Untouchable: Kohl Family: Johannah & Jaxon

by C R Riley

  Johannah grabs the briefcase from his hand and points straight ahead. "Living room. I'm going to put this in my bedroom, then we'll decide what we want to eat." She takes off down a short hall then disappears.

  Jaxon, being nosy, decides to follow. He passes an overflowing laundry room, where a stacked washer and dryer are hidden. Then he walks through a door and stops dead in his tracks.

  Johannah wasn't kidding. Her bedroom looks like a typhoon hit it. Dresser drawers have been left thrown open, leaving several of her dainties dangling freely. The floor is littered with discarded clothes, along with several towels and shoes. The bed is unmade and completely torn to shreds. It looks like she struggled with the bed and the bed won.

  He steps inside and stays in the path that leads to the bathroom. Johannah is standing in front of the mirror touching up her makeup. The bathroom is better only because the floor can be seen. The sink area is cluttered with cosmetics and all the other items women use. What catches his eye most though, are the bras and panties hanging from the shower rod. A variety of different styles, materials, and cuts, all delectably on display for him to enjoy.

  "Out! Oh, my gosh, get out!" Johannah catches where his eyes are fixated in the reflection from the mirror. Her voice squeaks as she orders. "Stop checking out my underwear and get the heck out of here!"

  Jaxon backs up slowly into her bedroom. When he finally clears the threshold, the bathroom door slams in his face. He can hear her mumbling behind it. Something about men and how they never follow directions like they are meant to. While he listens, he bends down and starts picking up towels as she goes on and on like that. The cutest thing he has ever witnessed.

  Finally, the door flings open again and all he hears is her shriek. "Out! Drop whatever you have in your hands and get out of my bedroom. Oh, my gosh, Jaxon. Get out!"

  Jaxon drops the pile and heads for the door. "I was just trying to help." Again, the door slams as soon as he is clear.

  When he passes the laundry room, he tries again. He isn't afraid of a little laundry. Knows how to do it well enough to make sure things get washed when they need to. He doesn't rely on Lucille to do all of his laundry.

  Since most are already sorted into piles, he lifts the lid. Dumping in the appropriate amount of detergent and then starts the machine. The pile that appears the easiest, and safest for him to do, is the pile of colored shorts and t-shirts. He doesn't inspect them, in case there are more of her delicate items mixed in.

  Right as he is loading the last of the pile, Johannah rambles out of her room with two baskets full of even more. He can't help but chuckle and is greeted with a scowl that makes him laugh even harder. Without thinking, he reaches out and takes one of the baskets from her. As he does, he leans in and gives her a simple but meaningful kiss.

  Johannah sets down her basket all while shaking her head in disbelief. "Please don't judge me."

  As he places his down, he reaches over and grips her face with one hand. "We all have our faults, Hannah. Some of us are just better at hiding them than others."

  "If you'd have followed my instruction, I wouldn't be completely embarrassed right now. I normally pick up after myself in the evenings." She explains.

  "But as you pointed out, your evenings have been occupied by a very needy man. Now that needy man wants to help." Jaxon leans up against the wall. "So, this is the real you?" He tries to hide his smirk, but it just can't be hidden.

  "Now you know. My mother used to claim I was worse than the boys. I blame them because they always hogged the bathroom. Always threatened to leave me if I didn't hurry when it was time to leave for school. I had to learn to get ready in record time and just toss my stuff. We were always on the go, so it never got picked up until laundry day." Johannah explains as she gestures for him to follow her into a much cleaner living room.

  "Not a total slob." He declares, but then snickers when he peeks in the kitchen. The sink is piled up with coffee cups, bowls, and a few pans. "Well, at least I know you are eating."

  "Shut up," Johannah grunts. She steps inside the small kitchen and starts unloading the dishwasher. "I needed to unload before I could reload."

  He watches her quickly unload the half-loaded dishwasher and wonders if this is typical behavior. Once she is done, she turns it on and spins around to face him. Even after glimpsing this side of her, all he sees is perfection. All of this clutter is easy to rectify, she just needs a little assistance.

  "Seriously, it doesn't normally get this bad. You have obviously distracted me and forced me to live like my teenage slob self once lived."

  Jaxon concurs. "Glad I can bring out the teenager inside of you too then."

  "How do you feel about sushi?" Johannah steps out of the kitchen and grabs the mail she picked up on her way in and then glances over it. A few bills but mostly junk.

  "Do we have to get back in the car?" Jaxon flinches when she smacks him with the mail she has in her hand.

  "No. We can walk to the place I have in mind since you don't like my driving. I'll have you know; I have never had a ticket or been in an accident. I get great insurance rates because of that." When she is done, she sticks her tongue out at him.

  "Did you just stick your tongue out at me?" Jaxon lowers his head and starts stalking toward her. "I don't believe anyone has ever done that to me before."

  Johannah grabs her purse and sneaks past him, heading for the front door. "Not to your face maybe, but I guarantee they have done it behind your back."

  "Sushi is fine. So, we are walking?" He follows her out the door.

  "It's just a few blocks away, and it's one of my favorite sushi bars in the city." Johannah suddenly stops just outside the main door and stares. "Do you go out to eat? I mean, is it something you would normally do?"

  Jaxon clears his throat. "No. Generally, I avoid crowded places. Shy away from public eating establishments. But I want to do this with you, Hannah."

  "We can order in," Johannah tells him.

  Jaxon grabs her hand and tugs on her arm. "Not sushi. Plus, like I said, I want to do this. I want to at least try. As long as I have you with me, I think I can suffer through at worst. Just don't leave me alone in the middle of a crowded restaurant and I should be fine. If I feel overwhelmed, I'll let you know."

  They walk in the direction of the restaurant and Jaxon holds onto Johannah's hand. The streets aren't overly crowded, but there are others around them.

  As a general rule, he drives everywhere he goes because it is easier for him. When he met up with others at a restaurant, he always called ahead. Made sure to reserve a table or two in a more secluded corner. If a client requested a business dinner, he always suggested doing it at his office or one of his hotels, where he had more control. And since he didn't socialize at all, except with Austin and Geoff, dinner out with friends rarely happened. Most of the time he and the guys hung out at one of their places. Occasionally he has been coerced into going out, but only to those places where he felt comfortable. So, this is all new to him, and to say he is a little anxious, is putting it lightly.

  Once they arrive at the restaurant they stop. "It's not a big place, but you aren't stacked inside it like sardines. What do you think?"

  Jaxon can see inside, spots a few tables that seem acceptable to him. He nods so they step inside.

  "Jo!" A man promptly greets her with an overly friendly handshake. "Looking as lovely as always. It's been a few weeks since I've seen you in here." The man takes one look at Jaxon and frowns. "Is everything okay, Jo?"

  Johannah wraps her arm around Jaxon's waist and hauls him next to her. "Everything is wonderful. We need a table for two. Preferably one of the more secluded ones. If it backs up to a wall, even better."

  Jaxon squeezes her arm out of appreciation for her understanding him completely. The fact that this woman gets him, is so refreshing.

  The host grabs a couple of menus and leads them to a table Jaxon spotted earlier. "Will this work for you, Jo?"

  "Perfe
ct. Is Huda working tonight?" Johannah asks as she sits down in the chair Jaxon pulls out for her. "Thanks, babe."

  Jaxon leans down and kisses her cheek. "My pleasure, Hannah. Always my pleasure."

  He turns to the host and smiles. "Johannah is a regular, I assume?" When the man nods once, he continues. "Perfect. Bring her what she typically orders. Add your Sample Appetizer and the Sushi Deluxe for myself. I'll take water to drink. What would you like, honey?"

  "Water is fine. Also, bring us both a cup of Huda's special soup if you have any tonight." Johannah watches as he jots it all down. "Thank you, Lyle."

  "Lyle has a thing for you." Jaxon takes his seat in the corner watching the other man stagger away. "I don't like him."

  Johannah rests her hand on Jaxon's arm and pats it affectionately. "I know. He's asked me out more than once." She reaches up and brushes his hair away from his face. "I don't think he is very fond of you either. How are you feeling?"

  "I'm with you so… perfect." Jaxon takes her hand in his and kisses it. "What's next? I mean after dinner, what would you do next?"

  Johannah waits for the waitress to leave after she brought them the appetizers and soup. She takes a few slurps of the soup and hums her appreciation. "Every time I look at you, I almost forget this is all new. After dinner, depending on how things are going, I'd either accept an invitation to a movie or a stroll in the park. Depends on the night. Have you ever been to the movies before?"

  Jaxon shakes his head as he samples the soup. "This is delicious. No. Movie theaters were always too risky. Is there something you'd like to see?"

  "Or we could go back to my place and watch something on Netflix," Johannah suggests.

  "Would you do that on a first date?" Jaxon inclines forward. "I want this to work, Hannah. I want to give you what you need. If you want to go to the movies, I'd be more than willing to attempt it."

  Johannah slants his way. She rests her elbow on the table and positions her fist under her chin. "I'm going to be brutally honest with you for a second, Jaxon."

  Jaxon settles back some, not sure he is going to like this. Nothing good ever takes place when a woman starts with that line. Perhaps she has decided this is all just not worth her time and effort. Or maybe she just isn't sure he can handle doing so much at one time. "Okay. Lay it on me, Hannah."

  "Nothing about us is normal." She grabs his arm when she detects he is about to back away. "Hang on, and listen to me before you react. Let me finish. Nothing about us is normal. And that's exactly the reason it means more to me than any other relationship I have ever had. Just because I have done things a certain way in the past, doesn't mean it is how I want to do them now.

  "For example, if this were a real first date, what you witnessed earlier, never would have happened. I have never invited a man to my place until we have at least been seeing each other for a few months. The only other person who has ever been in my apartment, besides you, was my college boyfriend Casey. He was only in the place I currently live twice. Once when he helped me move in, and several months later when he informed me he didn't think we were going to work. I dated him for almost three years. The place I live in now was my first. Until then, I lived with my parents or the dorms at school."

  "Hannah," Jaxon utters her name softly.

  "Also, I'm not so sure I want to share you with the rest of the world. I believe I might enjoy keeping you hidden away, where I can appreciate a side of you no one else does. All I need is you, Jaxon, however I can get it. I've missed you so much." The rest of the food arrives, so Johannah stops there.

  Jaxon and her eat their dinner in silence. He is processing all she expressed to him, and she is letting him. Her declaration has touched him deeply. Knowing she doesn't so freely open up her life to just anyone gives him hope.

  When he is halfway through his meal, he chances gazing up at her. "I've missed you too."

  The smile that comes across her face has him smiling as well. What this woman does to him still astonishes him immensely. He has smiled more since she has entered his life than he ever has his.

  "So, it's settled. Netflix at my place." Johannah lays down her chopsticks. "No vampire marks this time though."

  The laugh that escapes Jaxon has several guests turning around. How does she do that? How does she get him to relax so much, he doesn't care what others around him think?

  "I wouldn't dare. Feel free, however, to leave your mark on me." And when Johannah rolls those beautiful eyes, he laughs again.

  Chapter Twenty

  The weekend passed by all too quickly. Before Jaxon knew it, it was over, and he was packing up so he could head back to California. It sucked. He needed to convince Hannah to allow him to relocate his office soon.

  Once again it would be another two weeks before their schedules allowed them to see each other. At least if his office was local, he could see her in the evenings most nights. Plus, he could touch her, kiss her, and hold her, instead of talking about doing all those things.

  This time it was his fault their schedules didn't mesh. He had business he needed to take care of in Europe, Japan, and Australia. All countries where his international businesses were. It was time to make those quarterly visits. Confirm that business was running precisely as he intended. Most of the time he looked forward to the trips because it broke up his routine. However, this time he dreaded it. If he had a choice between the trip and Johannah, she would win ten times out of ten.

  He'd tried to convince her to go with him, or at least join him for a portion of his trip. She had passed because her schedule only allowed for the two days over the weekend. Most of that time would have been spent in the air.

  Which explained why he was going behind Johannah's back, doing what he wanted to do from the beginning. Granted this wasn't going to be permanent, but for now, it would suffice. Besides, Austin had already been spending more time at this office. He needed to meet with him before making the ten-day trip, so that would be his excuse.

  When he steps off the elevator, Faith Kohl immediately greets him. "Oh, please tell me no one notified me you were coming today." She begins frantically flipping through a stack of papers. All while scanning her computer screen.

  "No one knew I was coming." Jaxon pauses next to her desk. "So, stop panicking and tell me where I can find Austin Boyd's office."

  Faith drops into her chair and lets out a relieved lung full of air. "I thought my pregnant brain had failed me once again. I have been a scatterbrain these last couple of days. I left my ice cream in the car last night after I specifically stopped to get some because I was craving rocky road. Melted all over the front seat and created a huge mess. Melted rocky road ice cream isn't a pleasant aroma to endure in a closed car after sitting out all night." She glances up and smiles. "Sorry, I tend to babble when I… never mind. Mr. Boyd is using a vacant office on the sixth floor. Should I let him know you are here to see him?"

  Jaxon shakes his head. "No. I'd like to surprise him. Make sure he's not goofing off."

  "Okay." Faith sounds shocked.

  "I'm kidding. Austin never goofs off. So, about your car, did you get it cleaned, or is it out in the parking lot baking the smell permanently inside? I'd be glad to have a cleaning company take care of it while you work. I can't imagine…"

  "Oh my gosh. No. I mean, thank you, Mr. Cristiano. But there's really no need for you to go to all that trouble. I'll get it taken care of…" Faith can hardly believe her ears.

  "There is no reason to let it get worse. Spoiled milk and a hot car, are not something you let sit any longer than necessary." Jaxon is already on the phone. "Seth, I need a cleaning company that can take care of a mess inside Mrs. Faith Kohl's car. I need them to either come and pick up the vehicle or clean it on sight. Yes. Perfect. I'll let her know. Thank you."

  Faith is staring at him like she just can't think of the words to express how she feels. "Why? I can't believe this. You are too kind. Johannah better snag you up fast, before someone else decides to have
a go at you. Thank you, Mr. Cristiano."

  The elevator dings behind him and a male voice starts talking. "Faith honey, I love you but that is rancid, baby."

  When Jaxon circles around the other man glares at him. "Hello. Jo didn't mention you were in town."

  "Probably because she doesn't know I am yet. Just flew in an hour ago. Nice to see you again, Caleb." Jaxon nods at the man all decked out in jeans, a plain blue t-shirt, and a very visible gun strapped to his chest. "Working?"

  "What gave you that idea?" Caleb taps his gun and scoffs. "Faith, you know I must really love you since I am doing this. Give me your keys."

  "I have a cleaning company on its way to take care of that for her," Jaxon informs the other man. He watches Caleb lean his hip against the reception desk as he studies him closely. "I thought it needed to be taken care of ASAP."

  "You are just full of surprises aren't ya, Jaxon." Caleb's eyes are equivalent to Johannah's. When he looks at him, Jaxon feels exposed much like he did the first time he met her. "What's your angle? You pay for my dad's hospital stay out of the blue. Advance my wife's career. Now, this."

  Faith chastises her husband for his behavior. "Stop it, Caleb. He is just being nice."

  "No, he's not." Caleb's gaze never leaves Jaxon's.

  "I don't have an angle, Caleb." Jaxon clarifies, not at all intimidated by the other man. "I've explained all this to your sister."

  "You can't buy her affection," Caleb warns.

  "Is that what you think I'm trying to do? Buy Hannah's affection?"

  "I don't know, but I will be watching you very closely."

  Caleb's cellphone rings and he glances down before answering it. "I'm coming."

  He leans over the desk and kisses his wife goodbye. "Gotta go. Love you."

  Faith grabs her husband's shirt when he starts to pull away. "Apologize. Love you too."

  "Fine." Caleb straightens up and smiles mockingly at Jaxon. "Sorry I said I was going to keep an eye on you." And just like that he turns and heads down the stairs, instead of waiting for the elevator.