Simple Arrangement (7 page)

“Someone told me something weeks ago and I’ve been meaning to ask her but I haven’t seen her. Maybe you can answer.”

“I could try.” Clarissa looked curious. She pushed back her hair—black with honey highlights—so it was over her shoulder.

“Shannon has become like a sister to your family even if she has the wrong first letter in her name. Wh—”

Clarissa laughed, a sensual sound, then she said, “The letter of Shannon’s first name is ‘S’, unlike my siblings and I. We all begin with ‘C’ in our first name.” Clarissa drank from the glass she held. “I have fourteen sisters. We are more fondly known as the Kincaid Fifteen.”

“You have fourteen sisters.” Jackson stared at her in disbelief.

“Yeah. We all used to live in New York. Our dad was originally from McKingley and some of my siblings were born here. Like Carmen, for example, before she moved to New York. We don’t have any brothers who were born from our dad. But we have half-siblings that are male by our mothers’ sides.” She smiled wryly. “Almost all of us have different mothers.”

Jackson listened without commenting on that. He was trying to figure out why she was telling him all of this.

“I met Iona because of Carmen when I helped her move back to her hometown McKingley about eight years ago.” Clarissa glanced toward Iona. “Carmen and Iona are really close. They grew up together along with the Wrights. The Kincaids, along with the Wrights and McKingleys, were founders of this town. But that isn’t why Iona and Carmen were friends. The two of them understand each other in ways no one else does.” Clarissa stared at him steadily. “Carmen hasn’t been able to get near you to tell you this but I will. Hurt Iona and we will gut you.” She smiled widely then sauntered away.

Jackson stared after her, shocked that she had delivered the threat without changing her tone or expression. “She is one—”

“Interesting woman. I’d believe what she says.” Tarak laughed, slapping him on the shoulder. “If you’re lucky, you’ll get to know the rest of the sisters. They are all very unique personalities.” Tarak tightened his hold. Jackson winced. “See, I don’t go for a threat. You just wouldn’t see me coming if you hurt Iona.” Tarak released him then patted him on the shoulder. “From the way Iona is gesturing to me, Clarissa and I are up to schmooze the prospective client. God, I hate this part of the job.” Tarak sighed. “Why don’t they just leave me in the office with my drafting board so I can create?”

“To torture you,” Jackson replied. He didn’t comment on the warning Tarak had given him. His doing so showed how much he actually liked him. If he hadn’t, he wouldn’t have said anything in the first place.

“See, you see it too.” Tarak grinned then walked over to join Iona and the others.

The other partners of Edge Design Group—Dawson and Raymond—also joined the group. Iona soon left them and made her way around the room, heading for Jackson. He watched as she came closer. The geometric designs on her dress displayed her lovely curves and the hem flowed over her open-toed, high-heeled sandals. She came to stand beside him. Jackson placed his hand on her waist.

“Did you achieve what you set out to?”

“Time will tell,” Iona said pushing into his touch. “Are you having a good time?”

“I always do when I’m with you,” Jackson replied, kissing the side of her face gently.

“Now, Mr Carlyle, are you trying to seduce me?” Iona touched his chest.

“If it’s trying, then I’m doing it wrong.”

Iona snorted then patted his chest. “Later. Now be a nice escort and help me net some more clients.”

Knowing what she meant, Jackson let her lead him along. He socialized with her as they worked the room. Jackson grinned when he realized he was actually having fun. Any time he spent with Iona seemed to become an adventure. As the party continued, they met up with Iona’s business partners and exchanged thoughts on what they had learned. The one thing Jackson had learned from these events is that they were about business.

When the party was over, they left. In his truck, they talked comfortably as they did each time they were together. When they arrived at his place, he picked up her overnight bag and went inside with her. He followed her up the steps, enjoying the sway of her butt as she went up. He dropped her bag by the table closest to the stairs. He rubbed his hand over the back of his neck then started across the room.

“You want something to drink?”

“Maybe later,” Iona said.

Jackson took out a bottle of water then turned. His eyes widened as he took in Iona in all her naked glory. She kicked her dress away then stepped out of her heels.

“When you’re done with that”—she gestured to the water he held before she turned and walked toward his bedroom—“I’ll be waiting in the bedroom for you.”

She went out of sight. Jackson rubbed his erection through his slacks. He gulped then set his unopened bottle of water down before he headed after her. He turned around but stopped then returned for the water and took it with him. He stopped and gripped the doorjamb, locking his legs as he spotted Iona. She was already laid out on the bed, her legs spread. Her attention was on him as she ran her hand over her chest, plucking at her nipple as she used her other hand to delve between her pussy lips. Iona rubbed both her nipple and between her legs.

“Are you planning to stand there all night or join me?”

Jackson moved toward the bed, stripping quickly as he went. When he reached the bed he realized he didn’t have the water. Jackson glanced toward the door and saw it on the floor. Iona touched his bare ass, rubbing the cheek. Jackson pushed back onto her touch. She slid her hand over his ribcage and pulled him back onto the bed with her. Jackson turned into her arms, kissing her. Iona returned his kiss and moved him below her. She straddled him and stared down into his eyes.

“I have you right where I want you.” Iona lifted up and smoothed protection onto his shaft before she held him. She went over him lowering herself down onto him.

She tightened and rocked forward. Jackson bucked under her, holding her hips as he surged up into her. Iona rubbed her breasts, moaning as she rode him. He matched her move for move as they worked toward their shared pleasure. Her fierce expression as she took him made him want her even more.

“Iona.” He groaned as she clenched.

She rose up until she almost was off him then sank down again, taking in all his length, rotating her hips. He lifted his head and pulled her to him then licked along her breasts. Jackson sucked her, moaning against her skin. Iona’s harsh breaths made her chest rise and fall under his lips. Sliding his hands into the back of her hair, he tugged.

“Jackson,” Iona whimpered.

He licked up her chest then along the centerline of her neck to her chin before he kissed her. Holding her firm, he pushed his tongue into her mouth. He matched each motion as she took him with their kiss. Jackson’s sac went tight and he struggled to hold off coming until she did. Iona arched then moaned, a long, drawn-out sound.

“Jackson.” Iona shuddered as she came.

Jackson joined her in release, moving with her as he was overcome with his own climax. Iona slumped against him and he fell back on the bed holding her. Cupping her ass, Jackson rubbed his thumbs along each cheek, kissing the side of her face.

“Being with you, I could get used to it,” Iona murmured.

Jackson paused his touch. She stiffened then went to roll off him. He held her close and she flung her head back, her eyes fierce. She opened her mouth.

“I could too.” He spoke before she could. “It’s becoming very easy for me to want to be with you.”

Iona went to say something. He squeezed her gently. She took his silent urging and was quiet. Jackson held her, wondering what else their being together would bring.

Chapter Four

Jackson placed his hand on Iona’s ankle. She made a humming sound but didn’t pull her attention away from the television. He glanced at her where she was comfortably stretched out on the couch with her feet in his lap. They were having a relaxing day after a hectic week of his being called in and Iona preparing for a presentation. She was headed out of town to California tomorrow, and Jackson wanted to spend some time with her before she left. Thankfully, he wasn’t on call today—Arissa was—so he wasn’t going to be anywhere else but here with her. Although she was only going to be gone a week, he couldn’t help wondering if the distance she’d been placing between them in the last week would increase. Ever since they’d both admitted they were getting used to each other. For him, nothing had changed except that he’d finally said it aloud to her. Yet Iona was acting skittish and he didn’t like it at all. Today was the first day that he’d had with her to get to the bottom of what was going on with her.

I’ll talk with her as soon as the show is done.
Jackson had learned from experience not to interrupt her when she was watching her favorite TV show,
Criminal Minds
.

He tapped his finger on the arm of the couch, watching her more than the show. Iona had a familiar smile on her face. When Jackson focused on the screen, he realized why.

“A man could get a complex from how you get whenever you see Shemar Moore.” Jackson gripped her ankle firmer.

“He is something to look at”—Iona didn’t even look away from the screen—“but he’s not the only one I’m watching this time.”

Jackson looked at the TV again then at her. “
Reid?
”

“Oh yeah. And his real name is Matthew Gray Gubler.” Iona looked at him, her smile becoming sultry. “There is something about a smart man who is handsome too that does it for me. How they can spout facts like they know everything—that makes you want to jump them.”

“I don’t act like I know everything,” Jackson protested.

“Really?” Iona pulled her legs out of his lap and shifted to her knees on the couch. She leaned over and crawled toward him. “Just last night someone was trying to tell me some obscure fact about architecture.”

“I’ve become interested in it since you mentioned about what you do,” Jackson mumbled. “It wasn’t acting like I know everything. I just found it fascinating.”

“And I find it interesting that you took time to find out information relevant to my profession.” Iona put her hands on his shoulders and straddled him. Jackson put his hand on her hips.

“You do, huh?” Jackson grinned. “I must have you captivated, since you’re ignoring your TV crushes for me.”

“They are not crushes. I just enjoy watching a fine specimen of man.” Iona lowered her head. “Such as the one before me.” She kissed him.

Jackson opened, kissing her back. The ringing of his cell with a familiar ringtone made him pull away.

“Hold that thought.” Jackson reached for his cell, which was on the table next to the couch. He picked it up, answering, “Carlyle—”

“Jackson, I know you’re not on call but we’re slammed.” Arissa sounded rushed. “We have three people out with the flu.”

“I’ll be right there.” They were working short as it was with budget cuts. Being down three doctors would make the already understaffed emergency room hectic.

“See you soon.” Arissa hung up.

He pressed the end call button then met Iona’s gaze. “Sorry, I have to go.”

“No need to apologize.” She slid off his lap and stood, holding out her hand. He took it and rose.

They walked out of the room together to the front door. Iona released his hand then opened a drawer at the entry table and took something he couldn’t make out from it. She turned to him then pressed what she held in his hand. Jackson glanced at the key then at her, surprised.

“Come back when you’re done. No matter how late.” She stepped back then crossed her arms over her chest, averting her gaze.

Jackson moved closer to her and turned her head to him. “You didn’t just conveniently have this here waiting. You planned to give me a key.”

“Yes. But no big deal.” She shrugged. “Figured it was better for you to have it since you come by sometimes after work, or get here before me. Your waiting outside might frighten the neighbors.”

“We don’t want to have that, do we?” Jackson chuckled. He knew what she said wasn’t true. He’d gotten very friendly with the neighbors. Many times when he’d been waiting for Iona, a few of them had dropped by to say hi. Usually they also brought some sort of treat for him and Iona.

“Laughy man,” she said fondly, hugging him.

“Someone called me Laughy Boy. Glad to know I’ve been elevated.” Jackson kissed her gently.

“Who called you that?”

“Chandler,” he answered then held up the key. “Thanks for this. I’ll be back later.”

“See you then.” Iona bit her lip then said, “Be safe.”

“I will.” He stepped back and went to the door before opening it. He turned to close it, looking at Iona as he did. She was in his favorite housedress—a pale gray with burgundy flowers—and barefoot.

Once the door closed, he hurried to his truck. He threw the house key she had given him up in the air then caught it, a grin on his face. With her giving him a key, he realized his unease had been unfounded. Whistling, Jackson headed to work.

* * * *

Hours later, he opened Iona’s door with his key, stepped in then pocketed it. Trying to be quiet since it was so late, he used the nightlights Iona always had lit in the entryway to go to the steps then up. The nightlights in the hall lit his way to her bedroom. Jackson heard the murmur of her voice and frowned as he pushed open the door. Iona was lying on the bed, on her back with her legs braced on the walls. She had on lavender knee socks, panties and a tank top. She turned her head to look at him then mouthed, “
On phone with Japan.”

Jackson nodded then went to the bathroom to clean up. He took a quick shower then wiped off, throwing the towel in the hamper before donning his pajama bottoms and going to bed. He lay next to Iona, listening absently as she conversed with whoever she was talking to. Iona placed her hand on his stomach, rubbing her thumb back and forth. Jackson touched her leg, running his hand over the top of her knee sock. Iona paused in speaking and she pressed a kiss to his side before she continued her conversation. Content, Jackson lay besides her enjoying just being with her.