by KC Michaels
***
CHAPTER 18
Kate had fallen asleep curled into against Jaxon's chest. She woke when she felt him leave the bed and missed his warmth immediately. The echo from the shower filled the room. She wanted to join him but she didn't have the energy. Her body was still limp from the multiple orgasms he had given her earlier. His shower was quick. The sound of water had disappeared so the debate on joining him was a moot point. She closed her eyes as he walked back into the room. For some reason she wasn't yet quite ready for him to know she was awake.
She could hear his footsteps pass the bed. With one eye open she took in the sight of him. He was wearing a towel low on his hips. His hair was damp and tiny droplets of water were still on his back. God he was sexy. After everything they had done twice she wondered how she could want him again so soon. She had felt the air change between them, the second time they had sex. The second time it was slower and gentle. Like they were the only two people in the world and they were drinking each other in, savouring each nuance. It was as if they were making love, not just fucking. He rode her slow, held her hands to his chest, linking his capable long fingers with hers. He never looked way from her once, until he finally collapsed beside her. Then he cradled her into him and they both drifted off to sleep. Would he play it cool like it was nothing special that happened? Would he act like it was just sex? Maybe it was just sex for him. She didn't know; but for her, it was so much more. It was so tender. It was a merging of souls. It felt so deep, beyond anything she could have ever imagined. If he didn't feel it too she wasn't ready to face that reality.
Jaxon was now sitting in the chair across the room. His expression appeared torn. Maybe he regretted sleeping with her again. It took all she had to keep the tears that were threatening to fall, at bay. Truth be told she couldn't even be angry with him. He took her and Jade in to keep them safe. He didn't owe her anything, but she did owe him. She was the one that was responsible for what they just did.
“Hey,” she whispered, hoping there was no trace of the sadness in her voice.
“Hey yourself, sorry if I woke you. I tried to be quiet. Go back to sleep”
“You didn't wake me. I'm a doctor remember. Cat naps are how I function most days.”
“I have to go down and meet with security. Help yourself to the shower if you want.”
“Okay.” There was an air of uneasiness between them.
“Is the guest room ready because I would like to move my things and get settled?”
He was silent at first but he looked as though he was relieved by her request. She waited for some type of reply but as seconds ticked by she wasn’t getting one. He was struggling with what he wanted to do and what he should do. Just like the first time they had slept together she had no idea which was which for him. She really couldn’t ever get a good read on him at all.
“Look Jaxon I think it would be best for both of us if I don’t stay in here with you. I think that we can still enjoy each other’s company but it would be better if it’s under the pretense that we both want to and not out of obligation because we are sharing a room. I have no misguided fantasies that we will ever be more than sexual partners. I have come to terms with that so I think we would do best if we maintained some personal space while I am here.”
“Yeah okay your room is right across the hall. If this is what you want then okay.”
“Jaxon, it’s what we both need and you know it.”
“Maybe you are right,” he said. “I just wish I could be the man you need me to be Kate. I just can’t.”
“Yeah I know Jaxon…you can’t.” She didn’t necessarily believe that anymore, but why he couldn’t see that himself she still had no idea.
“I can move your things later. I have to meet with security now.”
“That’s okay. I can do it myself.” She tried to sound indifferent and pretend not to notice he was distraught. As hard as it was for her to do so because to her ignorance was not bliss, she didn’t want to push by questioning him at least not today.
“Whatever you want Kate. I'll see you later.”
“Sure.”
“By the way,” Jaxon added just before walking out the door, “I have to go to work tonight, so I might not see you. If you could give your schedule to Jason he will pass it on to the security guys.”
She responded with a single nod. He walked out the door and closed it behind him. Jaxon had already began his retreat. Staying across the hall was definitely the smart thing to do.
Jaxon stormed into his club; he had some soul searching to do in regards to his new houseguest. He was still wearing his jeans and t-shirt but he had a few suits in his office – which he picked up from the cleaners – he could change into. He was pulling on his jacket when he heard a knock at his office door.
“Come in.”
Steven entered, closing the door behind him. “You’re back fast. How was Chicago?”
That seemed like such a life time ago Jaxon thought to himself. It paled in comparison to what transpired since his return.
“Kenny made some threats.”
“Son of a bitch! When was this?”
“This morning. Kate brought Jade home from the hospital. They decided that Jade should stay with her until Kenny was caught. The police had a man outside watching the place but somehow Kenny managed to get in. He called Kate’s cell phone and made some threats. The sick bastard left her a present in her bedroom.”
“Jesus Christ, are they okay?”
“Yeah they’re safe. I have a team of security at my house and Jason is there with them as well.”
“So what are you doing here?”
“I work here.”
“That's not what I mean. You’re covered for the next couple of days. Why are you back so soon?”
Jaxon ran his hand through his hair. “It's complicated.”
“Look man, I'm not about to go getting into your business when it comes to your personal life, but don't make the mistake of running away from Kate. I can see you like her and it would be a damn shame if you don't give what the two of you have a chance. When she hadn't heard from you for those weeks, she was miserable man. She is in love with you. I am not a betting man Jax, but in this case, I would bet all I have that the feeling is mutual.”
“You are right. Don't go getting into my business.”
Steven withdrew. “Fine.”
“What did you want?” Jaxon asked.
“Just thought I would check on the place, since you were supposed to be in Chicago with Kate. But since you’re here, I’m going to head over to your place and see how Jade is holding up.” Steven's tone was clipped, he was pissed that Jaxon could be so stubborn and blind.
Jaxon slammed his fist on his desk when Steven vacated the office. Steven was dead wrong. He was not in love with Kate.
Kate found her way to the kitchen and was greeted by Jade and Jason who were chatting over coffee.
“There you are,” Jade said. “Are you hungry? We have leftover Cannelloni in the fridge.”
“Thanks not right now.” The last thing Kate felt like doing was eat. Her stomach was in knots.
“Hey are you okay Kate? Did you and Jaxon have a fight?”
“What? No, why do you ask?”
“Well it’s evident you have been crying and, I have to say that although I don't know Jaxon well enough to gage his moods, it was pretty clear to me—when I saw him earlier—that he was not in a good one either.”
Kate and Jade both glanced over at Jason in unison. He’d been listening quietly, drumming his fingers on the table, trying to act like he wasn't interested in the conversation.
“Okay look, if my brother knew I was part of this conversation he would kill me. He is a complicated guy. I don't know what happened between you two but I can wager a guess so just don't give up on him. He’s in self-preservation mode but he will come around.”
“Self-preservation from what? What the hell happened to him? Why won't he tell me?�
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She took a steadying breath. She could feel anger, regarding Jaxon's refusal to let her in, rear its ugly head. “Listen Jason, you need to give me something here. I have tried to break through his tough exterior and I can’t even make a dent. I don’t even know for sure if he likes me at all sometimes.”
“But he does Kate. My brother is miserable. Why do you think that is?”
“I don’t know Jason. I don’t know anything when it comes to your brother.”
“You are under his skin and he doesn’t like it. He doesn't know how to handle it. Do you know that he has never brought another woman here?”
“Well I wouldn't call these circumstances optimal. If this whole thing with Kenny didn't happen he wouldn't have brought me here either.”
“If it was only about your safety he could have arranged the same protection at your home that he has arranged here. He brought you here because he feels the need to keep you safe, himself. Because, like it or not Kate, you are important to him. Jaxon has feelings for you, he just won't admit it.”
Jason took Kate’s hand in his. “Kate, I know my brother better than anyone. The way he looks at you there is no doubt in my mind that he has feelings for you. Trust me.”
Jason pulled out his vibrating cell phone. “Speak of the devil.”
Kate's heart skipped a beat knowing Jaxon was on the other end of the phone.
“Okay sure, I will let security know to expect him.” Jason hung up and punched a number into his phone. “Hey it's Jason. A Doctor Steven Fisher is expected to drop by soon—yes he may be placed on the approved list.”
There was an approved list, just to get into the gate? Steve was coming by? Kate wondered why but not for long, as soon as she caught a glimpse of Jade’s facial expression she realized she had been forgetting about something she suspected when Jade was in the hospital.
“What’s going on between you and Steven?”
“What? Nothing,” Jade responded, defensively. “What makes you think there is?”
“Well I don’t know. Maybe the fact that you are blushing and now that I think of it, he did show up at the hospital quite a bit when you were in there. I can put two and two together.”
Jade waved her off. “Don’t be crazy, Kate. We’re just friends. I told you he feels partly responsible for what happened.” Kate wasn’t sure she was buying the friends statement.
The conversation was interrupted when a man unexpectedly entered the kitchen. He stood over six feet tall and was wearing black jeans and a black short sleeved t-shirt that was straining under the bulge of his biceps. His hair was a close shaved military cut and he had a small diamond stud in his ear.
“Excuse me ladies, my name is Jon Maxwell. I’m the head of the security team.” He extended out his enormous hand to Kate. Both women stared at him in awe. He was magnificent. How was it possible that everyone on Jaxon’s payroll, whom Kate had come in contact with was so darn good looking?
“Good to meet you Mr. Maxwell. I’m Kate and this is—”
“Miss Styles, yes, I am quite aware of who you both are.”
“Oh, of course. So what can we do for you?”
“Steven Fisher is here to see you. We’re holding him outside the door. Could one of you ladies come to verify his identity? He showed us some identification but you can never be too careful.”
“Yes of course,” Kate replied. “By the way Jaxon mentioned that you would need a copy of my timetable for the week.”
“Yes, I need to schedule your detail.”
“My detail?” Kate repeated.
“Yes ma'am. Mr. Remington wants two men with you at all times when you leave the house.”
“What?”
“I take it Mr. Remington didn't discuss this with you.”
“No—no, he didn't. He said it was for my transportation.”
“Well not to worry, you won't even know they are with you. My men are very good at what they do and they are very discreet.”
“When you say they will be discreet do you mean security men plan on coming to work with me too?”
“Yes ma'am that’s Mr. Remington's orders,” he informed her.
Kate stood up from the chair she was sitting in. She glanced at Jason and Jade who were both looking at her with keen anticipation. “And what if I don't want this detail to follow me around at work?”
“Well you will have to take that up with Mr. Remington. He is the one who hired us and he makes the decisions.”
“Of course!” Kate huffed. “Well you can bet I will take it up with Mr. Remington, as soon as he’s home.”
“Will someone be coming to identify Dr. Fisher?” he asked in such a way that told Kate he no longer wanted to continue the discussion.
Kate brought her hand up to cover her mouth. “Shit, I forgot all about Steven.”
“It's okay Kate, I will do it,” Jade said.
“You sure?” Kate asked absentmindedly, she was going to have to figure out a way to work this all out. The hospital was not going to take kindly to this security detail. Maybe she should take some time off instead. She had a ton of unused vacation owed to her and she had the next few days off anyway. She could call the administrator’s office in the morning and arrange for another week. Surely the police will have caught up with Kenny by then.
Several days went by and Kenny was still MIA and unfortunately so was Jaxon. Kate was certain he had been avoiding her and doing a pretty good job of it. She knew when he came home after work each day. She could hear him walk up the stairs in the wee hours of the morning. She could have sworn one night, she could see shadows under the crack of her door but he never came in or knocked. He just stood there quietly for a few minutes and then the shadows were gone. She heard his door close and the click of the lock.
During the day his bedroom door remained closed and then, as if he knew exactly the right moment that she would not be around, he would slip out. She did however, find a note attached to her door telling her to call her mom. The note also said he apologized but he had to jailbreak her cell phone to retrieve her messages. He was monitoring her cell phone. She had totally forgotten that Maxwell had asked her for it a couple of days ago. His plan was to see if they could trace the number Kenny called from. She had forgotten to get it back.
“Hello, Mom.”
“Darling, finally you returned my calls. I was going to send the National Guard. I have left you at least seven messages.”
“Sorry, I was working a lot lately. Sometimes I forget to check my phone. Is everything okay?”
“It’s your father.”
“Dad?”
“He insisted I call and remind you about his retirement party this weekend, but I assured him you wouldn't have forgotten. You didn't forget did you?”
She had forgotten. Her mother had mentioned this party every time they spoke for the last six months. “Of course not mom,” she lied. “I have the time booked off from work. I am coming up Friday morning.”
Shit! How was she going to manage this one? Certainly Jaxon would not let her go without security. But she didn't want her parents to know she was in danger. That would worry them far too much.
“Mom is it okay if I bring someone?”
“Oh, of course. A man?”
Oh no. She could hear there was an air of hopefulness in her mom’s voice. “Yes, a man but it's not serious between us, and he happens to be off this weekend so I thought I would ask him to join me.”
“Yes, of course. Oh wait until I tell your father. He will be thrilled. We were starting to worry you might become a spinster.”
“Mom, please. Just because a woman isn't married in her twenties doesn't mean she will be a spinster.”
“If you say so dear. But I have to run. Since your dad has retired he has been fixing everything under the sun in this house. I have to keep an eye on him because, between you, me and the fence post, he was never very handy. And I have to say, he has a very colourful vocabulary these days. I love you sw
eetheart and see you at the party.”
“I love you mom.” Kate smiled as she hung up the phone. She really did love her parents. Now she just had to figure out which one of Jaxon’s big brute security guys would be the least imposing if she brought him along to pretend to be her boyfriend. She had to find Maxwell to discuss it. Maybe he would like to take a trip away for the weekend.
***
CHAPTER 19
The parking lot at Remington’s was full and finding a parking spot was proving difficult.
“It’s okay, you can just drop me at the door,” Kate offered Royce, her security for the evening, as he rambled off expletives in frustration at not being able to find a place to park. “I won’t be long.”
“I’d feel better going with you.”
“I’ll be fine. Look there is a spot right in front. You can watch me walk in the door. Take a few trips around the block so you don’t get a ticket for illegally parking. I’ll have Jaxon make sure you are here waiting before I come back out.”
He agreed and pulled over for Kate to exit the car. This could work in Kate’s favour. She could use him, waiting outside in an illegal parking spot, for a quick excuse to exit – if she needed one.
Jon Maxwell refused to make any arrangements, regarding the weekend, without clearing it through Jaxon. As frustrated as that made Kate feel she complied. She would be the good little house guest and clear it through him first. She figured it was best if she told him rather than Maxwell. If he had any objections about her going she wanted to be there to handle them even though she knew, as soon as she laid eyes on him, her heart would ache. Just like it did every time she heard his footsteps in the wee hours of the morning.
It was busy for a Wednesday night and she wondered if it was ever not busy. Playboy was on stage with his face between a woman breasts. He removed a bill from the woman’s cleavage with his teeth. Kate could tell he loved his job.