The Irresistible Bundle (15 page)

Chapter Thirteen

"I'm impressed!" Desirae confessed as Carina got dressed for her date with Jaxon. "It's been three weeks strong and it doesn't appear like you two are letting up at all!"

Carina shrugged; a blush spreading across her face. Desirae and everyone on campus had been astounded with Jaxon. He'd not only remained attentive but he'd also slowly ditched his entourage. Pete and the guys were royally pissed but Jaxon was better off. Thanksgiving Break was upon them with Christmas Break not far behind. She looked forward to going home and seeing Diego. She missed her brother so much.

"At least we can say that he's lasted as long as last time" She lamely joked. Desirae didn't appreciate the pathetic attempt.

"Last time you two were fuck buddies. This time it's real. Don't belittle this Carina. He's obviously making an effort." Desirae admonished; she wasn't 100% onboard but even she appreciated everything Jaxon had done.

Carina touched up her makeup and slipped on her heels. Jaxon was taking her to a formal restaurant and asked her to get all dolled up.

"You're spending every weekend with him" Desirae stated rather than asked. It had become their routine for Jaxon and Carina to spend the entire weekend together. Desirae didn't mind so much because then she avoided those God-awful hikes through the forest and she got more one-on-one time with whatever boy toy she chose for the evening.

"Have you two talked about Christmas break yet?" Desirae asked. Even Andrea was astounded at Carina and Jaxon's relationship. They looked like a real couple. The skanks at school had backed off. Jaxon was even trying to plan their holidays.

Carina shook her head. She could tell that Jaxon was upset that she wasn't compromising about Thanksgiving break. She was going home to her family for the entire week. Jaxon had inquired about the holidays but she hadn't taken anything into consideration because she hadn't been sure if they'd even still be together by then. Their relationship was on a day-by-day, week-by-week basis. By the time they'd realized things were working out with them, it'd been too late to make any changes.

Carina's refusal to compromise about Thanksgiving didn't deter him. Jaxon merely changed his focus; demanding to find a way to spend Christmas break together. He'd inquired about her plans the moment she adamantly rejected spending Thanksgiving together. At first he'd made light suggestions but he became more persistent as the days passed. Carina wasn't sure if she was ready to introduce him to the family yet. Perhaps if they were still going strong during spring break she would.

"Not yet... I want to spend as much time with Diego as I can."

"Diego.... Hmmm.... Maybe I should go home with you too." Desirae humped her bed grunting his name.

"You dirty wench. That's disgusting. My brother is not your boy toy." Carina almost doubled over in laughter. Desirae just might be too much for Diego.

"I'd be on my very best behavior" Desirae promised batting her eyelashes.

Carina bit her bottom lip. She'd miss her new best friend. "Don't you have a home to go to?" She playfully chided. Desirae never talked about her home life and she had few pictures that told any kind of story.

Desirae waved her off. "I'll do my annual good deeds: visit shelters and feed the homeless."

Carina paused as a text came in. Jaxon was waiting for her. "I have to go. Let's make a deal. Christmas you come home with me. We don't want Santa to put you on the naughty list 'cause you didn't do your good deed for the year. Maybe then you can be the buffer or distracter if I can't shake Jaxon from his demands."

Desirae nodded. "Thank you. I'd be honored to go home with you." She sincerely replied.

Carina paused taking in her best friend's humbled demeanor. It didn't pass her that Desirae hadn't really answered her. "Des do you have someone to go home to" She softly inquired. Desirae's far off gaze broke her heart. She'd known Desirae for several months now but she knew nothing of her home life. Desirae knew all about Carina's family; even talking on the phone with them occasionally.

"Isn't Jaxon waiting for you?" Desirae scolded pushing Carina out the door. "This ain't my first Thanksgiving baby girl. Don't worry about me!"

Carina slowly walked away knowing that Desirae had still managed to sidestep the question. It hurt to realize that she didn't know her roommate as well as she thought she should. They spent most of their days together. There was no excuse why she shouldn't know more about her home life. Had she been that self-absorbed?

Carina froze at the sight before her. Jaxon was pulling out all the stops. He'd dressed in black dress pants that hugged his firm ass. The silver silk dress shirt flaunted his fabulous rowing body. His sophisticated dress shoes shined. She was glad she'd received the memo; the man was dressed to the nines tonight. Her silver cocktail dress matched his silk shirt.

"Damn belleza" he breathed into her ear. This was going to be a long evening if he didn't get a taste of her after dinner. Jaxon loved her smile. She could light up a room with minimal effort. He knew he was the envy of many guys on campus. Hell, he'd helped make her reputation. She was highly coveted and sought after because of him; but he was the lucky SOB who still had her.

Jaxon drove downtown to a five-star seafood restaurant. She'd heard of the place from some of her dorm mates. Supposedly the place was expensive and hard to reserve a table if you didn't have the right connections. Carina stepped out of the car walking alongside Jaxon. He wasn't holding her hand as they walked into the restaurant but it didn't really bother her. He was the one who always wanted the PDA. They strolled up to the maître d' and were warmly greeted by an older gentleman who seemed to know Jaxon.

"Mr. Wright, please follow me." The man greeted. Carina followed the two men into the center of the room. Almost every table was occupied.

It didn't take long for her to understand how Jaxon had gotten them into the exclusive restaurant. He damn well knew everyone at the establishment. Several waitresses greeted him in a completely inappropriate manner; they blatantly ignored Carina as they cooed over Jaxon and zealously hugged him. The manager personally came and shook his hand while a cook waved from the kitchen. She felt like she was with some fucking celebrity; he got so much damn attention.

Eventually the commotion died down and a waiter came to take their orders. Carina enjoyed the delicious dinner with impeccable service. The food had been so good that they'd hardly said anything throughout the meal. She sipped espresso between sharing bites of her tiramisu with Jaxon.

"I really think we can work something out" Jaxon began. He handed the waiter his credit card. Carina bit the inside of her cheek, praying for patience with this man. He never knew when to throw in the towel. They'd had the same conversation for the past week and a half and neither side had budged. If anything he was further pissing her off every time he brought the subject back up.

"It's only a few days Jaxon" Carina tried not to sound so exasperated but really this was just the same shit, different day.

"You aren't even attempting to compromise" He bit out as the waiter approached. Jaxon half-hazardly signed his name. Carina wished that meant the conversation was over but she knew better. If anything it meant that he would be more vocal in the car or behind closed doors. She sullenly followed as he exited the restaurant.

She felt the weight of heated stares following them. Women openly ogled him as he stalked out of the restaurant. Carina's eyes grazed over his sculpted backside. She couldn't even say she used to care that all female eyes followed him because she was never possessive of him; if anything she understood. The man was like freaking Adonis and he was begging to spend time with her. How many women would throw themselves at this chance?

"Jaxon" she began as he turned on the car. "I haven't been home since school started. I really want these few days with my family. They're on the other side of the country while your family is all close by. I'm trying to compromise; let's discuss part of winter break or even spring break. I basically have my entire Thanksgiving week committed to family time. I probably won't even get to see my old friends from high school."

Jaxon wanted to growl his frustration. She wasn't even budging an inch. It seriously pissed him the fuck off. "Can't you even leave a day or two early so that you can meet my family? You can do your black Friday shopping here?" Forget the fact that she didn't even entertain the idea to take him to meet her family.

Carina sighed; this was the same tired conversation. He wasn't even presenting anything new. At least he'd shortened his request from half of the break down to a day or two. "Jaxon, we're talking less than nine days. Technically I can meet your family any time since they're close. Can't you set up a dinner for after the break? I'd love to meet them!" She tried to offer some sort of olive branch.

Carina stepped out of the car. He'd taken them to the family lake house not too far from campus. She had no extra clothes or toiletries with her. She silently watched as Jaxon grit his teeth. She knew he was biting his tongue. She appreciated his effort for a civil conversation. This actually felt like they could be a bona fide couple.

Jaxon stepped into the lakefront cottage. He used it more than his parents did. He'd taken Carina here on more than one occasion. They'd only been back together a few short weeks but he'd spent every weekend with her. This would be their first time apart for more than a few days. It didn't sit well with him. At least on campus he could watch her from a distance and run to her whenever he had his urges. With her on the other side of the country he dreaded her nine day absence. He'd never had to deny himself pussy before and why the hell should he have to beat off when he had countless women willing to spread their legs or open their mouths for him. She was being unnecessarily difficult. She was right about meeting his family anytime but wouldn't she miss him?

"And what the fuck do you propose I do while you're away?" He growled. "This sweet pussy will be on the other side of the country where I can't see it, touch it, or fuck it." He grabbed her hips rubbing his erection against her.

"You'll survive" She replied dryly. The man needed to learn some self-control. "I'll have to survive for nine days without you too. You can pick me up at the airport and if we don't make it home from your welcoming me, then all the better."

Jaxon scowled; apparently that was the wrong response. His petulance irritated her to no end. At first he made it about meeting his family but now that she'd overcome that objection the true concerns were coming out.

"You said this was more than just sex" She made sure to communicate her statement evenly and clearly. She didn't want to fight with him but this fucking subject needed to be dead and buried. This was his opportunity to prove to them both that their relationship was based on more than just sex. This was where he could prove his self-control and trustworthiness.

"For fuck's sake haven't I proven that already?" He ran his fingers through his hair. He didn't give a shit if she didn't like his answer but damn it to hell if she accused him of this bullshit. "You and I have gone out places and just hung out. You've initiated sex just as much as I have."

"I know" She interjected. She wholeheartedly agreed that she was just as sexual as him. The truth of the matter was that she was leery of their separation. She didn't know how he was going to handle remaining faithful during her absence. He hadn't really had to deal with this in the last few years.

"I'm only asking you for nine days Jax" she purred as she unbuttoned his silk shirt. His eyes immediately darkened as she caressed his bare skin and removed his shirt.

"Will be the longest fucking days of my life" He muttered. She unbuckled his belt slowly unzipping his pants. "The weekend" he panted. She got on her knees pulling down his boxer briefs. "Come back early that weekend so we can spend time together."

Carina grunted in response. She slowly licked his slit before opening her mouth welcoming him in. Jaxon groaned as his engorged head touched the back of her throat. His hands automatically went to her hair. His hips set the rhythm while her mouth took him to paradise. In moments his knees shook, he saw stars, and he shouted Carina's name while his warm seed spurted down her throat.

Chapter Fourteen

Elation swept through her as she stepped off the plane. She knew Diego was waiting. All the drama back on campus was on hold for the time being. This was a much needed break from school and her personal life. She walked through the long hallway observing families traveling together. She smiled as they hustled past her off to some predetermined gathering. Warmth filled her chest knowing that although she was the only one in her traveling party, she wasn't alone.

Carina looked around at the sea of people. Some were rushing to their parties while others looked around lost or dismayed. She chuckled stepping forward. Her eyes stopped at a handsome dark-haired young man holding up an 8x10 photo. She froze as the image came into focus. Other passengers giggled pointing at the picture while continuing on their merry way. She couldn't believe it. Her brother was such an ass! Diego held up an enlarged photo of a very embarrassing moment.

Carina stared in horrified disbelief. How could she forget that day? They'd been hiking when Diego stopped to take her picture at the top of the trail. She was sweaty yet beaming like an idiot. But what made the photo mortifying was the fact that a bird had just flown over and taken a massive shit that landed on her head and shoulder. The moment was captured perfectly; her smile still in place from the accomplished hike while the rest of her face contorted in horror. She practically sprinted. "Diego you dirty bastard!"

Diego laughed pulling her in for an embrace. "
Muñeca
, don't be mad. I just wanted to make sure you didn't miss me waiting here for you!"

Carina punched him in the stomach. How the hell could she miss her overly charismatic brother in a crowd of ordinary people? Calling her by his favorite pet name wasn't going to soften this moment. She was no longer his little baby doll. "Unbelievable" she muttered as they headed toward the baggage claim area. Diego wrapped his arm around his sister's shoulder, thrilled to be reunited. They talked about her academic load and her audacious roommate as they waited for her suitcase. She only brought one but it was too big to be claimed as a carry-on. As they loaded his car Carina texted Desirae and Jaxon that she'd arrived safely. Her phone immediately beeped with their well wishes. She smiled at her phone as Diego drove away.

"Who was that?" He inquired.

"Texted my friends to let them know I arrived safely." She wasn't sharing much more with her brother. Knowing him that answer wouldn't suffice. The Spanish Inquisition would begin soon if she didn't do something. She deflected any further questions by asking about his semester. She cherished their close relationship. It had worried her to be so far from him but distance couldn't break their bond; she was grateful for that. Their parents had only been married for a few years, second marriages, making Carina and Diego instant siblings. They weren't the typical stepbrother and stepsister; they'd only known each other for a few years but it felt like a lifetime.

Carina furrowed her brows as they pulled up to the driveway. Diego looked at her as he parked the car. "What is it muñeca?"

"Are you staying here?" She asked. The house had three bedrooms but the third room was now an office. She wanted to spend as much time with her brother as she could but she didn't want to obligate him to sleeping on the couch for the next few days.

"Nah... staying at a friend's place; got the keys and everything so I can come and go without bothering him" Diego reached out squeezing her arm. "But I plan to hang out with you as much as you'll have me."

She nodded releasing the breath she'd been holding. Her mother and stepfather were usually very busy this time of year. "What's the game plan for today?"

They exited the car walking toward the front door. Carina bit her lip wondering what Jaxon was doing. Would he be clubbing this week while she was gone? Would she hear stories when she got back? She shook her head trying to clear the negative thoughts. It was too early in their relationship for Carina to expect anything monumental. He'd doted on her the last few weeks and ignored the female student population. Things were good... for now.... The beginning was always the easy part.

Diego nudged his sister's shoulder; she was lost in thought while biting her lip. He'd give anything to know what was on her mind but he wouldn't budge until she mentioned it. College was a big transition from high school. Diego unlocked the front door holding it open for her. Her smile lit up a room. Diego knew he'd do anything to always keep her looking that way.

"
Nena!!
I missed you so much!" Carina's mother gushed as they stepped into the foyer. She embraced her only daughter before stepping back to look her over. "Estás bien? School going well? Are you making lots of friends?"

"Sí, mamá" Carina kissed her mother cupping her hand to her mother's cheek. "I'm good, making lots of friends, and I'm on the Dean's list."

"That's my girl" Diego praised not surprised to hear it.

"Yolanda, let your daughter get past the front door before tackling her" Diego's father teased.

"Hey Pa!" Carina greeted her stepfather with a warm embrace. She kissed his cheek as her mother continued to fret over her. Diego snickered in the background as their overly protective parents bombarded her with questions about her trip.

"Can I go upstairs and unpack?" Carina asked as her stomach grumbled. She could smell the meal in the kitchen and she wanted to freshen up before lunch.

"Claro nena! Perdóname" her mother apologized. "Ignacio, are the fajitas ready?" Her stepfather beamed. It was his specialty. Yolanda didn't let him cook much else if she was around.

Carina bounded up the steps unsure of what she'd find. Her room had been vacant for months and she wasn't sure if they'd done anything with it. She couldn't blame them if they had since they'd already converted Diego's room into an office. She walked into her room; it was the same yet different. Photos and awards hung proudly on the walls. The furniture was the same but the bed sheets and comforter were completely her mother's choice. Rather than her familiar turquoise set, Carina rolled her eyes at the atrocious floral print set. For years her mother had attempted to sway her to get a set like this but she'd adamantly refused. Now with her away her mother had taken advantage and bought the horrendous print specifically for her room. She knew her stepfather would never allow such an eyesore in the master bedroom.

She unpacked and changed her outfit while glaring at the eyesore in the center of her room. She threw the clothes she'd traveled with in the hamper unsure of what diseases she'd managed to pick up between the airline seats and people brushing against her. She dug around finding jeans and a shirt from her unused closet. She hadn't been able to take everything leaving half her wardrobe behind. She headed downstairs grumbling to herself. She scowled noticing her brother's smug expression.

"It was you" she accused with dawning realization. She narrowed her eyes. Diego wheezed with laughter as Ignacio looked around puzzled.

"What was Diego" Ignacio asked.

Diego dried his eyes, "Muñeca, you should've seen her face... the longing... she gave me those puppy dog eyes and I conceded."

"So you bought them for her" Carina shrieked.

Ignacio, confused as ever demanded, "What?"

Carina punched Diego as he howled with laughter. "My lovely bed set" she growled.

Ignacio's eyes widened with understanding. He looked at his son clucking his tongue. "Diego assured your mother that you'd love it... Please pretend to..." He bit his lip praying that his stepdaughter would play along. He did NOT want that atrocious set on his bed.

Carina looked at the two men in dismay. They'd completely set her up. She wouldn't be the Grinch in this scenario. "You both knew" she hissed.

"It's only a few days" Ignacio cajoled. He stifled his laughter as he watched her attempt to reign in her fiery temper.

"Make sure you don't bring anyone over" Diego taunted.

"I don't have to bring anyone here... I can be at their place." She threatened narrowing her eyes at him.

Diego immediately sobered. "The hell you will" he growled back.

"Enough" Ignacio snapped. "Let's go eat. Thank you Carina for being a good sport."

She nodded as the three walked into the dining room. She helped her mother serve lunch. They ate while sharing stories about the last few months apart. Although she called her parents and brother often there was always something new to share. Face-to-face contact was so much better than visual chats through various methods of technology.

The family spent the afternoon together. Carina knew she had something special. Not everyone willingly spent every moment they could with their family. She never took her family life for granted. She looked at her phone wondering what Desirae was doing. Something niggled at her. She was bothered about Des's avoidance regarding her family.

"What is it muñeca?" Diego whispered. "You're looking at your phone willing it to ring or something."

Carina shrugged. "Debating if I should call Desirae"

"Okay" Diego hedged. His sister constantly talked about her roommate. He nudged her waiting for more.

"I asked her about her Thanksgiving break but she danced around my questions. I don't think she really has anyone to be with." Carina confessed.

"Was she staying on campus?"

"No... she said she was heading home and doing some charity stuff but it sounded like that was it. She avoided saying who she was having Thanksgiving dinner with. I invited her to spend Christmas with us." Her eyes widened. She'd extended the invitation without running it by her parents first.

"Mamá" Carina abruptly walked over to her parents. "Can my roommate spend Christmas break here? She can stay in my room."

"Claro que sí" Yolanda acknowledged. "I'm glad you've made such a good friend."

Carina nodded, relieved that they wouldn't mind. She hurried to her room to check in with her bestie and let her know the good news. They spoke briefly. She didn't press for more details about her upcoming week. She knew when Desirae was ready she'd talk.

That night Carina and Diego went out after their family dinner. They watched a movie and hung out with friends. Diego was grateful that his sister was so laid back. She got along with all of his friends and didn't hang all over them. Thankfully she never went after his friends.

"Carina can I 'friend' you?" One of Diego's friends asked as he looked at his Facebook page.

"What the fuck man?" Diego barked. There was no way in hell he was going to allow his friends to make a move on his sister.

"Dude, I only want to add her! I'm not asking to bang her" his friend scoffed.

Carina stepped in. "I don't get on it often but I don't have a problem with you putting the request in." She silently glared at Diego daring him to say otherwise. She didn't really have time for all the social networking websites but she still had them. In person, phone calls, and texting were her preferred methods of staying in contact.

"Cool" the guy gloated typing in her name. He clicked the friend request smirking at Diego. Carina rolled her eyes. Diego could be an ass and smack the guy but he reigned in his temper. They looked at her expectantly, waiting for her to accept the request.

"The next time I get on I'll accept the friend request." She stated matter-of-factly.

"You have your phone in your hand. Don't you have the app installed?" The guy asked.

"And" she stated raising her eyebrows. She wasn't jumping to accept his request so that everyone in the room could look at her page. She'd get to it eventually. Diego bent over laughing.

"That's why I love you muñeca" He beamed kissing her. She knew how to handle any situation tactfully... not always gracefully but she'd always make her point. Diego took the opportunity to take her home. Carina didn't mind. She was tired from the trip and she hadn't adjusted to the time zone difference.