by Elena Aitken
“I’m not the one, Lori.” He said it as gently as he could.
“This is about her, isn’t it? I knew it. I saw it in the pictures.”
“Saw what?”
“When you were at the fountains, Skylar took a picture of you and your mom. And your mom’s all amazed at the show, but you’re just standing there staring at Skylar. I could see it on your face. You’re in love with her.”
“I’m not ending things with you because of another woman. I’m ending it because I don’t feel the same way you do.”
“No, it is her. I see the way you look at her. God, Jackson, how can you choose her over me? She has a kid. Do you really want to be a father to some kid who’s not yours?”
“You’re jumping ahead. Skylar’s not interested in me. She made that clear the moment I met her. I’m talking about us. We want different things, and I’m not in this with you.”
“Are you seriously breaking up with me?”
“I am. I’ve had a great time with you, but we just don’t want the same things.”
“I need to go.”
“I’m sorry, Lori. I don’t want to hurt you.”
“Well, you did.”
After she disconnected, he tipped his forehead to the cool glass. While he was glad it was done, he hated that he’d left her so unhappy. He’d honestly had no clue she’d envisioned a life for them in New York.
He’d like to say breaking up with Lori had cleared the way for a relationship with Skylar, but that wasn’t true. He was back to being alone.
Lori had pulled him out of his isolation. Funny thing, he’d told her he liked working with people in his garage, as opposed to being alone in a studio, but he’d never gone out for drinks with the others. For the first few months he’d worked there, he’d gotten nightly invitations to join them. The offers had dwindled, and now everyone left him alone.
Just like he’d wanted.
Just like Mom.
A knock on the door startled him out of his thoughts.
He hoped like hell it was Skylar, but he knew better. The moment they’d stepped off the elevator, she’d practically raced to her room. She couldn’t wait to get away from him.
Peering through the peephole, his heart about exploded when he saw that short, platinum hair. Flinging the door open, he said, “Hi.” Too excited, he tried to calm down. “Hey.” He stepped aside to let her in.
“You okay?”
“Sure. What’s up?” The question came out so curtly, it had to have sounded like he didn’t want her here. “Come in.”
Watching him carefully, she headed into his room “You seemed disappointed with how things went today, so I wanted to check in with you.”
“I did?”
“Yeah. You didn’t seem to have fun at the shark reef or the fountain or the restaurant or the show....”
“I had a great day. I guess I was disappointed that she’s lived here for five years and still doesn’t know her way around the city. She left Arizona to get away from the memories, but the only thing she changed is her zip code.”
A devilish grin lit up her eyes. “You trust me?”
He didn’t even have to think about it. “Completely.”
“I needed a day to get to know her. Here.” She handed him a piece of paper. “Tomorrow’s itinerary. If you don’t like anything on here, let me know, and I’ll make some changes. But all day, I had these ideas for things to do, and I couldn’t wait to get back to the room to book them.”
“And here I thought you couldn’t wait to get away from me.”
“What? No.” Her cheeks burned red. “Of course not.”
He glanced down at the list but didn’t bother reading anything. He didn’t care. He was just really fucking glad to hear she hadn’t run from him. Even happier to feel the energy crackling between them. “Thanks.”
“Hope you’ve got room on your credit card, because we’re going to have fun tomorrow.”
“Don’t you know?”
“Know what?”
“When it comes to—” He caught himself before he said, You. “My mom, anything goes.”
She stood there in baggy pajama pants with little Santas all over them and a long-sleeve red T-shirt, and she was the sexiest woman he’d ever seen. He loved how her short hair let him see her whole face. It made her light brown eyes pop and accentuated the mouth he ached to kiss.
“Big spender, huh?”
“I live alone in a studio apartment over Mr. Takashi’s garage. I don’t have many expenses.”
“Makes it easier to pick up and move onto the next town, huh?” She said it playfully, but he knew she was testing him.
And, if he had a hope in hell with this woman, he would not fail. “I’m not moving on. I’m staying in Calamity.” He gestured to a set of chairs in front of the window. “You want something to drink? I bought some waters from the gift shop.”
“No, thanks. I’m about to go to sleep.”
Still, she didn’t go. He didn’t mind. He could stand here and talk to her all night long. He liked the sound of her voice and the way she was always pressing her hand against her collarbone, gently, just resting it there. It drew his attention to the lack of rings on it.
He’d like to put one on the finger next to her pinkie.
A jolt of energy blasted through him. The startling truth of it: he wanted to marry this woman. That’s how sure I am about her. He’d be a dad to Rocco, and he’d get to wake up to her beautiful face every day for the rest of his life.
Determination seized him. I want her.
And I’m not going to give up. “How’s Rocco doing?” There wouldn’t be anymore Loris. He’d wait as long as it took to win over Skylar James.
“He’s good. Eddie bailed on the trip, so that eliminates that worry. Everyone else in the family loves Rocco. So, now, I can really enjoy myself.” She headed to the door. “Be ready, painter boy. Tomorrow’s going to be a blast.”
Chapter 5
Jinx sat on the bleachers, the bill of his ball cap shielding the sun from his eyes. The roar of engines filled the brisk air, and his ass hurt from sitting so long on the metal bench, but he didn’t care.
Because he was happy.
It was only eleven in the morning, and already Skylar had knocked it out of the park.
For breakfast, she’d taken them to the Porter House Arboretum, a magnificent indoor garden—considered the largest greenhouse in the world. Landscape designers rented plots to display their skills, creating settings filled with flowers, hedges, trees, and fountains. The opposite of Vegas, the place was quiet and peaceful and hosted various clubs like book, bocce ball, chess, dominoes, and poker.
Right there, while they’d had breakfast at the café, his mom had left them to go join a gardening class and the book club. Fuck, yeah.
And now…this? Brilliant. “How did you know?” Jinx watched his mom race the Maserati around the track.
“The whole time we were walking around yesterday and last night, she noticed every flashy car that passed us by. When that Porsche came tearing around a corner, she said something like, ‘I like the way the air-cooled 911s purr,’ and I thought, Okay, we’re getting this woman behind the wheel.”
The moment his mom had pulled off her helmet after the first session, he’d known Skylar had found something important. His mom’s eyes had glittered with excitement. Who knew this woman who lived in scrubs and ate frozen dinners would be a speed demon? Right on the spot, he’d paid for a second one.
He couldn’t have been more impressed with Skylar. “You pay attention.”
“It’s different for me. She’s not my mom. You’re worried about her.”
“Nah, it’s different perspectives. I’m looking for what’s wrong. You’re looking for what interests her.” All these years—the wasted vacations and gifts. “I feel like an asshole.”
“Oh, cut it out. You’re a great son. We’re only here today because you never gave up.” She leaned against him—just a tou
ch of shoulders—and he stopped breathing.
He got a hit of her sweet, feminine scent and a view into the V-neck of her blouse, revealing the swells of her breasts. Need roared through him, making him embarrassingly aroused.
If she were his, he’d let her know every day of her life how beautiful and wanted she was.
“So, tonight…what made you pick this particular club we’re going to?” His mom didn’t like loud music or dancing or any kind of night life.
“Every time we passed by a club, she did this.” She winced and closed her eyes.
He smiled. “That’s exactly what she does.”
“But do you remember when that limo pulled up outside the Bellagio and those older couples got out?”
“You mean the men in suits? And that woman in a dress that…” He motioned behind his neck.
“Yes, the halter dress. It had a cinched waist and a full skirt, and the women looked old school glamorous. Maybe I’m crazy, but I thought I saw something in her eyes—something like longing.”
“You’re not crazy.” A memory hit him. “Sunday used to be the day we cleaned house. From the time I was old enough to hold a duster, I had chores. My mom would put on music, and the three of us would clean.” He’d forgotten about that. “It didn’t feel like cleaning. It felt like the three of us doing something together. I remember her playing Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. Songs from that era.” Another memory came. “And she liked Gene Kelly movies. She watched the classics.” Jesus, how had Skylar picked that up about his mom? “I can’t believe you caught that from one look.”
“I’m so glad to hear that. She’s going to love this place.” Skylar grinned. “Right after she’s done here, let’s take her shopping. We’ll get her something glamorous to wear. I think, once she sees herself in the mirror, she’s going to notice that she hasn’t trimmed her hair in a long time. And her complexion’s a little dull.”
He wanted to haul her into his arms and kiss the fuck out of her, but since he couldn’t do that, he took a chance and wrapped an arm around her. “You’re magic, Skylar James. Pure magic.”
And, to his great surprise, she didn’t push him away. She stayed tucked within the shelter of his body.
Skylar flipped through the dresses on the circular rack, not seeing anything she thought Amanda would like. Most of them were too flashy.
“You like this one, Mom?” Jinx held up a green, cap-sleeve dress with a Peter Pan collar.
His mom, instead of looking for clothing, stood in the center of the high-end boutique watching a recording of her driving. She glanced at the dress. “That’s lovely. I’m not sure about the color, though.” Turning back to her phone, she shook her head. “That was amazing. Thank you, Jackson, Skylar. Today was…” She let out a breath of pure satisfaction. “Perfect.”
Skylar shot a look to Jinx and loved the happiness she saw in his eyes.
I love my job. Honest to God, there was no greater joy than helping a woman find her way back to her best self.
“I’m glad, Mom.”
“It was exhilarating,” Amanda said. “I want to do it again.”
“We could go back tomorrow.” Jinx looked eager, hopeful. “Anything you want.”
“And the arboretum,” Amanda said. “I didn’t even know it existed. All that greenery in the middle of the desert.” She grinned. “I can’t wait for my first gardening class.”
Jinx’s expression was full of awe, and all Skylar could do was smile.
The next step was to find a way for Amanda to turn a day of fun into a lifetime of activities she could pursue. Abandoning the rack, she said, “I was talking to the manager at the racetrack, and he said there’s a company here that hires test drivers.”
“Really?” Amanda looked to her son for confirmation. “That’s a thing?”
“It sure is,” Skylar said, since Jinx hadn’t been there for the conversation.
“What kind of cars?”
“Supercars. Just like you drove today. He said the company’s based here because of the miles of open road out here in the desert. I took his card, if you’re interested.” She pulled it out of the interior pocket of her purse.
“Are you serious?” Amanda plucked the card out of her fingers. “I’m very interested.” She read the words, as though they held the cure to healing a broken heart.
Scanning the boutique, Skylar noticed some dresses at the back of the store that were less sparkly. She hoped to find something close to the image she had in her head. Jewel tone, a full skirt…she really thought that would appeal to Amanda.
“What about this one?” Jinx held up a dark red maxi dress. It had a pleated skirt and a fitted top with a sweetheart neckline.
“That’s it.” Skylar hurried over. “You found it.” She grinned up at him, and the world fell away. His smile dazzled her, and suddenly he didn’t feel like some guy. He felt like a man she knew well.
He feels like mine.
It both thrilled and terrified her at the same time.
Men leave.
No, Eddie left.
She had to wipe out that ugly voice once and for all. Jinx…he was strong, loyal, stable, kind, generous. He was nothing like Eddie.
Amanda touched the skirt, lifting the accordion-style fabric. “Oh, I don’t know.”
Skylar tore her gaze away from Jinx to focus on his mom. Immediately, she could see the woman’s struggle. She wanted it—no doubt about that—but she wasn’t ready to take that step. The purchase of a simple dress seemed like standing on the precipice of a new life.
“You don’t like it?” Jinx asked.
“No, I do. But it’s too expensive. I’m only going to wear it once.”
Jinx held it out to her. “Mom. It’s my gift to you.”
“I have plenty of dresses at home. Besides, the racetrack was more than enough. Let’s go home and rest a bit before we go to dinner.”
In his quiet, thoughtful way, Jinx took a moment to consider. As much as she wanted to help him, she knew this issue was between mother and son.
While he considered, Amanda’s finger ran along the collar of the dress.
“My job pays well,” Jinx said. “And I don’t have a lot of expenses. It makes me happy to do nice things for you. It’ll make me feel good to know you have a bunch of new clothes that make you happy.” He leaned closer to his mom. “Let me do this for you.”
“Okay.” His mom’s tone remained uncertain.
The salesclerk swung by. “This, too?”
Jinx handed it over. “Yes.”
“Okay, let’s see.” Skylar glanced around the small store. With its patterned red wallpaper and crystal chandeliers, it looked like the boudoir of a dancer from another era. “We have blouses, pants, and a couple of blazers.” That’s enough for now. “You ready to start trying them on?”
Amanda looked to her son for confirmation. It wasn’t about money. Maybe clothing felt too personal. Like, if you owned nice things, you’d have to wear them.
You’d have to be a different person.
“Okay,” Amanda finally said, and both Skylar and Jinx relaxed.
They followed her to the curtained dressing room and sat beside each other on a velvet love seat. Skylar reached for Jinx’s hand and squeezed, surprised by his eager, powerful grasp. “We’ll be right out here,” Skylar called. “Come show us your favorites.” She glanced over at him, his fierce expression getting her all riled up. God, she wanted to climb on his lap, scrape her fingernails across his scalp, and find out what a kiss from Jinx Costello felt like.
“Thank you.”
That mouth. She heard his words, but she read I’m gonna fuck you so hard in his eyes. “You’re welcome. I’m…” This is crazy.
Cut it out. You’re here for his mom.
He has a girlfriend.
The reminder dumped a pot of cold water on her libido. And, yeah, it sucked that she’d missed her shot with him, but maybe this trip—what she’d done for his mom—made up for the way
she’d treated him.
“I’m happy to be here.” Her voice came out as dry and scratchy as sandpaper.
When his tongue came out and licked his bottom lip, she watched it, aware of the tingly sensations running down her spine and pulsing between her legs. The way her heart thundered, and desire blossomed across her skin told her she felt something very different from happy.
She was attracted to Jinx in a way she’d never felt before.
This is why I pushed him away.
Because it scared her half to death. Eddie had been her first love, and when he’d abandoned her, he’d broken more than her heart. He’d shattered her ability to trust.
But Jinx was a man. A once-in-a-lifetime kind of man. She could love him in that profound, in-sickness-or-in-health kind of way.
Which meant…he could destroy her.
He’s worth the risk.
And right then she knew it. If things didn’t work out with Lori, if he ever wanted to give her a second chance, she would absolutely, whole-heartedly take that risk.
When gratitude left his expression, when color rose high in his cheeks, when his gaze drifted down to her mouth, she knew he’d read every emotion in her heart. She released his hand. “Sorry.”
“For what?”
“Your girlfriend won’t appreciate me touching you. I know I wouldn’t want to see another woman’s hands on you.”
He took her hand back. “We broke up.”
Her body went hot. The clash of excitement and fear made her sick to her stomach. “You…what? Why? When?”
“Last night. Right before you came to my room.”
“But why? She’s so nice and…happy.”
“Yeah, I know. That’s why I dated her. She came out of nowhere…pulled me out of my cave, but I never caught feelings, you know?”
This weird, weightless feeling came over her. She wasn’t on the couch anymore. She was hovering, hope beating a painful drumbeat in her heart. Thoughts floated, but she refused to pull them in, to let them settle long enough to read them. Is this happening?