Page 32 of False Start, Real Passion
I’m not sorry.
Jaxon. The words are so simple, but they hit like a freight train, sending my heart into overdrive. I stare at the screen, knowing exactly what he means. He’s not sorry about the kiss. He’s not sorry about making me want more than I can handle.
The boundaries I was so desperate to maintain crumble in front of me, and I’m left with nothing but the truth: I’m in over my head, and I’m not sure I want to be anywhere else.
Chapter nine
Jealousy and Confessions
Islideintoabooth, nerves tingling under my polished exterior. Ryan Davis, a sleek marketing exec with a smile that’s all business, takes his seat across from me. I flash my own PR-perfect grin, but my mind is a traitor, drifting to a certain arrogant quarterback and the taste of his rain-soaked kiss.
I clear my throat. “Thanks for meeting me, Ryan. I think we have a real opportunity here to-”
The café door swings open, and every head turns. Oh hell no. Jaxon Reid strides in like he owns the place, all tousled hair and predatory swagger. His blue eyes zero in on Ryan with laser precision.
My stomach flips as Jaxon slides into the booth beside me, his solid thigh pressing against mine. “Hey babe,” he drawls, draping an arm around my shoulders like it’s the most natural thing in the world. “Who’s your friend?”
I grit my teeth. What the hell is he doing here?
Ryan’s eyebrows shoot up. “Uh, Jaxon Reid. Wow. I didn’t realize you two were...”
“Dating?” He finishes the sentence for him.
“Yes, we are.” I chime in because I have no choice but to. I turn to Jaxon. Pretend time. “Babe, I’m in the middle of something. Can this wait until after I’m done?”
He says nothing.
“This is a lunch meeting.” I continue. “So, if you don’t mind-”
Jaxon cuts me off.
“You didn’t call last night.” He leans in, his breath hot on my ear. “I was worried.”
I shiver despite myself. Damn him. I paste on a smile for Ryan.
His hand squeezes my shoulder. “Aw come on, Tor. Can’t a guy surprise his girl at work?”
My cheeks burn. His girl.
I turn to Ryan, desperation clawing at my throat. “I apologize for the interruption. As I was saying-”
But Ryan is already gathering his things, looking like he’d rather be anywhere else. “You know what? I think we can pick this up another time.” He stands, nodding at Jaxon. “Nice to meet you.”
And then he’s gone, leaving me alone with the smirking devil himself. I whirl on Jaxon, ready to unleash my fury, but the heat in his gaze stops me cold.
“Alone at last,” he murmurs, his hand still claiming my shoulder. “Just the way I like it.”
I shake off his touch, blood boiling beneath my skin. “What the hell was that, Jaxon?”
He leans back, arms crossed, the picture of nonchalance. “What was what?”
“Don’t play dumb with me.” I hiss, mindful of the curious glances from other patrons. “You just crashed my meeting. On purpose.”
Jaxon shrugs, a muscle ticking in his jaw. “Like I said, I was worried.”
“Bullshit.” The word is acid on my tongue. “This is a job, Jaxon.” I lower my voice. “You are a job. This isn’t some twisted fairy tale where you get to play the jealous boyfriend.”
He leans forward, his gaze searing into mine. “Doesn’t feel like just a job. In fact, it feels pretty damn real.”
