"I didn't think this would be so hard. I'm so worried about what your answer will be, I can't seem to get out the words." She gave him a look, like she thought he was crazy. Maybe he was? He sure felt deranged at the moment.
When he'd brought her up here, he'd had all the confidence in the world. But, one look from her amber eyes, and all of his confidence shattered. He'd had everything he wanted to say to her memorized, but that one look was all it took, for the words to go flying from his head, scattering over the water like tiny scraps of paper, forever lost.
He knew he had to say something soon. She looked worried and worried was the last thing he wanted her to be. He took her hand, bringing it to his lips for a kiss. Her fingertips were cold. He set both their glasses on the ground and enfolded her hands in his to bring them warmth.
"Alexis." Her name came out as a sigh. He brought his lips to hers and kissed her. Earnestly. He never wanted to be parted from her. He had to make her his. He separated their lips and rested his forehead against hers. "I want to live each day with you by my side and end every night with you in my arms. I want to have children with you. I want to grow old with you. I want you to be mine. Please tell me you want those same things. Please say you'll marry me." He reached into the pocket of his jeans and withdrew the ring he had made for her.
* * * * *
Alexis stared in stunned silence at the ring before her. A large princess cut diamond, with clusters of pink stones on either side, sparkled in the moonlight. Jack's hand shook slightly as he held up the ring. The fact that this strong, powerful, domineering man, was nervous about her answer, proved how much she meant to him, how important this was for him. It also made her decision an easy one.
She held out her left hand (hers was trembling a bit, too). "I love you and do want all those things, so yes, I'll marry you."
He slipped the ring on her finger, scooped her into his arms and kissed her. His kiss consumed her. She felt his love in that kiss and hoped he felt her love in return. In the background, Alexis heard the pop of fireworks. She smiled against Jack's lips. "Perfect timing."
He leaned in and nuzzled her neck. "You will never regret saying yes."
Alexis watched the glow of lights shimmering in the sky. No, she didn't think she would.
Emily shrieked and threw her arms around her, jumping up and down, when Alexis showed her the engagement ring. "I'm so happy for you." Emily grasped her sister's hands. "I know things have been tough for you. I know taking care of mom and raising me wasn't easy, and not once did you give up on either of us. You took care of me, put me through school ... and I just want to say, thank you. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have had such a good life. I'm happy you found some happiness. You deserve it more than anyone."
Alexis felt a few tears fall from her eyes. "I love you and would do anything for you. You know I'm always here for you."
"And I'll always be here for you. It goes both ways, we're sisters."
Alexis laughed. "So, what do you say we hit the dance floor, sister."
"I say that sounds like fun."
Jack put his hands on Alexis's shoulders. "There's someone I want you to meet first."
Alexis smiled at Emily. "I'll meet you out there." She nodded to the dance floor.
Jack steered her to a very attractive, middle-aged woman, with light- brown, bobbed hair who stood next to an equally attractive older gentleman.
"Grace, I want to introduce you to my enchanting fiancée." At the mention of the name Grace, Alexis grew still, and her smile faded a little. She looked over at Jack. He had a devilish grin on his face.
"She said yes!" Grace smiled big and clapped her hands under her chin.
Jack's face broke out into a devastatingly brilliant smile. He looked down at Alexis, love shining in his eyes, and said softly, "She said yes." She was so enthralled in his smile, she almost missed his next words. "Alexis, this is Grace. The jeweler who made your ring."
Alexis turned to Grace. She looked delighted, and the gentleman standing beside her, looked pleased as well. Grace. Alexis didn't feel the relief she thought she should feel at learning who Grace was. She had put her trust and faith in Jack, and when he'd told her Grace was nothing to worry about, she had believed him.
She gave Grace a huge smile. "I said yes!" Everyone laughed.
Jack wrapped his arm around her and nuzzled her ear. "I really like the idea of calling you fiancée."
Alexis whispered back in a sultry voice. "I like the idea of calling you husband better."
He growled, attacking her neck, causing her to giggle. Alexis squirmed away, uncomfortable with too much PDA in front of an audience. She held out her left hand, admiring her ring. "Grace, this ring is breathtaking. You do lovely work."
"Oh, I didn't design it, Jack did. I just put it together according to his specifications. And boy was he specific. He called every day while I was making it."
Alexis peeked over at Jack. "You designed this?" she asked, gazing back down at her ring. "It's beautiful. I love it." She beamed up at him.
"Nothing is as beautiful as you." He ran a finger down her cheek, stopping at her lips, staring as if mesmerized.
"Now, that sir, was your corniest line yet," she whispered, not wanting to be overheard.
"Sweetheart," he said, just as softly, "that wasn't a line." They gazed fixedly at each other.
Grace broke the spell. "Did you see the inscription? He was very specific about that, too."
"You had it engraved? Why didn't you show me?"
He gave her a sheepish grin, almost as if embarrassed. But that was impossible. Jack didn't get embarrassed about anything. "I figured you'd find it eventually."
Alexis didn't want to take the ring off and risk dropping it (she was on a boat in the middle of a lake!). Besides, the darkness made it impossible to read the inscription, even with the overhead lights. "I'll read it when we get home. I don't want to take it off my finger."
Mase came up, draping an arm over Alexis's and Jack's shoulders, wedging his body between them. "I've been told a rock has been sighted, and the news is spreading like wildfire." He leered at Alexis, then eyed Jack. "Is it true? Am I gonna have a new best friend-in-law?"
Alexis giggled. Mase was so odd.
Jack shook his head and smiled. "Yes. You gonna be my best man?"
Mase slapped Jack between his shoulder blades. "You know it." He turned to Alexis and kissed her cheek. "Congrats, darling," he drawled. "Hope you know what you're getting into with this insufferable, arrogant ass." He spoke in a voice barely loud enough for Jack to hear.
Alexis lightly patted Mase on the cheek. "Don't worry, it's better than getting mixed up with a philandering smart-ass."
Jack gave a bark of laughter.
Mase made an exaggerated pout, turning to Jack. "Was she talking about me?" Without waiting for a reply, he stepped back from the group. "Well, if I'm gonna be labeled with a stereotype, I might as well take advantage. Good night all. I'm off to do some philandering."
He walked away with a strut to his step as he disappeared onto the dance floor.
"I promised Emily I'd dance with her."
Jack leaned down and gave her a light kiss on the lips. "Go. Have fun. Don't dance with Mase."
Alexis smiled at Jack. Turning to Grace, she said, "It was very nice meeting you. Thank you again for creating my ring."
Grace gave her a nod, then Alexis turned, following Mase into the crowd.
Alexis sat on the couch absently twisting the engagement ring on her finger. Emily had left that morning. Five days was not enough time with her, but she knew she had a life to get back to in San Diego. E
mily had divided her time between Alexis, some old friends, and her boyfriend Reese. She knew she should be happy with the time she did get to spend with her, especially since she'd gone more than two years without seeing her, but she would still miss her.
Alexis looked over at the ring she was spinning. She slid it off her finger to read the inscription, once more.
Everything I do, I do it for you
She'd cried the first time she read it. Happily, she was alone in the bathroom at the time. She didn't want Jack seeing what a romantic fool she was. Sure, he had given her many things since she'd known him, but the inscription had come from his heart. She now knew that night when they had danced their first dance that he had picked that song just for her.
She hadn't been given a lot growing up, and while the things Jack had given her, she would never take for granted, this ring was special. It was more than just a ring. It was a promise. A bond.
She slipped the ring back on her finger. She made her hand into a fist and brought it to rest against her heart, then took a deep breath. The thought of living without Jack scared her deeply. The thought of him having to live without her scared her more.
She felt her life was too insecure at the moment, with that crazy person out there somewhere, trying to kill her. She knew her days were numbered as long as her stalker roamed free. She tried to keep her fear hidden when she was with Jack. She knew he didn't want her to worry and for the most part, she thought she did a pretty good job. But she was scared. Scared of what this stranger would do to her.
She hated that this person had taken away her freedom, her job, and her safety. She hated the stress Jack was under trying to protect her, the pain he endured at her injury, and the heartache he might suffer from her loss.
She sat up straighter on the couch. Letting this stalker have so much control was unacceptable. She couldn't live her life this way anymore. She would have to draw this person out. She was done hiding, spending her days trapped in a hotel. But she needed a plan. She couldn't just go off half-cocked. This wasn't an action movie where shit blows up, but the good guys never die. No, this was real life. Good people died every day in real life.
She stood from the couch and paced the living room. The more she thought about getting her life back, the better she felt. Working on a plan to catch this person made her feel energized. She was ready to take charge of her life again and nobody, not even Jack, could stop her.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
Alexis was quiet as they sat at the dining room table eating dinner. Well, Jack ate. Alexis picked at her food.
Jack put his fork down. "Tell me what's wrong."
His words pulled her from her musings. She gave him a weak smile. The last thing she wanted was for him to become suspicions. He'd keep a sharper eye on her, and then all her planning would be for naught. "Sorry. Guess, I'm missing Emily."
Jack took her hand from across the table. "Well, this should cheer you up. I told mom and dad about our engagement. They flew in from Rome today and want to throw us an engagement party on Saturday."
Alexis sucked in a silent breath. A party would be perfect. All day she'd wracked her brain, trying to think of a way to leak their engagement to the press. She wanted her stalker to know that Jack was fully committed to her, that he wanted to marry her. She figured that would drive her stalker over the edge, draw her out, make her take action. Throwing an elaborate party was a sure-fire way of getting their engagement in the paper.
She gave Jack a brilliant smile. "That's wonderful news. I can't wait to see your parents again."
Jack eyed her quizzically. "While I thought you might be mildly excited, if not a bit apprehensive, at the thought of attending a party in our honor, with a bunch of people you don't know, I definitely didn't think you would be this enthusiastic. It's out of character for you." He pondered her a few moments longer. "Tell me what's going on Alexis, because I now know, it's not you missing your sister."
Alexis picked up her glass and took a sip of her water. She had to play this just right. "Nothing's going on. If I seemed overly excited, it's because I am excited to see your parents. I wasn't really thinking about the party and what that all entailed. But, now that you mention it, that doesn't sound fun at all, maybe the four of us can just go out to dinner instead?" She gave him what she hoped was a coy smile.
He still looked at her funny. She willed herself not to fidget.
"You're hiding something from me. I realize it's something you don't want to share, but let me tell you this, if this is something you should tell me about now, and I find out about it later, and make no mistake I will find out, there will be severe consequences for you." He picked up his water glass, took a sip then carefully set it back down on the table. All the while, keeping his eyes trained on hers. "Now, would you like to change your mind and tell me what's going on?"
Alexis swallowed the lump that formed in her throat. She shook her head. "There's nothing to tell."
He gave a curt nod. "Alright. Just so we're clear. You have been warned."
Alexis gave him a slight nod back. She understood, but there was no way he would find out. She was the only one who knew, and she wasn't going to tell him.
He abruptly stood from the table. "It's time for bed."
Alexis looked up startled. "It's still early. I'm not tired yet."
"We won't be sleeping."
She could tell he was angry. His words were clipped and his jaw was tense. She looked at the mess on the table. "I need to do the dishes."
He looked down at the table as if calculating. "You have ten minutes. If I have to come looking for you, I won't be happy." He walked away from the table and out of sight.
"You're not happy now," she mumbled to herself. She stacked the dishes and carried them into the kitchen. She didn't understand why he was so angry. Just because he thought she was hiding something from him. Never mind the fact that she was, he didn't know that.
Alexis slowly made her way up the stairs. She wasn't scared, per se, just a bit apprehensive. Jack could be a bit intimidating and while he rarely showed her that side of him, she knew what he was capable of, especially if he didn't get his way. Jack liked to get his way, usually demanded it. He liked to be in control of all things.
But he had to understand, some things were out of his control. This stalker was out of his control. This stalker was in control unless she could somehow turn the tables on her stalker. And that's what she hoped to achieve with The Plan. Jack didn't fit into the plan. Jack was a shoot first ask questions later type of guy. The plan needed finesse. The plan needed to be subtle, or else the stalker would see it coming from a mile away.
Alexis huffed out one last sigh as she topped the stairs. She inched her way to the bedroom. Jack was in bed, the sheet pulled to his waist. His chest was bare. His arms stacked behind his head, resting against his pillow. His muscles were at attention, in this position. His biceps bulged. His pecks strained. His abs rippled. God, he was a beautiful sight. A sight she would never grow tired of.
Her eyes devoured him, as if he were a feast, and she hadn't eaten in days. Her eyes roamed his length, and as she watched, the sheet slowly tented. Her eyes flew to his face.
"That's what your stare does to me. I see the longing in your eyes, and knowing that look is all for me, makes me want to do all kinds of filthy things to you." He kicked the sheet down, exposing himself. "Do you want that, sweetheart? Me, doing indecent things to your body."
God that mouth of his. Was that going to be her punishment? His dirty mouth, doing dirty things to her body? She could live with that.
* * * * *
He sat up in the bed, leaning back against the headboard, ankles crossed, arms crossed over his chest.
"Stay by the door. Take your clothes off. Slowly. I'm in the mood to fulfill one of my fantasies."
"Just one?" she purred, slowly pulling her tank top up and over her head. She held her arm out to her side and let the garment fall to the floor.
"Sweetheart, I have so many fantasies about you, it would take til we're a hundred to reenact them all."
She shimmied out of her shorts, kicking them over by her top. "Then I guess we'd better get started." She reached behind to unfasten her bra.
He gave her a wicked chuckle. "Leave the bra and panties. Get on your hands and knees and crawl to the bed." He swung his legs over the side of the bed and sat up. He watched her bite her lip, indecision written on her face. He wouldn't force her to do something she didn't want to do, but the thought of her down on her knees, crawling across the floor to him, had his cock growing painfully hard.
She stood for a minute deciding, then gracefully got down on all fours and slowly made her way to the bed. Jack's eyes devoured the sexy line of her back, her hips and ass swaying as she crawled. "Head up. Look at me." Her lips were slightly parted and her little pink tongue peeked out to wet them. If she only knew, what she did to him. He feared the day she figured out how much power she had over him.
"Stop. Sit up on your knees. Reach up and let down your hair." Ringlets and curls fell over her chest, shoulders and down her back as she pulled the elastic from her hair. "Stand up. Take two steps forward. Then turn so your back faces me."
Fuck, her following his directions was such a turn on. He just wished she'd been as compliant at dinner. The little minx was hiding something and it pissed him off. How was he supposed to adequately protect her if she did crazy and foolish things?
He pushed her hair over her shoulders and unhooked her bra. He wanted nothing to mar his view of her back. He traced his finger down her spine, starting between her shoulder blades and ending at the dip at the top of her ass. He brought his hand around to her stomach and pulled her back so his tongue could trace the same line.
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