The sound of their footsteps walking away has us relieved, and we quickly step away from one another. Jaxon flushes the toilet once more. It was very fortunate that with his quick thinking, we have successfully gotten out of this predicament.
A few minutes pass by, and it seems to drag on for eternity. He won’t even look at me. It’s clear I’ve disappointed him, yet I couldn’t care less. Pushing every thought into the back of my mind, we leave the restroom together and find his family gathered in the living room.
Lucy catches my gaze and sadly sighs. “I heard you’ve gotten sick, dear. Are you all right? Is there anything I can get you?” she nicely offers.
“We may have ginger ale,” Blake suggests with a grin. “And saltines. They really help when you’re not feeling well. Mom says they’re the quickest cure to easing an upset stomach.”
Crystal stares at me blankly, arms folded over her chest.
I nod. “Sure.”
“Perhaps, she needs rest,” Jaxon announces. “Sorry for our short stay.”
“Don’t be silly,” Lucy tells him, pecking a quick kiss on his cheek. “We understand.”
He nods once, forcing a grin.
“I hope you feel better soon, Sasha.” Lucy gently places her hand on my shoulder. “Come back when you can.”
“Lots of television and soup,” Blake says with a giggle, hugging me briefly.
“Yes, definitely.” I attempt to express a realistic smile, turning to Crystal. “It was really nice to meet you. I hope we can catch up soon.”
“Lunch sometime, maybe?” she suggests. “I know some really cute cafés downtown. I can show you around one of these days.”
“That would be great. I’d really like that.”
* * *
Jaxon gets calledinto Edwards Enterprises in the late afternoon. Having the whole house to myself, I’m unsure what I could do to pass the time.
The California breeze is warm, inviting, and calling out to me. Throwing on my swimsuit, along with a light throw over, I decide to explore the beach behind his house.
The path that leaves from the back of the mansion is a short walk, my toes buried in the sand within minutes. The waves are slow, peaceful, filling me with tranquility as I watch them crash against the shore. The air is humid and the seagulls are screeching. It smells like seaweed and saltwater, the perfect combination. Breathing it in, and closing my eyes, I smile to myself.
Until, I’m reminded by everything that’s happened to me in the past seventy-two hours.
My smile fades, and I head back to the house.
So much for exploring the beach.
It’s not long before I realize that I’ve clearly pushed my limits earlier this morning when we were with his family. The fact of the matter is, I was shocked. I found myself enraged and confused as to how he could even consider kissing me after hurting me so badly. He made it clear that we were to never kiss again, and I was comfortable with that. The second his lips touched mine, I knew that I couldn’t handle it, couldn’t fake it.
I didn’t want anything to do with his lips again.
Those soft, warm lips.
Shaking my head in aggravation, I sigh, hating how I had let my emotions get in the way. After thinking it through for a while, I decide that having dinner ready on the table for him might make up for my bad behavior.
Fortunately, I remember his favorite meal he had informed me of during the car ride to his parent’s house the first time around. Hopefully, this will eliminate any punishments.
Two hours later, I’ve cleaned the house, and everything seems to sparkle. After taking a long, steaming shower, I prepare our dinner and find myself able to relax again. This is my job, after all.
Only minutes away from finishing cooking, I hear the front door clash open. Cleaning off my hands with a paper towel, I quickly make my way to the living room.
Jaxon lifts his head, taking in my appearance before looking away.
“I’ve cleaned the house.” I grin, silence filling the space between us as he remains unimpressed. “I’m also cooking dinner.”
