Beholden (The Belonging Duet, #2)(36)

“What game are you playing?”

I start to lift my shirt but stop as I see his pupils dilate, “Jackson?”

He doesn’t answer, just watches as I hike it a little higher.

“Do we have a deal?” I ask softly.

“Whatever the f*ck you want,” Jackson doesn’t hesitate in answering.

“I thought you’d say that.” I smile and take a step in his direction. He licks his lips and uses his index finger to try to call me over. “Now, come here and finish what you started and then somehow managed to bully me into giving you your way.”

Another small step in his direction, but I stop, grab the basket and blanket, and turn on my heels. “Nah, I’m in the mood for the park.”

“You’re killing me, Catherine. Absolutely f*cking killing me,” Jackson groans but I hear him moving behind me.

When we’re out the door, I turn to him feeling victorious and a little devious. “Guess you don’t always win, now do you?”

We quickly reach the boat pond area of Central Park, which is only about a block from his high rise. To say he lives in the most desired area of New York City would be an understatement. It’s perfect. I’m glad he pulled me away from work and the launch. We both need this time together.

“I think we should steer clear of any more competitions for today. My balls can’t handle it,” Jackson says while laughing.

“Awww, my little sore loser.”

“When I show you the photo of your time, we’ll see who’s sore.”

I wave my hand dismissively. Even though I added a good four minutes on to his time, the reality is—I have no idea what my damage was. I didn’t really fall or struggle too much, but Super SEAL over there didn’t even break a sweat. “Want to sit at the end of the hill?” I point to the grassy section that has a small incline. That way he can sit easily and use the height to get up without too much effort. I know how much he hates the limitations his leg injury is causing. At least this is a way to minimize it. Also, he’s heavy and difficult for me to maneuver on my own.

“Sounds great. What do you have in that basket?” he asks curiously trying to peek the lid open.

“Just snacks, a few books, and some drinks.” I smile as we slowly make our way to the tiny piece of tranquility we’ll have in the middle of this metropolis.

“You thought of all that in an hour?” Jackson asks with disbelief in his voice.

“I didn’t make a gourmet meal. Also I didn’t make a disaster of the kitchen while grabbing things.”

He smirks. “I think that night worked out for the both of us.”

The blush spreads across my face as I hear the double meaning. Yes, it most definitely did work out for both of us.

Laying out the blanket, I help Jackson get comfortable and I settle in.

“Hey, get over here,” he calls and pats his good leg. “Do you want to read for a little while?”

“We have all day, babe. We can do whatever.”

It’s beautiful out. There’s a small breeze and the sun is overhead but we have some shade thanks to the trees. I lie on his leg and look up at him. His strong jaw, beautiful eyes, and short stubble take my breath away. I start to remember the first time we met, how much he affected me. Then, when I realized he was my new client, the electrical charge I fought so hard against was undeniable. But nothing like the first time I saw him without a shirt on—which reminds me of the course.

He leans back on his side and smiles. “You wanna know, don’t you?”

I sit up practically bouncing up and down. “Yes!” I’m so excited. Here comes a play, no running daily crap, and a whole lot of taunting. Well, I hope at least. As quickly as I can, I grab my phone and scroll to the photo with his time and clutch it to my chest. “Okay, you ready, Muffin?” I smirk and ready myself for the moment of truth.

“Oh, baby, I’m more than ready. I hope you get yourself a new pair of running shoes.”

“I hope you’re ready to lose to a girl.”

“If you beat me, I might cry,” Jackson jokes.

“Now that I want to see.”

Jackson’s loud laugh cuts through the quiet as he grabs his phone.

“Ready?” he asks.

“As I’ll ever be. Time to pay up, Muff.”

“Better get it all out of your system, sweetheart, because that’s the last time you’ll be saying my call sign for a while.”

I shake my head and try to get my excitement in check. “Okay, let’s both put the phones face down and then on the count of three we’ll flip them over.”

Jackson rolls his eyes and hands his phone over. “I’m not worried.”

“Neither am I.” Tentatively, I hand mine over, controlling my shaking.

We count it down, and then slowly flip the phones over and look at our times.

Game.

Set.

Match.





She’s f*cking kidding me.

There’s no way in hell.

I look up at her and her smile says it all. “What’s the matter, Muffin?” Her brown eyes are big and she knows she’s got me.

“No! No f*cking way. No way. How?” I ask, knowing somehow she fixed these times. She did something because I’ve run that course over a thousand times. I swear I could do it in my sleep. Hell, I could do it now in this stupid walker and still beat her.