Maid For You - A Cinderella Love Story (14 page)

“What are you doing…?” Her voice is breathless and she flutters her eyelids closed as I lightly trail my finger against her damp panties.

“I’m going to show you how much I still want you…” I slip a finger inside her panties and run a finger against her lips, groaning at how wet she is. “I’ve thought about you for six long years. Do you have any idea what it did to me when I couldn’t find you, when Gaby told me to stay away from you, that you were happier without me?” Kissing her lips, I don’t wait for a reply, too caught up in feeling how fucking perfect she feels in my hands. Releasing her lips, I trail kisses down her jaw as she throws her head back, giving me further access.

It’s impossible to fight what we have together.

She starts to push my hand away and I freeze. I’d never take what a woman didn’t want to give.

“Jax…Oh God, what are we doing? This is so wrong. We’ve got to stop…” Involuntarily, she bucks her hips against my hand.

“Tell me what you want, Kitten.” I growl the words out.

“I don’t know…” She throws a hand over her eyes, confused and high on desire. “Oh God…please, don’t stop.”

“Just feel, baby, stop thinking.”

I began to move my fingers again and she moans against my shoulder. Slipping a finger inside her slick channel, I continue to circle her clit while gently pumping in and out of her.

“God, you feel amazing. You’re so wet for me…still so fucking tight.” Her pleasure is mine and I press up against her, letting her feel just how painfully aroused I am, too.

She starts to move in rhythm with my fingers and I increase the pace, sensing she’s close.

“Oh my…feels so good…” She throws her head back and closes her eyes, lost to the sensation as I continue the pace with my fingers.

“Oh…I’m going to come…” She bites her knuckles and tightens around my fingers.

“That’s it, baby, come on my hand, let me feel your juices all over me.” I kiss her jaw and she jerks against me, coming hard and breathing heavily while I milk the last drop of her orgasm.

I pull out of her and she blushes deeply as I lick my fingers dry.

“Still so sweet…”

Hastily, she sits up and pulls up her pants, quickly fixing her top.

I stand back to give her some space as she rapidly makes for the door, her face flushed.

“Six years ago, I made you mine, Ava.” She hesitates at the door, her hand hovering over the lock but refusing to meet my eye. “I’m not letting you go again…I know you feel it too. We belong together.”

Holding her head high, she steps out of the room without a further retort.

Fuck, that was hot.

And I’ve a serious case of blue balls.

A
va

“
O
h my God
, what took you so long?” Lauren grins as she pulls me in for a hug. She steps away and glances at her watch. “I’ve been waiting for like, all of five minutes.”

She laughs at her own joke as I’m notorious for time keeping.

“Sorry, that damn meeting over-ran.” I refuse to meet her eyes as I’m still tingling from the aftereffects of Jax.
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph
. I can’t believe what just happened. My body is still on a high.

“You okay there?”

I help her load her suitcase into the SUV that Carter’s lent me. “Sure, why?”

She stands back and adjusts her shades, her long blonde hair blowing in the light breeze. “Don’t know…just something seems a little…off or something.”

“No, no, I’m fine. Just a little worked up from the boardroom.” Literally. I grin and hop into the driver’s seat and take a deep breath before she climbs in.

“So, welcome to Miami, Miss Page.” I hit the MP3 button. Will Smith blares from the speakers and we crack up at the appropriate lyrics. As I pull out of the airport, I reach over and squeeze her arm. “I’m so glad you’re here. It’s only been a few days but it feels like forever in these parts. The pace is just a lot slower than we’re used to.”

She pulls her hair over her shoulder and gazes out the window. “I’m looking forward to some downtime. We’ve got a ton of stuff to work on before we officially open, but let’s enjoy the next few days and go wild, like back in college.”

I laugh. “Some of us still have to work, you know. But yes, I’m up for some R and R. I’ve got the remainder of the day off, how about we go back to the hotel, get changed, and then hit the beach?”

“As long as margaritas are part of the plan, then hell yes. I need to tan this pasty body of mine.”

W
e’re lying back
on our loungers in the private members area of the beach and admire our toes.

“I can’t believe you made us get pedicures at the hotel.”

Lauren smirks and takes a sip of her margarita. “Damn straight. These feet have been neglected for far too long. Anyway, that turquoise looks great on you.”

I wriggle my toes. She convinced me to go for a bright polish instead of my usual muted tones. “Yeah, I like it. Good choice.” I glance at her hot pink color and return the compliment.

We sip our drinks and gaze out at the sparkling ocean. That’s the one thing I miss the most about living in New York. Not being close to the ocean.

We catch up on life for the next hour and soak in the rays, which feel heavenly. The gentle breeze is just perfect to stop us from getting too hot.

“How’s Jax?”

I almost choke on my drink, which goes down the wrong way, and I end up sputtering. She sits and slaps my back until I’m under control.

“Sorry,” I reply, drying my wet eyes, “went down the wrong pipe.”

She gives me a curious look but doesn’t say anything.

“Jax is…fine.” I look away, hoping she won’t catch the deep blush I know is spreading across my face.

“
Puh-lease
. Ava Isabella Cortes, you look like you’ve turned into a beetroot. Come on, what gives?”

I flick some imaginary sand from my towel while I think of a good response. I’m definitely not ready to share what happened earlier. Just the thought of it has a tingle running up my spine, and I shift in my lounger. “We had dinner last night.”

“And? I thought you hate him? How’d that happen?”

I shrug. “I was meant to have dinner with Carter, but instead Jax turns up at the hotel, saying Carter’s busy. I was heading to dinner, so he invited himself.”

“Nice move. And? Did you fight all night?”

I smile. “No, we decided to call a truce. He revealed some things I didn’t know...” I fill her in on his evil mother.

She lets out a low whistle. “What a total bitch. How are things with you guys now?”

Exhaling, I look out into the distance and ponder her question. “I really don’t know…there’s still a deep scar. It’s not like I’d ever feel I could trust him again.”

“Ava, can I be honest?” She continues anyway. “Since I’ve known you, you’ve had trust issues. Maybe it’s time to throw caution to the wind…open your heart a little and let someone in?”

I scoff at her. “Thanks, Freud.” I change the subject. “How about you, Miss Workaholic?”

“Ugh, I know. Trust me, I only give advice, I don’t take it.”

“So, hate to break the love advice, but catch me up on work. You mentioned that you were keen to pitch for a particular new client?”

She sits up in her lounger and adjusts her towel. “Yeah, they’re actually hosting a fundraiser next week, right here in Miami, so it’s perfect timing. I’m telling you girl, if we get our pitch on point, this client will be a major first win and really put us on the map. I’m still waiting for the media pack, which I should have later today.”

“Sounds good, presuming I’m still here next week. I’m working on a few clients who I’m gently persuading to go digital. But I don’t want to push too much until Monday.”

“Press release, right?”

I nod in agreement. “Yep, Monday, that’s when I’ll make the announcement about my departure. I’ve done the draft version but need you to take a look as I’m subtly mentioning our new partnership. Carter is up to speed on everything.”

“Eeeek. Can’t believe we’re actually doing this.”

“I know, but it’s been in the works for eighteen months - we’re solid now. It’s our time.” I flash her a grin and we clink our glasses together just as the young waiter heads our way with his silver tray in hand.

We stay that way for the afternoon, enjoying the weather and each other’s company. I try my best to push Jax out of my mind, but I’ve to squeeze my thighs together each time I flash back to the boardroom. Which is often.

My body, dismissing my mind, is already craving more.

Later that evening, we take our time getting ready over champagne and music in the background.

Using a large brush, I apply the finishing touch to my makeup with a dusting of translucent powder over my nose and up my temples to my forehead. I examine myself one last time and am pleased with my reflection. My cheeks finally have color from being at the beach all day and my eyes look alive and sparkling. My long hair falls in waves down my back and I give it one final brush through. I emerge from the bathroom.

Lauren’s leaning down, fastening the buckle on her silver sandals, when I walk out. Her straight blonde hair spills like silk around her shoulders, and when she stands, we both catch our breaths. "You look stunning!" we practically say simultaneously, and then we laugh.

Grabbing our clutches, we make our way out of the hotel and hail a taxi.

“Sure you don’t mind swinging by the office? I promised Dad we’d stop in for a quick drink before we head out to dinner.”

“Of course not, it will be great to see Carter again. Maybe he’ll change his mind and join us for dinner.”

I roll my eyes. “Don’t count on it…he’s up to his eyeballs this week.”

We watch the scenery fly past, the sunset coloring the land in beautiful shades of orange and yellow.

“You know, we have to promise that no matter how crazy things get for us over the next few months, we will go out and enjoy ourselves.”

I turn to Lauren and smile. “I agree. At least once every couple of weeks.” My shoulders slump and I stare down at my hands. “I still can’t believe you’re moving out.”

“You know it’s for the best, hon. As much as I love you, I think it’s fair to say we’d be sick of each other day in and day out.” She makes a face and I end up smiling. “We won’t be far from each other, I promise. The realtor who is looking for our office space is also on the hunt for an apartment for me as well.”

I nod - I do understand where she’s coming from. “Okay, but you know you can take all the time you need. No need to rush out the door.”

“I know, and I appreciate it. It’s been the best living together all this time…I’m going to miss your ugly mug.”

I shove her playfully just as the cab pulls up outside Carter McKenzie.

W
e sit
outside his office while we wait for his meeting to conclude.

I glance at my watch. “I hope it’s not too much longer, we have reservations at eight thirty.”

Just as Lauren is about to speak, the door flies open and a gentleman storms out, his lips turned down, and he stomps past us without even a glance.

Lauren leans over to whisper in my ear. “Geez, you can almost see the steam coming out of his ears.”

“I know, right?”

We stand when it appears no one else is coming out and I approach the door, hovering outside for a moment. Knocking, I push open the door and halt in my tracks. Lauren bumps into me from behind and I have to grab the handle to stop my legs from giving out.

“Ava, Lauren, come on in.”

Carter stands from the conference table and widens his arms at the sight of Lauren. She walks past me and embraces him, their conversation blurring into the background.

All I can see is Jax. His eyes are fixed on me and he is staring so intently that I feel naked in front of him. My breathing accelerates and a sheen of moisture coats the back of my neck.

His eyes take in my sandaled feet and rise up the length of my legs and over the body-hugging strapless dress I’m wearing. Looking like he wants to eat me for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the desire is blatantly obvious in his eyes.

I swallow and hear my name being called in the background.

“Ava?”

Blinking rapidly and realizing Lauren is calling my name, my feet finally un-root themselves and I give my father a kiss on the cheek. Introductions are made with Lauren, but all I can feel is the heat of Jax’s stare as he kisses both her cheeks.

“Jax, stay for a drink?”

He gathers his files and runs a hand through his hair. “Thanks, Carter, but I’ll leave you guys to it. I need to get on the road - Alicia is arriving tonight.”

A pang of disappointment hits me, but I fix a smile on my face and tune out his departure.

“You know what girls, how ‘bout you give me ten and I’ll wrap up here? If you don’t mind an old man joining you for dinner, that is?” He winks at us and Lauren flirts right back.

“Sure, that’d be awesome, Carter. I’m sure you won’t mind two hot chicks accompanying you to dinner.” She throws him a wink and he shakes his head, grinning. “We’ll just take a seat over here.” Lauren leads the way to the sofa and glares at me while Carter makes a quick call.

She leans into me and grabs my arm. “What. The. Hell. Was. That. About?”

I exhale, my pulse still racing. All I can think about is the boardroom two doors away. I yank my arm away. “Nothing…and now you’ve met Jax.”

“Fine, if that’s how you want to be.” She crosses her arms and gives me the side-eye. “I tell you what though, there is so much sexual tension between you two, you could bottle it and sell it as an aphrodisiac.” She shakes her head and leans back. “Seriously, holy shit, Ava…I felt like I was intruding.”

I smile at that. “You’re nuts.”

She shakes her head again, a disbelieving look on her face.

“What?”

“It’s just…there’s such an intensity between you. God, I know you’ve told me about him but I didn’t realize there was such…
chemistry
there.”

Carter stands and glances at his desk one last time. “Don’t make any wisecracks in front of him, okay?”

She furrows her brow but drags her finger against her lips. “Sealed.”

Later that night, I toss and turn for hours. Sometime in the early hours, sleep finally claims me.

Dreaming of Jax, I envisioned us out on the lake in a sailboat. The sun was shining down with only a light breeze to break up the warmth and gently push us along the water. Jax was standing at the helm in only a pair of swimming trunks, which was tied low on his narrow hips. His skin was a beautiful shade of brown with a light dusting of hair covering his muscular chest. His rippled abs formed a tempting trail lower down into his suit. I moistened my lips in appreciation.

Jax turned and caught me watching him and smiled, stunning me with his handsome face and twinkling eyes. A nagging voice told me in the background to be careful, to not trust this man, but no one else was around and he only had eyes for me. Standing up from where I was seated, I walked over to him.

He welcomed me into his arms and slipped an arm around my shoulders, drawing me in close. His hand lightly caressed my sun-warmed skin, shooting sparks of desire through me as I looked at him, my lust for him no doubt apparent on my face.

Jax studied me for a long moment, his blue eyes darkening, before he lowered his head and lightly brushed his lips over me, seeking permission and keeping his eyes focused on mine.

Hooking my arms around his neck, I drew him in for more. That was all he needed as his open mouth hungrily came down on me, as if he’d been dying to kiss me forever. Tracing the outline of my mouth with his tongue, he delved in deeper and I met him thrust for thrust.

Without leaving my mouth, he released his hold on the wheel and lifted me into his arms. I immediately wrapped my legs around him, bringing myself in tight against his instant arousal. The desire was so intense that a moan escaped our joined lips, making me crazy with need.

T
he dream
and desire is so strong that my legs fall open and I’m slick as I slip my fingers against my clit. The thought of Jax fucking me, what he’d done to me in the boardroom, how he’d taken control of my body, pushes me over the edge and I come harder than I have in a long time. I awake with a start, my heart beating furiously in my chest and my pulse racing from the dream.

I convince myself that it was just a silly fantasy, something that would never come true.

My head has to be focused on getting through the next few days.

Not on Jax Prescott.

I can’t cross that line again.