They toured the zoo for hours. Alexis and Emily chatting the whole time. Jack bought them cotton candy and Alexis an extra large T-shirt that had a picture of an elephant on it. She promptly put it on over her clothes. It fell to her knees, and she looked ridiculous, but she didn't care. She was having too much fun.
Emily insisted they eat dinner at a local pizza joint, that she declared, was the best in Southern California. Not having had any California pizza before, Alexis couldn't judge whether her statement was accurate or not, but she thought it was good. Jack seemed to enjoy it, as he ate almost a whole pizza himself.
The weekend flew by and too soon they were back on the jet headed home. In just a few short weeks, Emily would be coming to visit them for a week during her summer break. Jack had already gotten the tickets and had Emily schedule time off work, thinking ahead so Alexis wouldn't be sad saying good-bye to her sister. Alexis sighed, thinking about how wonderful Jack was. Was there anything this man didn't think of?
* * * * *
Jack was sitting at his desk Monday morning, going over a business proposal that he was interested in, when his cell phone rang. Mason calling flashed on the screen. Shit, he'd forgotten he was supposed to call him.
"Hey Mase," he said into the phone.
"Hey Jack. You never called. I feel like a jilted one-night stand."
Jack chuckled, "Sorry. I got busy and forgot. What's up?"
"My sister is throwing me a birthday party. I wanted to invite you but didn't want to do it in front of your flavor of the week. Didn't want her to get her hopes up, thinking you would take her. Although I must say, she was a beauty. Wouldn't mind having her number if you've got it."
Jack clutched his phone, breathing in and out slowly, reminding himself that Mase was his friend, and he had no idea what Alexis meant to him. He was about to set him straight. "Her name is Alexis. She's very important to me. We're living together. And if I hear one more fucking negative thing come out of your mouth about her ...." He was losing it. He had to take a deep breath. "I won't be responsible for what I do."
"Holy shit, man. I didn't know. You know I would never fuck around with someone you were serious about. And, of course, I'll treat her with respect. Jack, I've known you awhile, you've never been serious about anyone."
"She's different, Mase," Jack said quietly.
"I hear what you're saying, man. Bring her to my party. Sam's throwing it at my place this Saturday. It's a BBQ and pool party, casual."
"We'll be there."
"Great. See you then."
* * * * *
Alexis sat fidgeting in the front seat of the SUV as Jack drove them to Mase's house for a BBQ. She knew he was a star quarterback, knew the type of crowd that would be attending, knew they were friends of Jacks, and knew she wouldn't fit in.
Jack took her hand a gave it a squeeze. "Relax. You're going to have fun. I told you it's just some friends hanging around the pool and having a BBQ."
Alexis wasn't about to share what was on her mind but when she looked at him, she saw he expected some response. "Okay."
He gave her a smile and brought her palm to his lips for a kiss.
They soon pulled into a set of gates and drove up a long driveway. Alexis looked around. From what she could see, the property appeared vast. The house (mansion?) sitting on it immense. Jack stopped in front of a set of steep stairs that led to a massive set of double doors.
"Shit," Jack said, opening his door.
"What?" Alexis asked, looking around, spying a small group of men, some with cameras, standing at the bottom of the stairs.
"Media. Let's get inside." Jack handed his keys to the valet then made his way around, opening Alexis's door and helping her out.
He took her hand, and they quickly walked up the stairs accompanied by flashing lights and shouted questions. The most prevalent one asking Jack, who the girl he was with was.
They entered the house, and Alexis looked around in amazement when they walked through an enormous living room, featuring light-colored furniture, an entertainment center, and a full bar. Two sets of sliding doors led to the backyard where muffled sounds of merriment could be heard.
Jack slid one of the doors open giving her hand a tug to pull her through. "Come on, beautiful. Let's go find Mase."
At least a hundred people were standing around, laying on big fluffy lounge chairs, or swimming in one of the three swimming pools. Skimpy swimsuits of every style and color were on display, and Alexis was now doubly happy she had purchased the royal-blue bikini she had on under her shorts and tank top when she had gone shopping with Jack's mom.
The men were muscular and fit and all so big (indicating that most were probably football players). The women were beautiful and shapely with perfectly styled hair and make-up. Alexis imagined they would all fit in perfectly at a party at the playboy mansion.
As they made their way though the throng, with his air of superiority and masculine confidence, Jack fit right in with these people, and however dowdy she felt, she couldn't help but feel proud at having Jack on her arm.
Women smiled at him, most knew him by name. Men shook his hand or slapped him on the back in greeting. And through it all, Alexis looked around in a daze and felt for the first time in Jack's presence, truly insignificant.
"Jack!"
Jack turned at the sound of his name, searching through the crowd. They made their way to Mason who stood in front of a large BBQ with smoke billowing around him. He was shirtless in a kiss the chef apron, and his tan skin bulged with muscles. With his big, white smile, he looked like he could grace the cover of Sports Illustrated, and probably has.
"Look who showed up." Mase gave a manly arm to neck hug to the guy standing next to him.
Alexis's eyes widen at the sight of Gage Hunter. She recognized him from his music videos and album covers. He had black hair that fell to his shoulders and startling blue eyes. He was as tall as Jack and Mace, but leaner. His muscles well toned, just not as big as Jack and definitely not as big as Mase.
Jack stepped over a gave him a hug. "Good to see you, Gage." He wrapped his arm back around Alexis's waist. "Gage, this is my girlfriend, Alexis."
"It's nice to meet you, Alexis," Gage said, holding out his hand.
"Whoa ... whoa ... whoa." Mase slapped Gage's hand with the spatula he was holding. "You're not allowed to touch her, man. Jack will have a shit hemorrhage."
Jack laughed, "I just don't want you to touch her. You're a pig."
"Hey, now. Is it my fault all the ladies throw themselves at my feet?" He turned to Alexis, his arms held wide. "Is it my fault I'm a sex god?"
Alexis was still reeling from being introduced as Jack's girlfriend. She knew he'd said it to her sister but to say it in front of his friends had a different impact. She realized they were temporarily living together and that probably technically made her his girlfriend, but to say it out loud made the title feel more ... meaningful.
They were all looking at her, and she realized she never answered Mase. "Um ... no?"
Jack laughed and kissed her temple while giving her waist a squeeze. "Don't worry Mase. You haven't lost your charm. Alexis is just blinded by my superior good looks and insurmountable charm."
Alexis leaned back and gave Jack a squinted eye stare. "And here I thought it was because of your large piles of money and your manly prowess," she said facetiously, causing the men to laugh.
"What's up with all the paparazzi?" Jack asked, nodding his head to the front of the house.
Mase leaned over and pulled a few beers from the cooler he stood next to. "They showed up about an hour ago. So long as they stay out front, I'm okay wi
th it, but if security catches them trying to sneak back here, I'll call the cops." He handed a beer to Gage then Jack. Alexis shook her head when he offered one to her. He shrugged. "You can get wine or a mixed drink at the bar," he said, indicating to his left where two bartenders served drinks.
"I'm okay for now, thank you." Alexis took a step back as a billow of smoke drifted in her direction.
Mase waved the spatula through the smoke. "You guys about ready for a burger? These are almost done."
Jack looked over at the grilling meat. "I'd say those were done about ten minutes ago. Why are you grilling, anyway?"
Mase let out an exasperated sigh. "Derek should be manning the grill, but Sam had some last minute errand she needed to run, and she took him with her. He just handed me the spatula. Fuckin' pussy whipped, motherfucker." He grumbled under his breath, just loud enough for everyone to hear.
Alexis quickly dropped her head to hide her smile.
Jack whispered in her ear. "Sam is his sister. She threw him this party, and Derek is her husband." Alexis nodded her head to let him know she understood, still hesitant to open her mouth, fearing a laugh spilling out.
They all ate a burger (Jack was right they were overcooked) by the time Derek showed up to rescue Mase from further cooking. "I could use a dip after all that heat," Mase said, stripping off his apron. "Let's go."
They followed Mase to the farthest, least crowded pool. Jack stripped off his black T-shirt and threw it on an empty lounger. Alexis watched mesmerized at the play of his muscles, flexing in the sunlight.
"If you don't stop looking at me like that, I can't be responsible for the consequences," Jack growled, taking a step toward Alexis.
"Like what?" she asked, still in a trance unable to tear her eyes from the enthralling 'V' that disappeared into his low-slung, black, boardshorts.
"Like you want to lick me all over." He took another step closer. "The thought of your pink, little tongue darting out of your ruby-red lips and lapping at my skin," he took the final step to her, "has my cock begging for the same attention."
He stood close enough now that she could stick her tongue out and lick his chest. The thought made the muscles in her sex clench. She put her hands on his hips and moved her body the last inch that separated them. His words had a strange effect on her. She should be used to his dirty mouth by now, but the longer they were together, the more power his words had over her mind and body. She feared the day they touched her soul.
"Would you guys stop dickin' around and get in the pool," Mase yelled, splashing water in their direction.
"You go. I'm going to find a restroom first," Alexis said, needing a few moments to collect herself.
"Don't be gone long," Jack said, kissing her forehead.
Alexis leaned around Jack's body to look at Mase. "Where's your restroom?"
"Use the one upstairs in the master bedroom. It's more private."
Alexis followed Mase's directions to the master bedroom and enclosed herself in a bathroom that was tastefully decorated in blues and beige with a large walk-in shower dominating half the space.
She quickly did her business and washed her hands. She looked at herself in the mirror. She choose not to wear any make-up, knowing she would be swimming, but her cheeks were flushed, and her lips were a becoming shade of red. Her hair was its usual curly mess atop her head, and she wondered with all the beautiful women here today, what Jack found so appealing about her. What was it about her that gave him that look in his eyes? That look that said he wanted to devour her.
As she reached for the doorknob, she heard women's voices.
"Did you see that Jackson Cole is here?"
Alexis's hand was on the doorknob ready to exit when she heard the reply.
"Jack's here? No, I didn't see him. I'll have to find him and say hello, seeing as we're such close friends. If you know what I mean."
The first woman giggled. "I do know what you mean. And I wouldn't mind getting myself a piece of that action. That man sure is nice to look at."
"Honey, you would not believe the things he can do with his hands and body. I get shivers just thinking about it. It was the best night of my life."
"Just one night?"
"Yes. Unfortunately, he never goes back for seconds. But maybe we can change that today. Let's go see if we can find him."
"Okay, let me finish tying my suit."
Alexis leaned her head against the bathroom door as she listened to their voices fading away. She knew Jack slept with a lot of women. It was the main reason she didn't want to get involved with him in the first place. But, it was one thing knowing about it and quite another, having to hear about it. Her stomach felt sick and her hands were shaky.
She took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. God, why was this affecting her so strongly. She sat on the closed lid of the toilet seat and put her head between her legs. She rested her elbows on her knees and entwined her fingers behind her neck while breathing deeply, trying to stop the pain in her chest.
She attempted to stop the sobs that wracked her body but it was no use, she was frightened. Afraid the one thing she told herself she couldn't let happen with Jack, did.
She always though that when she fell in love, she would feel joy but that wasn't the case. Loving Jack caused nothing but terrorizing panic. Panic at what would happen when this all ended. How could she live without Jack? He made her crave him. Want him. Need him. He was like a drug and she couldn't walk away. Didn't want to walk away.
Her tears stopped. Her heartbeat slowed. Peacefulness settled over her body like a warm blanket. She was in love with Jack. She couldn't stop it. She couldn't undo it. Her heart knew what it wanted and it wanted Jack.
She stood and turned to the mirror. She was surprised she didn't look any different. She would have thought such a life altering realization should have changed her outside as much as it changed her inside.
She turned on the tap and washed away her dried tears and in the process washed away her panic and her fear. She was in love with Jack. The damage was done. She was going to enjoy the time she had with him and when the time came for them to part, she would deal with the heartache. No sense worrying about something that was unavoidable. Yeah, she would just keep telling herself that. She looked in the mirror and tried to smile. God, she was pathetic.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
"Would you get in the pool already, Jack. What the hell you waiting for?" Mase asked, while treading water.
Jack watched a blond swim over, carefully keeping her face out of the water, and attach herself to Mase. Jack sighed, grateful he didn't have a prima donna like that, attached to him. He loved that Alexis didn't care what she looked like, and he always thought she looked beautiful. "I'm waiting for Alexis." Jack looked around, not spotting her. "I'm gonna go look for her."
Mase laughed. "You're whipped, man."
Jack looked over at Gage. His back was against the pool, arms out supporting his weight, body hanging in the water. "You think I'm whipped?"
"Yeah, but in a good way." Gage gave him a slow smile. "In the best way possible."
Jack smiled back and gave him a nod, "Yeah." He stood from the lounger. "I'll be back."
As Jack made his way through the crowd, he felt a tug on his arm and turned. Standing before him were two women. Both pretty. Both young. Both with great bodies in almost non-existent bikinis. His dick didn't even twitch.
The one holding his arm spoke. "Jack, it's so good to see you again."
Jack gave her a thin smile. "Nice to see you too. Now, if you'll excuse me." He turned to leave.
"Wait!" She gripped his arm harder. "Maybe we can ge
t together later."
Jack didn't want to be rude, but he really wanted to get to Alexis. "Look um ..." Shit, he didn't remember her name.
The woman's smile faltered a bit. "Janet."
"Janet." Jack gave her a small smile. "I'm looking for someone right now," he removed her hand from his arm, "but maybe we'll see you later." He walked away quickly before she could respond.
He made his way into the house and took the stairs, two at a time, up to the master bedroom. The bathroom door was closed. He tried the knob, but it didn't turn. The door was locked. "Alexis," he called out.
"I'll be right out."
He heard the knob click, and the door opened. He was standing in the doorway, and he startled her.
She looked up at him and laughed. "You scared me. What are you doing, looming in the doorway?"
"Waiting for you, beautiful," he said, cupping her cheeks. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing. Why?"
"You've been crying."
"I just splashed water on my face."
"No, your eyes are red. Tell me why you were crying. And don't lie to me."
Alexis sighed, "Can we talk about it later?"
Jack looked at her closely. Her eyes were shiny with unshed tears, and there was a slight tremor to her lips. She was clearly upset. He couldn't let it go. "Come on." He took her hand.
"Where are we going?"
"Home."
"Jack, no. We're here so you can spend time with your friends. We're not leaving."
Jack stopped by the bedroom door, pulled her close, and kissed the tip of her nose. "You either tell me why your upset, here, now. Or we go home, now and you'll tell me there."
"Please, can't we just go enjoy the rest of our day and talk about this later."
"Alexis, what you're not understanding is, I can't enjoy my day knowing you're upset about something."
God, this man, so sweet. "I was upset Jack, but I'm not anymore. I'm over it."
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