by Rachel Jonas
“Don’t you need to get that?”
His breath moves over my throat when he speaks one word against my skin. “Nope.”
I let it go, but then the ringing starts again. “You sure? Might be important.”
“This is important. Whoever that is, they can fucking wait,” he says, lowering to where he’s cupped my breast, drawing my nipple into his mouth.
My head shifts against the pillow, feeling myself become so easily aroused. His hand pushes between my thighs and his touch has me reconsidering.
“Ok, so maybe I spoke too soon. A weekend away sounds good,” I say breathily, trying to focus long enough to get the words out.
His soft laugh awakens my skin. “I’ll set it up first thing in the morning. We’ll leave next weekend.”
“Good.”
My knees part for him and his fingers slip in, but he’s careful not to hurt me.
“Right there?” he asks when a pleasure-filled sigh leaves me.
Nodding slowly, I let him know I want him to keep going. I’m starting to think I’ll simply never get enough of him.
Like, ever.
“I’m not stopping until I make you come,” he exhales against the rim of my ear. “All over my fingers. I fucking love that shit.”
And so do I.
Wanting him to know this, I turn to face him, capturing his lips while he plays.
The phone sounds off again on the other side of the mattress, but he ignores it, keeping his promise to finger me until I reach orgasm. He swallows every single moan that leaves my mouth, only stopping when I’m satisfied. But his lips are still moving with mine, their softness proving to be my undoing.
“If I ever let you leave this bed, it’ll be a damn miracle,” he says in a low, confident voice.
To some other girl, that threat might seem menacing. But to me, coming from him, I just know he better keep his fucking promise.
As if to only test his patience, the phone sounds off again, but this time it’s just a text. Dane’s eyes slam shut while he gathers himself, then he reaches across my body to finally answer someone’s obviously desperate plea.
He unlocks the screen and doesn’t hold it out of view, so I see the message clearly.
Rose: You received an invitation to attend a charity event next weekend and it’s not one you’ll want to miss. The guestlist is not only the Who’s Who of this city, but of the state, the country even. That means plenty of networking opportunities and a chance for you to really show them what they’d be missing out on if they pass on a chance to work with you. I didn’t get an answer, so I accepted the offer on my own. I’ll send details once I have more information.
Dane: This isn’t next weekend, is it?
I know why he asks that particular question. We hadn’t made plans to get away more than ten minutes ago. Now, here Rose is trampling all over them with a simple text.
Rose: Yes, and if you think you have something better to do, you don’t. This could make or break your career, Dane. Don’t screw this up for yourself. Shawna will be there to keep you company and you were also given a handful of additional tickets. I think it’d be a nice touch to bring your brothers along. People love seeing you three together. They can bring dates. Just, please, no stragglers.
Stragglers.
We both know she’s talking about me. Hence the reason there’s a thick vein throbbing in the center of Dane’s forehead right now.
When his fingers move across the screen the next second, my hand lands on his, stopping him from ruining his career. Based on the message he’s typing starting out with the words, “Listen, bitch…” I’m positive that’s exactly what will happen if he continues.
“Hold on,” I say quietly, trying to soothe the beast Rose has awakened in him. “You should do this. She said there will be people there that you need to get better acquainted with, so just focus on that part. Not Rose’s bullshit. Besides, it just dawned on me that next weekend is bad timing for me to leave the city anyway. My dad’s coming, remember? We can postpone for a month and still be in the clear to make it back before school starts.”
Dane studies my face and I know what he’s likely searching for—a sign that I’m only saying what he wants to hear. But he won’t find that. I really do want what’s best for him, even if it takes a little bit of sacrifice on my part.
“I fucking hate this shit.”
“I know you do. But it’ll all be over soon.”
His eyes continue to linger on me, then I see the moment the rage starts to slip away. It’s enough that he lets me take his phone and respond to Rose for him.
Dane: I’ll be there. Thanks.
35
Joss
No one should dread a visit from their father, but that’s practically all I’ve done this week—cycling through every worst-case scenario to decide how I should cope when one of them happens.
When, not if.
Now that the night’s finally arrived, I’m still unprepared and scared shitless about seeing him for the first time since he and Mom took off.
I tried on at least a dozen dresses, searching for the perfect one. I finally settled on a sleeveless A-line piece that I paired with nude heels. Only, I couldn’t quite get my hair right. I fussed over it for nearly an hour before snatching it down from bun after bun, eventually getting so frustrated I let my coils spring free. My dad prefers it ‘neat’ and ‘tamed’, which is why the plan was to conform, giving us one less thing to argue about, but I couldn’t get it to cooperate.
I’d just plugged in my flatiron, deciding to go the route of straightening it a few seconds before Dane came into my room. He approached from behind and joined me at the mirror, showered but not yet dressed for the charity event he committed to. He had no clue about the hell I’d just put myself through, or how insecurity was starting to slip in, but I swear he must’ve felt it. He touched my hair gently, twirling his finger around a single ringlet while his other hand moved down my torso. I watched in the reflection as four words rolled off his tongue.
“You look fucking amazing.”
He sealed the compliment with a slow kiss to the side of my neck and with so few words, convinced me to leave it. Now, as I walk toward the restaurant, I cling to that memory and hold my head high.
Ambient chatter floods my senses when I enter the sheik lounge and instantly begin scanning for my father. Our reservations were for five minutes ago and that man is never late for anything. A hand shoots up across the room and I point him out to the host, who then escorts me to the table. I thank him but keep my eyes on my father as he stands to greet me. To my surprise, I’m brought into a warm hug that matches the kind smile on his face.
“It’s wonderful seeing you,” he says, still holding me tight.
“You, too. I’m glad you had a safe flight.”
He finally releases me and pulls out my chair before returning to his own. He scans me with a look that sends heat rushing up my neck to my face, wondering what scathing thing will leave his mouth as he evaluates my appearance, but his eyes simply lower to his menu.
“We should decide what we’ll order first, then we’ll talk.”
His eyes flash up at me again, and then they’re gone, leaving me to wonder why I’ve been asked here today. The unknown admittedly has me terrified.
“I’ll just have whatever you’re having.”
“Very well then. We’ll both have the tomato basil linguine.” He lifts his finger into the air to signal a waiter to order, then after he finishes, it’s just us again.
“How’s Mom? I’m surprised she didn’t travel with you.”
“When I got called back to the city, she decided to stay behind to oversee the contractors in my absence. She sends her love, though.”
I nod, keeping to myself how I’m aware that he’s likely the reason she hasn’t called. I also keep to myself that she should’ve gone against his wishes and reached out anyway.
“Well, we could chitchat all day, but you know I�
��ve never been one to mince words. I’ve got something on my heart, and I must say it.”
I blink into his stare, breathing deep to calm myself.
“I should begin with an apology,” he says, shocking me half to death because my father does not apologize. Like, ever. “I dealt with you harshly the night we spoke in my study and I should have had more compassion. What your mother and I proposed wasn’t something we should’ve expected you’d take lightly.”
Still in disbelief, I nod slowly. “And… I accept your apology. Thank you.”
He nods once. “I’ve also regretted interfering with your internship. You worked hard to earn it and I had no right to cost you such a great opportunity.”
I don’t speak this time. Partly because that has been such a bitter pill to swallow, but also because there’s clearly more he’d like to say.
“It’s been so strange. Your mother and I have tried hard to settle in, make ourselves at home although our current residence is not permanent, but nothing works. No matter what we do, we still feel a void. And what’s missing is you, Josslyn.”
My heart nearly shutters to a stop when he admits that. All because he doesn’t let his feelings show like this.
“I’ve missed you both, too, Dad, but I haven’t changed my mind about leaving.”
And what I don’t say is that I’m even stronger in my decision to stay in the city now that Dane and I have finally found our way to one another.
My father’s gaze lowers, and I can actually sense that his remorse is genuine.
“I’ve made quite a mess of things. Even before our last argument,” he admits.
He doesn’t say as much out loud, but I can’t help but to wonder if he’s referring to his affair. Or should I say affairs… plural.
“And while I certainly accept the blame for the current state of our family, I also think it’s the reason we should all be together right now. It’s the only way we’ll heal.”
He’s being less abrasive about it this time, but his narrative is still the same. He wants me to drop everything and everyone to run off to Haiti with them. Only, my narrative hasn’t changed either.
“I really appreciate you bringing me here, but more than that, I appreciate that you were able to acknowledge my feelings,” I say. “But my mind is still made up, Dad. Cypress Pointe is my home, and I can’t just walk away from it.”
A long, solemn stare stays trained on me and I know he hates not having the same control over me that he used to, but his anger doesn’t flare like it would have in the past. Instead, he releases a breath and I follow his hand when it drops into his pocket, then lands on the table with an envelope between his fingers.
“I was going to wait until after dinner to give you this, but now seems like as good a time as any. Open it,” he instructs.
With my pulse racing, my hand meets his at the center of our table, but he doesn’t release the envelope as easily as I expect. When I follow his gaze, I understand why. He’s fixated on my hand or, rather, my empty finger.
An image flashes in my head, of Dane sliding the ring off before I gave him everything that night. No, my father can’t say for sure I’m not wearing it because I’m no longer a virgin, but that look on his face says otherwise.
He seems to realize that I’ve noticed his observation and he relaxes his grip. I breathe through the spike of anxiety and finally reveal what I’ve just been given.
“It’s a plane voucher. Good for a one-way ticket to your mother and I. Whenever you’re ready,” he adds. “Although, my hope is that you will join us sooner rather than later.”
I’m certain it’s killing him not to try ruling me with an iron fist, but I’m pleased I’m being treated like an adult for once.
“I appreciate this, but I won’t be using it.”
When I try to hand it back, he doesn’t accept it.
“It’s still yours. In case you change your mind. I’ll be in town a few more days and it’s my hope that I won’t be leaving the city alone. I need you. Your mother needs you,” he adds.
We hold one another’s gaze for a moment, then I decide to just slip it inside my purse to maintain the civility between us.
“I’ve only ever meant to do right by you, Josslyn. I hope you know that.”
His words have me thinking back to what it must’ve been like when he got the call from Mom, letting him know their last night together resulted in my conception. They chose to be together, so I’d have both parents in the home, which was what they believed to be the best thing at the time. So, while my father’s methods are sometimes heavy-handed and harsh, I do know that I’m loved. And I do know he’s made sacrifices with my best interest at heart.
When I nod, acknowledging this, he seems satisfied.
The waiter returns with our meals and the conversation comes to an end. Neither of us truly got what we wanted, but I think we both got more than we expected. While my father hasn’t changed his mind about me continuing to live here, he at least seems to realize I’m old enough to make decisions for myself, which is something.
For the first time in a long time, the air between us is clear.
So, if that’s true, why the hell do I still feel so shitty?
@QweenPandora Look what the cat dragged in. The dog of all dogs has flown back into the city to dine with his lovely daughter, so why does it look like she’d rather be anywhere else but seated at that table?
Perhaps she’s still not over all Daddy’s dirty little affairs. Or maybe she’s just miserable because she’d rather be on the arm of her bestie as he’s been spotted leaving their loft wearing a dapper French-blue suit, climbing into a limo that later made it’s rounds to gather the other Golden boys, too.
Don’t worry VV, I’m pretty sure Daddy’s gonna be back on that plane headed God-knows-where soon. Then, you can go back to playing house with PrettyBoyD, uninterrupted.
God, I sure hope your bastard of a father reads this and eats his heart out.
Later, Peeps.
—P
36
Joss
Dinner left me emotionally raw, driving home in a daze.
Kicking my shoes off at the door, I head to my room on autopilot, sorting through the menagerie of feelings bogging me down. The onset of a headache signals me that I need to hit reset on this day. I just want to lay in bed and start over in the morning.
I barely get a breath out when the door to the loft opens and shuts. I hear Dane’s steps as he moves through the great room, then the knob turns again. Only, he doesn’t leave.
“Joss?”
A quick glance in the mirror reveals that my eyes are as red as expected from tearing up. There’s no way Dane won’t notice, and definitely no chance he’ll let it slide.
What the hell is he doing here anyway?
Pandora’s last post showed him heading out to the event, but something’s brought him back.
“In here,” I call out, knowing there’s no point in trying to hide.
His steps carry him in the direction of my room, and he doesn’t stop until he gets here. Right away, his expression tells me the switch has flipped and he’s gone into protective mode. That’s ended badly for more than one person over the years. Even dressed to the nines, he looks like he’d commit murder on my behalf.
“What are you doing here?”
He seems only half-focused on my question as he evaluates what he’s just walked in on—my teary, red-rimmed eyes I’d just seen in the mirror.
“I forgot the tickets,” he answers, but his stare darkens. “Now, tell me what the fuck your dad did this time? Then, tell me where I can find him.” His voice is low and menacing when he asks.
My hand lands on his chest and I feel his racing heart against my palm. “He didn’t do anything. It’s not that.”
My words relax him a bit, but he’s still far from settled.
“What happened?”
Breathing deeply, I take the flight voucher from my purse and hand it to him. Now,
since he asked, I’ll do my best to explain feelings I haven’t even sorted out myself.
“Things went well, but he’s still pressuring me to go with them.”
Dane’s quiet when he glances up from the slip I gave him, and I don’t miss that look in his eyes. It’s almost as if he feels physical pain, maybe at the thought of me leaving.
“And… are you considering it?”
Hearing his question, tension spreads across my brow. “Do you even need to ask? Of course not!”
When I reach for his hands, he squeezes mine.
“This doesn’t change anything, the wounds are still just a little fresh, you know?”
“I get it,” he says, and I know he does. “If it helps, I booked our trip. I’m taking you away from all the bullshit in just a few weeks.”
I do feel relieved knowing there’s something to look forward to, but I’m still a bit bummed. Dane does that thing where he studies my face, reading me, then he presses a kiss to the center of my forehead.
“Know what? Change of plans,” he says. “Put your heels back on. You’re coming out with me tonight.”
A laugh leaves me. “You’re kidding, right? Weren’t you expressly warned about bringing stragglers?” I tease, pushing a tear from my cheek.
“Fuck Rose and anyone else who doesn’t like it. I’m not leaving my girl home alone, feeling like shit.”
There’s a wild look in his eyes and it’s just enough to tempt me.
“Dane, I don’t want to ruin anything. I—”
“The only thing that can ruin tonight is you making me go to this bullshit event without you.”
He casts this wickedly sexy look down on me and I swear he’s got magic behind those green eyes.
When I roll mine with a sigh, he likely already knows what I’ll say.
“Okay. I’ll go.”
One corner of his mouth curves up with a smile and he leads me toward the door. With him holding my hand for balance, I step back into my shoes.