by Paisley Lang
Veronica moves closer and is showing him something on her phone. Knitting his eyebrows together at the message, he looks intently at the screen and then starts laughing once again.
I like the sound of that very much.
It’s full - deep and rich, sending goose bumps across my arms. Then, as if feeling my stare on him, he looks up and our eyes lock. Replacing the phone back on the table, he sits back, licks his lips, and extends his smile to me.
“Hey, Ava.”
I smile and nod my greeting, all the while feeling Veronica’s cool eyes on me, assessing me as I carefully place the tray on the table. She watches my movements without words as I serve her, and I silently say a prayer of thanks to Gaby for her thorough instructions. It’s my first task and I don’t want any cause for complaints. Besides, I have a feeling I need to prove my worth to Veronica.
Thankfully, Gaby had the foresight to place two glasses on the tray.
“Jax, would you like some iced tea?” Even though I’m nervous, I’m glad my voice holds steady.
“I’ll definitely take anything you’ve got.”
I freeze, his tone teasing, and I feel the heat stain my cheek. Veronica shoots him a dirty look and I almost stumble with the second glass.
“I’m kidding. I’ll get that.” He reaches out and I halt midway, unsure whether or not to proceed.
“No, darling. Ava is happy to serve us, aren’t you, dear?”
A light frown appears on Jax’s brow, but I grab his glass and fill it for him before he can protest any further.
I don’t make eye contact with him and step back. “Would you like anything else, Mrs. Prescott?”
She takes a delicate sip. “No, that’s all for now.” She gives me a quick nod, my signal to disappear.
I can sense Jax’s eyes on my back as I walk away, almost running for the safety of the kitchen once I’m out of sight. My lips are slightly pursed. Why’s he trying to hit on me in front of his mother? That’s the last thing I need, although a small part of me can’t deny I’m flattered.
“Everything go okay?” Gaby looks up from the timer she’s fiddling with.
“Um yes, I think so. I just…”
“What?”
“It’s nothing. I’m just not convinced Mrs. Prescott likes me. Are you sure she’s fine with me being here?”
Gaby doesn’t speak as she finishes setting the timer. “It’s not that exactly…perhaps more that Mr. Prescott was…a little more forthcoming with accommodating our situation.”
I looked down at my flat tan sandals.
“I understand…it’s complicated. But I won’t let you down, Gaby. I’ll do my absolute best to be a great maid.”
She gives me a quick hug, pacifying my fears. “Don’t worry. She’ll come around once she sees how good you are.”
We spend the remainder of the afternoon together, with me asking all kinds of questions about life in the Prescott residence.
The next few days go by in a blur as I get to know my way around the house and learn of my tasks under Gaby’s supervision. There are a number of staff members in the house, but as everyone’s busy with their own section, their presence is hardly felt.
It’s Saturday morning and I’ve just completed my first week. I’m tired. I ache and find muscles in places I didn’t know existed. Gaby mentioned the Prescotts are away for the weekend and likewise, Gaby is visiting a friend and would be back Sunday evening. I’m looking forward to a little downtime on my own. I turn over in bed and glance at the clock. It’s after midday. Guess I must have needed the sleep. Taking my time, I take a long shower and then sit in the kitchen, eating toast and contemplating how I’ll spend the weekend. I’m not comfortable relaxing around the house, so I spend most of the day in my bedroom, catching up on my reading.
Around five o’clock, I hear the distinct sound of thumping music, which seems to be coming from the back of the house. I presume it’s Jax. I haven’t seen him all week, but then again, I’ve been busy and too exhausted in the evenings to sit around with Gaby. I try and ignore the noise, but the music volume increases until it’s literally giving me a headache. I decide to go find him and ask if he wouldn’t mind turning it down a little.
As I make my way to the kitchen, I’m surprised to see that the back of the house is filled with college kids. They’re standing around laughing and drinking, and someone in the corner appears to be making punch.
I peer out the back and my eyes widen as I see that the pool is filled with girls who are mostly topless. A girl screeches as a guy comes up at the other end of the pool with her bikini bottoms in his mouth. His friends cheer him on and pat his back in laughter.
It’s like I’ve walked onto the set of a college orgy.
I push my way outside in search of Jax.
“Have you seen Jax?” The guy is staring at me like I’m his breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so I figure I may as well ask him while I have his attention.
“Nope, I haven’t.” He looks at me over his can of beer. “But if you’re looking for a good time, you’re slightly overdressed, sweetheart.”
Ugh. I don’t bother to respond and scan the crowd of half-naked bodies. He’s definitely not out here.
I trudge my way back into the house and head for his bedroom, assuming he’s there. My guess is confirmed when I see his room’s door is ajar, blaring music coming from within. I’m slightly nervous as I push open his door and my jaw drops open. He’s standing with his back to me, and he’s got company in the form of a blonde. His face is between her breasts. He’s also butt naked. I want to run, but I can’t tear my eyes away from his muscled back and perfect ass. He looks like an Adonis standing there like that. The girl chooses that moment to open her eyes, and she fixates on me.
“Baby, are we having a threesome?”
I gasp. She thinks I’m here to join them. Heat floods my face and I’m about to walk away when Jax turns his head over his shoulder. A slow smile spreads across his face.
“I’m definitely open to a threesome, baby.”
I shake my head, at a loss for words as anger builds up inside. As if I’d ever want to partake. I turn and stomp away. A few seconds later, I hear his voice.
“Ava. Wait up.”
I suck in a deep breath and hope he’s had the decency to put some clothes on.
“Yes?” I count to five then turn to face him. He seems to have found his boxers. His bare chest is just as distracting, but I refuse to give him the satisfaction of looking.
“You sure about that? I know we could have a good time together…” He’s leaning up against the wall and even though he looks devastatingly sexy, I’m pissed that he’s just propositioned me.
“Do I look like I want to be part of that?” I throw my hands into the air. “I don’t think so. You obviously think that you’re some kind of…” I look around me, trying to find the right word.
He’s smirking at my discomfort, and I know my face is on fire. “Some kind of what?”
I spit the words out as if it leaves a bad taste in my mouth. “You think you’re some kind of…stud…”
“Oh, I’m a stud?” He cups his jaw and runs a hand over his stubble. “In that case, you’re a sexy little kitten. Look at you all worked up, hissing away like that. Bet I could make you purr, Kitten.”
“Ugh. Whatever.” I spin around and head back to my room. Even though he can’t hear, I slam the door. I don’t know why, but he gets under my skin. It doesn’t help that all I can now think about is his perfect body.
Around eight, unable to take the noise any longer, I slip out of my room and head out for a walk.
Early Sunday morning, I leave the house and find my way into town. I spend the entire day out so that I don’t have to face that cocky jerk again.
“So, I know we haven’t really talked about it, but why’d you move to Miami?”
It’s Monday and we’re outside on the veranda during Gaby’s lunch hour. Shielded from the sun under the overhead umbrella,
I sit back in my cushioned chair and sip on my fresh orange juice.
Her face darkens momentarily.
“All I can say is that your mom and I were young and stupid, mija. We thought meeting some American boys would be our passport out of Tijuana.”
I hadn’t heard this before - my mamá refused to discuss Gaby’s story with me, but I knew there was more to it. I hold my breath, not wishing to interrupt.
“So, both young and full of adventure, we met these boys one summer while we were waitressing at an exclusive tourist bar.” She looks away, her eyebrows joining together.
“Unfortunately, I don’t want to relive how naive I was, but they promised us a future if we followed them here. They really seemed to care about us and as the season drew to a close, both Sofia and I were hopelessly in love. But even though I was older by a couple of years, she was more cautious.” She smiles, lost in memories. “Sofia was always the clever one. But I didn’t pay heed to her warning, instead believing what they promised, so as a surprise, I came over on a short break. To cut a long story short, when I looked him up, I found out the man I was in love with was engaged to be married.” Her following words are laced with bitterness. “I was his last fling.”
I blinked a few times and sat up in my chair. “Oh my God, Gaby, I’m so sorry. What did you do?”
She shrugs. “What could I do? When I confronted him, he promised he’d leave her but by then, I’d woken up. I told him to take a hike.” She takes a sip of her water. “But I liked it here and I didn’t want to go back. Thankfully, I secured an interview and the Prescotts hired me a few days later.”
“And my mamá?”
“As you know, she also came over. Things were progressing well in her relationship. Then she found out that she was pregnant…” She raises an eyebrow. “I’m sure she told you the rest?”
I nod slightly and Gaby exhales.
“Your father didn’t want anything to do with the pregnancy. He told her they were both too young to be tied down with a baby.”
My eyes sting. It hurts every time I hear that. I know how this ends. “So, mamá told him she’d had an abortion, but really she left him and returned to Tijuana, right?” I’m hoping for something else, another small snippet of information about my father.
Gaby pats my hand. “That’s right, Ava. She said you were the best thing that ever happened to her.” She doesn’t comment further.
I dab the corner of my eyes and look up.
In my peripheral vision, I see Jax heading our way.
Chapter 4
Jax
My father glances at his watch. “Jaxon, glad you made it.”
It’s only nine thirty and he’s already up my ass. The past week has been hell, but I grit my teeth and turn up every day as requested. I tried to talk with him all last week, but he gave me some bullshit excuse about being too busy preparing for an upcoming trial. So, instead, I spent my mornings taking orders from his associate.
“Thanks for making the time to see me, Dad.” I know my tone has an edge to it, but I don’t particularly care.
My father exhales and puts down his pen. “Sit down. What’s on your mind?”
I take a seat in the leather recliner opposite him. “I want to talk to you about working here this summer.”
“Your point?”
“Dad, you know I’m not a fan of corporate law. I want to specialize in non-profit.”
My father glares at me like I’ve uttered something blasphemous. Then he starts to laugh. Like really fucking laugh. I know the vein is throbbing from my neck and my jaw feels like it’s going to break from the pressure I’m feeling.
“Are you kidding me?” He pulls off his glasses and wipes his eye. “I thought you were bullshitting me when you mentioned this the last time.”
“I’m deadly serious.”
His expression changes, and I can see why he’s gained the reputation of being a pit bull in court. “You are expected, do you understand, expected to join the firm as soon as you graduate. How’d you think it would look to tell the Board that my only heir is talking of practicing some pussy-ass law?” He bangs his fist on his desk and leans towards me. I can see the blood rushing up his neck. “Don’t be so fucking ungrateful, Jaxon. After everything we’ve done for you.”
I look to my feet and inhale deeply. “Fine. Forget I mentioned it.”
“Good. I don’t want any more talk of this, you understand?” He shuffles some papers on his desk. “You’ll work here every morning for the duration of your summer break. Get to know the clients and work on some cases. Got it?”
I nod. I’d think of another way another time.
“Now, I have to get to court soon, so if you don’t mind, I need to get on. I’ll see you at dinner this evening.”
I’m thankful when I’m outta there at lunch and head home. Slipping on my swim shorts, I fling a towel over my shoulder and head out to the patio in search of that sexy kitten. I’ve been thinking about her since Saturday and almost feel a little bad for riling her up the way I did. Bingo. There she was, appearing to be deep in conversation with Gaby. I hesitate for a moment, drinking her in. She’s dressed in a pink sundress, nothing overly sexy, but it hugs her curves, especially her ample breasts, showing some very tempting cleavage. Her long hair is pulled up into a ponytail, exposing her graceful neck. Fuck. My cock starts to jump to attention and I almost have to retrace my steps backwards in an attempt to calm my hormones. Down boy. Act cool, dude.
Slipping on my shades, I stroll over to them, and Gaby looks up, smiling.
“Hola, Jax. Where’ve you been lately?”
I flash her a grin. “Missing me again, Gaby?” I throw a hand across my chest dramatically, eliciting a laugh from her.
“Yeah, yeah enough already. Save that for your women.” She waves me away, pretending to be annoyed.
“Ava, you busy?”
She looks up at me, a little startled. “Oh, me? No, not today. Why, you need something?”
“Nope. Just wondered if you would like to join me for a swim?”
She moistens her plump lips as she considered my question. Damn, those lips are made for kissing. Explicit images flash through my mind of where I’d want that mouth on me. She looks straight ahead.
“No, I’m good, thanks.”
Gaby sends her a curious look and I shrug my shoulders noncommittally.
“Come on, join me. The water’s beautiful.”
She continues to ignore me. Gaby pushes her chair back and stands, gathering the empty glasses.
“Ava. Jax’s speaking to you.” She glances at both of us. “Go for a swim, there’s nothing else for you to do today.”
Ava crosses her arms and stays silent while her aunt walks back to the kitchen.
“What’s the matter, Kitten? Afraid of a little water?”
She bristles in her chair. “Stop calling me that. And no, Stud. I’ve no problem with water.”
I lick my lips, a smile tugging at the corners, enjoying her spirit.
“O-kay. So, what’s up?” I regard her tense posture. “You need to loosen up a little.” I lower my voice and reach down to her ear. The temptation to run my tongue along her lobe is so strong that I have to bite my tongue. “I know the perfect way to help you relax…”
Her lips part, just barely. She fiddles with her bracelet and her cheeks heat with color at my words. Abruptly, she uncrosses her arms and stands.
“Fine, whatever. Guess it’s something to do.”
“Glad I can be of service, Kitten.” She huffs and walks past me, and I can’t resist the temptation to swat her perfect ass. She spins around, her mouth hanging open, and she glares at me.
“That’s harassment.”
I laugh. “No, Kitten. It’s just appreciation for that fine ass. Now hurry, before I land you with another.”
I wink and walk past before she talks herself out of it. “See you down by the pool.”
Dropping my towel onto the lounger, I dive int
o the refreshing cool water and hit my stride, doing a front crawl. Some minutes later, I look up to see Ava stepping out of her sandals.
“You made it.” I swim up to the edge of the pool, smoothing back my hair. She looks nervous.
“Everything ‘kay?”
“Yeah, sure.” I watch as she drapes her towel on the lounger and I can’t shift my gaze. My breath catches in my throat. In the midst of pulling her dress over her head, I have a full view of her incredible figure. She’s wearing a red one-piece, which looks sexy against her tanned skin, and I’m instantly envious of that damn piece of fabric. Her long, tanned legs seem unending from this position and I sweep my eyes over her flat stomach, resting on the ample curve of her breasts. With her tiny waist and full hourglass figure, she’s up there with the rest of the Victoria’s Secret models. Even better. Without even trying. My cock instantly throbs at the sight of her and I push off, swimming a length in order to restore my restraint. I’ve screwed my share of girls…but I’ve never wanted anyone more badly.
“Oh, this is lovely.”
I can’t take my eyes off her as she wades into the water. Her eyes close in pleasure and she makes these cute little appreciative noises. Another hit to my groin.
I clear my throat and take my time to swim over.
“Feels good, right?”
“Definitely.” She opens her eyes and I’m transfixed as she pulls her hair into a topknot. A few strands escape and blow lightly around her face, and she lowers herself into the water.
“Wanna race? Think you can keep up, Stud?”
Jerking myself back to reality, I raise an eyebrow as a slow grin stretches over her mouth.
“Seriously?”
“Sure. Why, you scared?”
Before I can respond, she takes off to the other side, cutting through the water expertly like a fish.