird note. I’ll admit I had a little too much to drink, but you brushed me off—for the lack of a better term—twice,” I said, “and I didn’t like how it felt.”

“I wasn’t brushing you off,” he said, shaking his head. “That couldn’t be farther from the truth.”

“It felt like it. And the thing you’re not telling me, I’m not really into secrets when it comes to someone I’m involved with.”

He grinned slightly. “Is there anything else?”

“No. That pretty much sums it up.”

He nodded his head. “Ok, so we’re clear, I have strong feelings for you, so let there be no doubt in your mind about that. And, there is something I haven’t told you.” He exhaled a deep breath. “I know it’s a lot to ask, but if you’ll give me some time to work something out and trust me, then I’ll tell you everything. Now just isn’t the right time.”

“With everything that’s happened to my sister,” and to me, I left out, “you can understand that I have some trust issues, right?” I said.

“I can, but still, I’m asking.”

I thought for a second. “Why should I trust you? I hardly know you.”

“Because there’s something between us, and I know you feel it too.”

My heart beat a little harder. “You don’t have a crazy ex-wife or some kids you’re abandoning in New York, do you?”

He laughed. “No, that’s not it.”

I crossed my arms. “Hmm…,” I said, thinking. I cocked my head to the side letting his very first comment sink it and come to the forefront of my mind. “So, you have feelings for me, huh?” I asked.

“No,” he said and walked around his desk. He held me with his heated stare as he slowly backed me up against his door. “I said strong feelings.”

I put my hands to his stomach, and I could see in my mind, his half naked body in that dressing room. Those rippling abs were under my fingertips, and my pulse raced. “How strong?”

He locked his door then put both hands on the wall on either side of my head. “Very.” He leaned in closer. “I want you,” he whispered into my ear and somehow it sucked the air from my lungs.

“Then take me,” I said through bated breath.

His tongued traced my lips. I was breathless and lightheaded, but as his plump lips enveloped mine, he fed me his air, breathing life into me. His hands trailed down along my body, stopping at my hips to lift my skirt. He reached around and cupped my bare backside then effortlessly picked me up. I wrapped my legs around him just as I’d envisioned I would that day after lunch. He carried me and set me down on his oversized leather ottoman, our mouths never leaving each other’s. He got on his knees and began tugging my shirt loose. My hands trembled as I unfastened the buttons on his shirt. I couldn’t wait to feel his skin against mine. His hands roamed up my thighs and stopped at the elastic on my white lacy thong.

Just as my inhibitions were going out the window, there was a knock at his door.

“Jax,” Evan’s voice called from the hallway. “You got a sec? I need to go over the Peterson file with you.”

Seriously, his timing was impeccable. I groaned.

Jax sighed and looked down. “Can it wait? I’m in a meeting.” He looked up at me, smirking with his finger up to his mouth, shushing me.

“It really can’t, man. Sorry. Rittger is threatening to file charges if we don’t get this stuff to him today.”

He sighed again. “Alright. Give me a minute and I’ll be down,” he said. “I’m sorry. I have to take care of this.”

I shrugged my shoulders. “What can you do? Duty calls.” He got off his knees and helped me stand. I straightened my skirt and tucked my shirt back in. “Guess I’ll see you around.”

“Don’t go far. I’m not through with you yet.” He raised his brow and gave me a smirk.

As I was walking away, he snatched me around my waist and gave me one more long, deep kiss. I smiled then went back to my office. The rest of the day passed as day turned to night. And I’m not saying I waited for him, but I’m not saying I didn’t either. I worked on every little thing I could think of, and just as I was about the throw in the towel, my phone rang.

“Sember Adler,” I said into the receiver.

“Miss Adler,” Jax said. “Could I see you in my office for a second?”