Beloved (Toni Morrison Trilogy #1)(57)

She plays along. Her eyes widen and she grins devilishly. There’s nothing Ashton enjoys more than taunting people. “So he’s like super hot, then?”

“Oh yeah, I’m talking off the charts.” Jackson leans against my back and his body heat pulses through my sweatshirt. His hand grips my hip before slipping underneath the hem and splaying across my bare stomach. I gasp.

“What’s wrong, baby?” he asks as I turn and look at him over my shoulder incredulously. “Just curious who you think was off the charts?” Slowly his fingertips trail against my stomach. The shirt is baggy, so hopefully Ashton can’t see anything that’s happening.

I bite my lip and lean back against his chest. “It’s hard to say—” My words cut off when his finger slides against the underside of my breast.

Ashton smiles. “What’s wrong? Cat got your tongue? Or is it that Jackson’s feeling you up?”

Jackson leans back, laughing hysterically. Busted! My face is painted in red as I get up and put my mug in the sink.

Ashton yells at my back as I walk to my room. “Oh c’mon, hot tits. I’d touch them too if I were him. Don’t be like that.”

“I hate you both!” I yell back, laughing. Out of nowhere I’m airborne and squeaking as Jackson lifts me and throws me over his shoulder. We laugh as we make our way back to my room.

“I’m going to head into the city and get ready. I want us to go out and have fun. Pack a bag. You can stay at my place tonight,” he says with a serious look.

“What time?”

“I’ll text you details. I need to make some calls.” His lips press against mine and I lean into him. I don’t think I’ll ever tire of kissing him. Even though we’ve just started whatever this is, it feels like it’s been so much longer. It’s like every day I’m with him, a little more of the broken me mends, making me whole again.





After spending the next three hours agonizing over what to wear, I finally settled on my red, one-shoulder, A-line dress. My hair is curled and swept to the side and I’m pretty happy with the overall turnout. I’ve packed my overnight bag and threw my nude heels in there since I have to take the train into the city—there’s no way I’m running around in heels. Ashton is going out later, so she agreed to drop me at the station on her way.

Stepping out into the living room, I ask, “Well, what do you think?” She lets out a whistle.

“You look holy shit hot! Wow. He’s gonna be tenting all night long.”

“What?” I ask, dumbfounded.

“You know, be pitching a tent in his pants.” She giggles and nudges me.

“Grab your keys. I’m nervous enough without your asinine comments.” I huff and nudge her back. My nerves are out of control. I don’t know why since we’ve already slept together. We had a rather powerful talk today, but this seems so different—probably because our date is actually planned and I wasn’t roped into it.

We exit the house with Ashton’s arm around my neck. “No need to be nervous. You need to be you and he’ll see how special you are. I’m pretty sure he already does.”

“Just … I don’t know. Things got heavy this morning,” I say to her as we get in the car. “I don’t mean sexual heavy either. I kind of had a huge breakdown about my dad,” I admit reluctantly. It’s weird telling her this. Ashton and I share everything, but there are parts of my relationship with Jackson I want to keep to myself.

“Wow. You never talk about him. But he still wants to take you out, so it didn’t scare him off. Jackson seems like a good guy. He came over last night to see you. You were plastered and he stayed. He’s obviously into you.” She takes a deep breath while the words sink in. “I know it’s hard for you to see, but please don’t push him away. Let him see what I see.” She places her hand on mine and squeezes, offering me comfort I’m reluctant to receive.

“Thanks, Ash. I guess I’m just waiting for the proverbial shoe to drop.”

“Well that’s no way to live. Live for the moment.” The car stops as we arrive at the train station. Ashton turns to me with her lips pursed. “I know this is hard for you. Here’s the thing—nice guys like him don’t come around twice. From everything you’ve told me, he’s only been good to you. Yeah, he’s intense, but you guys have this insane chemistry. Stop fighting it!”

I lean over and give her a kiss on the cheek. “I’ll try. Love you, Ashypoo!”

I run to catch the train. Thankfully I get on just in time. Grabbing the first seat available, I sit and text Jackson.

Me: On my way. Where am I going?

Jackson: A car will be waiting with your name. See you soon.

I smile at his gesture. He really is a good guy, and I’m going to try to relax and enjoy tonight. The train ride is only about ten minutes, so I don’t have time to do anything other than change my shoes and check myself over once. Exiting the train, I find a tall man in a suit holding a sign with my name on it.

“Ms. Pope, I’m Xavier. I’ll be your driver for this evening.”

“Nice to meet you.” I smile and follow him to a sleek black limo.

Wow, he really went all out.

“Do you know where we’re going?” he asks curiously.