Beholden (The Belonging Duet, #2)(41)

I tap my forefinger on my chin. “Let’s see. Since you’re so injured, I think you’re right.”

His face beams but then he narrows his eyes. “I don’t believe you.”

“And here I thought you were dumb. Let’s go.” I grab my purse and straighten my dress.

Finally, he gets up and looks at me, smiling. There are times where just one look can melt me to my core—this is one. “What?”

“You’re beautiful. Come kiss me, woman.”

With a smile on my lips, I walk over and press them to his. Gingerly, Jackson’s calloused thumb grazes my cheek and I shiver. His touch elicits so many emotions and I pray we never lose this. I want to get lost in him.

“Enough stalling. Come on, Muffin.”

Jackson says something under his breath but I expect it. We exit the apartment and when we get to the street, there’s a black town car waiting.

“I figured the cab wouldn’t want to wait in case I was able to talk you out of this,” Jackson explains with an easy tone.

I shrug and get in the car, “Too bad it didn’t work.”

We settle in the car and Jackson and I talk about the musical a little. Apparently he has no clue what to expect. He’s never been to Broadway before.

“I don’t understand how you can live in Manhattan and never go to the theater.”

“I work. A lot,” he retorts and pulls me against his side. I mold to him and close my eyes feeling the way his rough hand rubs tiny circles on my arm. “Just think, we could be home. Possibly naked. But you wanted to see men in tights.”

The giggle escapes my mouth before I can hold it back. “This isn’t the ballet, although, if you’re interested in seeing it, I’m sure I can get tickets.”

“Not on your best day, sweetheart.”

We pull up to the theater and Jackson grumbles playfully. I’ve never considered myself a sadistic person, but I’m thoroughly enjoying his discomfort. It could be that if I lost he wouldn’t have hesitated at all. I would have had to pay for it, and knowing Jackson, he would’ve found other ways than just no name calling.

“Muffin?” He looks up and his lip curls but then he smiles. “Time to find out about the circle of life.”

“How long are these things?”

“A few hours.”

“Hours?” Jackson asks disbelievingly. “As in more than one?”

I laugh and he pushes the walker forward. “Yes, babe. Like two or three.”

Jackson and I find our seats and get comfortable. As much as I’m happy to be here, there’s so much stuff I need to get done for the launch in a few days. I don’t have much time and I’ve spent a lot dealing with personal things.

“Hey,” Jackson pauses and tilts my chin toward him. “What’s wrong?”

I smile and softly shake my head. “Nothing.”

“If I have to be here, you’re going to be happy.” His lip curls and one eye closes.

Leaning into my seat, I give myself a mental break. Everything will be fine. Right now, I have the man I love sitting at my side and he took me on a date.

“I’m happy. How could I not be? I won.”

He groans and takes my hand in his lap. “Do I get dinner after this?” I ask.

“No, but I did sign us up for the next 5k in town.”

I gasp with my jaw hanging. “I’m not running.”

“Oh, but you are. While I was paying for these lovely tickets, it popped up as an ad. I knew you’d want to support me the way I’m suffering—I mean, enjoying—what we’re doing now.” He rubs his hand on the stubble on his chin.

“I didn’t lose a bet.”

“Neither did I, yet here I am.” Jackson smiles and sits back in his chair.

As the first act begins, Jackson’s arm slides around my back and he pulls me close. I nestle into his side and kiss his neck. “Thank you,” I whisper.

“Don’t thank me yet,” Jackson jokes quietly.

The show carries on and I look over at Jackson who laughs at Rafiki’s antics and I would swear I saw a tear in his eyes when Mufasa dies. Of course I’ll never be able to get him to admit it, but I will sure as hell taunt him with it.

The second act is being called and Jackson spent all of intermission explaining why it would be so much fun if we left early.

“That three-mile run is going to be so much fun.”

“You can’t make me run.”

Jackson leans forward and his warm breath blows across my neck. “I can make you want to run.”

“You’d have to do something pretty bad to make me run. Like lie or cheat,” I smile waiting for a witty response.

Jackson’s eyes flash with fear but he recovers quickly enough that I’m not sure that I saw it. Goosebumps form and my stomach tightens. I don’t know what to call the sudden wash of emotion. But I can’t help but worry there’s something lurking.

The lights go out and the stage lights up. I shake off the ominous feeling and I’m lost in the beauty of the colors, the way they brought the African grasslands to life in New York. Jackson and I hold hands through the show and I feel peace. Everything in my life feels right. I have a man I love desperately and he loves me back. I have a job I love more and more each day. And I have amazing friends and Neil is out of my life.