by C R Riley
His life before the tall, slender, curvy, brunette, blue-green eyed bombshell, had been dull and uneventful. To any other outsider, that may have taken a worthy look at his life, may strongly disagree with him. Mainly because of all the business and traveling he did every week. There was always something that required his attention where his businesses were concerned. A contract that needed to be revised. A merger that required his assistance. A problem that only he could solve. A trip only he could make because sometimes his presence seemed to calm everyone and everything down. Leaving him very little time to socialize, or time alone to think about anything other than work. Not that he had other things that interested him before his trip to the Keys.
All that changed the night his opinionated, dominant, sexy as all hell woman dared to touch him. Since then, anything other than her seems boring and no longer holds his interest. He works a strict ten-hour day, one that starts at seven and ends precisely at five, giving him plenty of time to return to Washington before his woman gets off work.
That's right, Johannah insisted on returning to her office at the White House, two days after a car struck down her body. There was no keeping her away; not even the President had won that battle. She stood nose to nose with the man, insisting she was doing none of them any good sitting at home. Then she reminded him that since Colton was going to spend his days in the White House until the situation blew over, there was no reason for her to not be allowed to at least work out of her office. Plus, with Kendra leaving for Bermuda in a few days, it would be beneficial for all if they kept her updated by involving her in the investigation. The convenience of her being in house was best all the way around.
When she was afraid her argument wasn't going to work. She sat down in her office chair, told the leader of the free world that if he wanted her to leave, he was going to have to have her physically removed and then blacklisted. Otherwise, he needed to leave, so she could get to work. To her surprise, he did just that but warned her that if she stepped one foot outside of her office, he would remove her himself, and then suspend her without pay for one month, or until the threat had been established and taken care of, whatever was longer.
So, for the past three days, Jaxon's security team has escorted Johannah to and from work. Camped out in his hotel room while she was working, where they continued to establish what they could about why she seemed to be a target.
No one has been able to figure that out as yet. There are no threats against the President. None of those questionable groups have come forward with an agenda.
Security around the White House and its staff have been doubled. They have taken measures to ensure no one, other than the approved staff, are allowed past the gates. Tours have been postponed until further notice, and visitors have been banned. Even the press has been granted limited access, which as you might imagine has them all speculating.
The White House released a statement yesterday, it was delivered by the President himself. Johannah and Kendra joined him so he could thank them for their actions publicly, easing some rumors they were covering up some facts surrounding the attempt on his son's life. Nelson made it clear that until the USSS was satisfied that the responsible parties had been located and arrested, his family would remain under the added protection. That under no circumstance would he put his family, or the agents assigned to protect them, in danger, and that he trusted the agency to know best how to achieve that job.
Jaxon's main security guy, Raphael, was now conducting his own investigation into Lucas Jackson's business affairs. Thoroughly researching all his associates, in hopes to discover something that would give them a lead. Focusing on the four properties recently purchased, but so far nothing has turned up or raised any red flags.
Jaxon tries not to concentrate on all of that right now though. If he does, he will only get frustrated about the suspicious ordeal, and then start demanding answers. Since no one has them, he has to wait and hope that very soon something will fall into their laps and this will all be over. Until then, Jaxon has decided to live each day to the fullest. He is no longer willing to wait until it all settles down. With the job Hannah holds, he gets the impression matters rarely settle down. There is always something important, or a situation that surrounds it. And after the events that have occurred over the course of seven days since his return, it's time for him to grab the bull by the horns.
He checks with the hotel staff one last time before he steps in the shower. Everything has been arranged just like he specified. It all sounds perfect, and he has never been more nervous about a transaction, since the first one he made when he was twenty-one. That one put him on the map and changed his life as a businessman. This one also has the potential of changing his life and making him very happy in the process.
Jaxon's hears the front door to his suite open, followed by the click of heels. He checks his reflection in the mirror one last time before he steps out of his bedroom. Just like he expected, Johannah is standing in front of the window, checking out his view again. A light rain is falling outside, and the droplets landing on the glass are adding to the beauty.
"The last time you stood in front of that window..." Jaxon voices as he steps next to her.
Johannah reaches out a hand and places it against the cool glass. "Trust me, I remember it well." She turns her head and scans his body. "Going somewhere?"
Jaxon is dressed in a black fitted suit—one of his nicer ones—a white shirt and blue tie. He figured if he was going to do this, he was going to go all out and do it in style.
"Your clothes are in the guest bedroom. Whenever you are ready to go change, that is. How was work?" He shoves his hand in his pockets and fidgets with his keys.
"Same story, different day." Johannah reaches up and rakes her nails through his hair. "Don't misunderstand what I am about to say, but have you ever cut this mop of yours."
A smirk crosses his face. "You don't like my mop?"
"I didn't say that. Actually, I like it very much. Which surprises me." Whirling around to face him, she takes both hands and pulls it back, so she can wind it into that man bun he wears when he works out. "This look is way sexier than I ever imagined it would be. Wear it like that for me tonight, will you?"
Gripping her newly cast wrist carefully, along with the other, Jaxon removes her hands from his long hair. It cascades around his face like black silk, and Johannah hums her approval.
"Or like that is fine as well." She conveys as he hauls her in close.
"Why did you ask me about cutting my hair?" He stares into her eyes. "And no, to answer your question. My father tried to make me cut it once when I was a child. I flipped out as soon as the barber touched me. He was so embarrassed by my reaction that he refused to even let me trim it. Up until I was sixteen, and capable of paying for my own haircut, I kept it long. The last time anyone touched my hair prior to that, was my mother when she trimmed it much like it is now, a few days before her death. She wanted me to look my best for her funeral."
"Jaxon." Johannah's heart breaks. She reaches up and cups his cheek. "How did a monster like him, ever raise a man as compassionate as you?"
"He didn't." Pain from his childhood fills his eyes. "If it weren't for Lucille and Martin, I'm not sure I would have survived him. They did their best to shield me from him, but there was no way for them to protect me completely. Lucas was a master manipulator, and excellent at keeping his true personality hidden from others. While they knew he wasn't the best father, they had no idea what issues I had to deal with when no one else was around. No one did. He taught me one thing, Hannah, and one thing only."
Jaxon leans down and places his lips against hers, much like he did the first time he ever kissed her. "He taught me that when I grew into a man, I wanted to be nothing like him. So, I vowed to always do the opposite of what my father would have done."
"I should probably get ready." Johannah kisses him quickly. "This is getting deep fast."
An hour later, they are sitting in
a private dining room that has been filled with white roses. Johannah tried to count them but stopped when she reached one hundred and hadn't even touched the surface yet. The city lights shining through the large windows, along with the candle operas, are the only amiable light. There is only one glass table in the center of the room, decorated with the finest place setting.
They just finished a five-course meal that was truly divine. One of the best meals Johannah has ever tasted while eating out. Jaxon has been very attentive this evening. Feeding her from his plate, so she could sample his entrée that differed from hers. She of course did the same. It had been a very intimate moment and made her suspicious.
Seven weeks ago, today, she saw him for the very first time as he strutted his way past her and her friends. At the time she mistook him as an arrogant male, only interested in himself. It didn't take him long to change her opinion, but she couldn't help wonder if she hadn't made that first move, would they have still ended up here.
She doubted it.
Her Jaxon would have most likely watched her from a distance, never once initiating contact because of his fear. Then she would have lost interest in him and missed out on falling deeply in love with the greatest man she has ever met.
"Dance with me." Jaxon stands and extends his hand. "Please."
Johannah takes a sip of her wine and then places her hand in his. The heat that always passes between them is most definitely still there. She allows him to drag her onto the makeshift dance floor, as soft music plays around them. They begin to sway to the music like they have been doing this for years instead of only weeks.
A male voice softly starts singing words that have Johannah focusing her gaze on Jaxon. She has heard the song a few times. The first time was the night she visited him in California. He told her then that one day he believed that it could be his theme song. The song is Before You, and she had to agree that the words seemed to fit them perfectly.
They continue to sway the perimeters of the floor as they stare into each other's eyes, allowing the music to overtake them. Right before the song ends, Jaxon is no longer able to keep his lips off of hers. He kisses her and it causes her knees nearly to give way.
As soon as the song stops, Johannah feels Jaxon release her. She starts to protest until she realizes why. The moment her eyes flutter open, she watches him drop to one knee as he withdraws a ring from his trouser pocket. Tears burn the backs of her eyes and a lump, the size of a softball, takes up residence in her throat.
"Hannah." He whispers her name, the name no one else calls her. "I never thought I'd be doing this. Never imagined there was someone out there that could break through and touch me like you do. Not just by offering me a physical connection I have missed out on most of my life, but also an emotional connection that I carry with me even when you are not around. I am not ashamed to have been knocked down onto one knee, begging you to marry me like a desperate sappy man who could never exist without you. Please say yes and tell me you'll marry me."
Unable to speak, she nods her head several times, until Jaxon slips the ring on her finger. As soon as he has it securely in place, he rises and captures her lips again.
"Would it be too much to ask that we do this ASAP?" He utters against her lips. "Fly to my island and take care of it this weekend, even? I don't know if I can wait to make you mine."
Johannah laughs against his lips. "My mother would kill me. She has dreamed of planning a wedding for her only daughter since I was knee high to a grasshopper."
She never thought he could surprise her more than he already has, but he does. "I already asked them, and they said it was up to you. I explained to your mother, that I would allow her to plan the biggest reception known to man if she would grant me this one wish. I even offered to fly them down with us so your father could give you away."
"You did what?" Johannah takes a step back. "Why are you in such a hurry?"
A mischievous expression takes over Jaxon's face and his gaze travels south. "Well, it seems you have this strange effect on me. I want to enrapture you like no other man ever has. I can wait Hannah, painfully and in a constant state of arousal, I can wait if that is what you want. But I'm not sure for how long, and after witnessing you nearly die..."
Johannah launches herself into his arms. "Say no more. Yes. Fly me to our island and make me yours as soon as the words I do slip from our lips."
"I love you." Jaxon grabs her by the waist and spins her around. "I'm really glad you said yes because I have a confession to make."
"I love you too." Johannah giggles. "What confession?"
"Your parents are already on the island, patiently waiting for us to arrive. The plane leaves the airport in an hour, and as soon as we land..." Jaxon is no longer able to speak because Johannah drops her lips to his. "Hannah."
"Well, what are we waiting for?" She wiggles out of his hold and takes his hand. "Let's go get married."
Chapter Thirty-Five
"Hannah." A deep male voice whispers her name in her ear. "It's time to wake up, my love."
Stretching out her tired body, Johannah rolls her head to the left and only opens one eye. On the pillow next to hers, Jaxon's head rests. His hair is a disheveled mess, which was probably a result of all the tossing and turning he did last night.
Once they landed, he insisted she stay with him in the main house, in his room, in his bed. He promised to stay on his side and not bother her. Even drew a cute little X across his heart for sentimental reasons.
They laid in bed and talked about everything, from their favorite foods to what she was like as a little girl. Only allowed the tips of their fingers to touch. They both knew what would happen if they allowed more. It was well past three when they both drifted off into a peaceful night's sleep.
Although Johannah remembers how restless he seemed until she tossed the pillow between them on the floor and cuddle right in. After that, he seemed to settle and didn't move until a few minutes ago.
Which explains why his hair looks so crazy this morning. His hair is longer than hers, and a few strands are currently strung across his face.
That would drive her crazy. Even as a young girl, Johannah enjoyed keeping her hair short. The longest it ever got was to her chin. When it was that long, her mother was able to gather it in very low pigtails, that she hated but tolerated. She wasn't the kind of woman who enjoyed spending hours fussing over her hair. Her favorite style was the kind she could wash, dry, and then go.
Jaxon blows at the strands, causing them to fan out more. It does nothing to get them out of his face, though. Eventually, he uses his hand and shoves it in through his hairline just above his forehead. Dragging all the strands with it, until they have been removed from his view.
"Doesn't that drive you crazy?" Johannah checks as soon as he relaxes his hand on the edge of her pillow. "It would me."
"I'm used to it, I guess." He lifts his head and gives it a shake, making all his beautiful black hair fly around him. "How else do you suggest I wear it? And keep in mind the issue I possess."
She has an idea, but it will take some real convincing on her part. "I could cut it."
That makes Jaxon chuckle. "Have you ever cut hair before?"
Propping up on one elbow, she studies him carefully. If she decided to cut his hair, it would still need to be allowed to move around freely. He wouldn't want to have to start using hair gel. She wouldn't cut much off the top, maybe add a few layers so it had a little body, and he could still pull it back if he wanted. Maybe keep it about jaw length.
So, the question is, could she do it herself without butchering it? Or would it be better to let a stylist do it, one who could get it done in about fifteen minutes if that? Maybe she can strike a deal with him.
"I have, yes. My brothers used to buzz their hair, so Mom always cut it to save money. I talked her into letting me help a few times." Johannah reaches over and runs her fingers through his gorgeous hair, pulling it out to its full length. "I wouldn't want
you to do that to yours though."
"Me either." Jaxon knocks her hand away playfully. "I'm not sure about this Hannah."
"Do you trust me?" Johannah can't believe she is about to suggest this to him, especially since they aren't officially married yet.
"Yes." He doesn't sound like he does, though.
"Then get dressed quickly. We need to visit the salon before I change my mind." Johannah leans over and kisses his lips. "Only a few more hours of freedom for you, Mr. Cristiano. This could be the ultimate test for you, and a way for me to show you the lengths I will go for you so you never again have to worry about anything."
Thirty minutes later, Jaxon is sitting in a salon chair that his soon to be wife has placed him in. His woman is currently chatting with the hairstylist about her vision for his hair.
Hannah has refused to let the woman touch it yet. She has given her the best explanation she can without giving all his secrets away. They seem to have reached an agreement, and Jaxon's anxiety is about to take off and send him through the roof.
"Are you ready, Mr. Cristiano?" The stylist asks with a huge smile. "I'm just going to run my fingers through your hair, so I can determine which scissors I want to use. When your fiancée returns, we will get started."
Jaxon nods reluctantly and braces himself for this. "Sure, but please don't linger long."
"Miss Kohl said you two are getting married this afternoon." She starts to make small talk, as she swiftly judges the thickness of his mane. "Wow. I see now why she doesn't want you to chop all this beautiful hair of yours off. She told me you've never had a real haircut, had an unpleasant experience as a child. I promise to be quick at it and hopefully her plan to distract you will work."
Jaxon scrunches up his face. "Her what?"
"Ah. She didn't share that with you, I see." A gleam of something Jaxon can't put his finger on flashes across the other woman's face. "Don't worry. We don't open until ten, and I promise not to reveal anything that happens here today. I actually believe you are one lucky man, to have a woman willing to do something like this for you. I know my husband would appreciate it."