by Jade James
Good morning, beautiful. Have dinner with me tonight. I’ve notified the chef and told her to expect two.
Presumptuous of you. Where are we going?
Somewhere delightful. Pick you up at 7. Check your e-mail when you have a second.
Okay.
She clicked Send and switched programs to check her e-mails. e w
She tossed the phone in her purse as she debated on whether seeing Cade so soon would be a good idea. She hadn’t agreed to date him, but admittedly she’d never met such an alluring man before. What harm would it be to go on several dates and discover more about each other?
She combed her hair, then drew it up in a high ponytail just as her front door slammed shut. The only person who would have a key to her place would be Jax.
“Jazz, get your fine ass out here.”
She smiled and walked out of her bedroom, then into the living area. Jax swept her in a hug and twirled her around before setting her down. She laughed. “What has you in such a good mood?” He’d been her neighbor for six years, and she considered him her brother. He was gorgeous, with closely cropped black hair and a muscled physique that would make any man envious. Though Jax was attracted to both men and women alike, from their very first meeting their relationship had been more familial in nature. And thankfully remained that way. She had a few friends, but no one was closer to her than he was.
“Seeing that smile on your face,” he replied. “What put it there?”
“Having you here. I hope I didn’t pressure you into coming back. You could have stayed longer.”
He shook his head. “No pressure at all. I do however feel guilty about leaving you alone to deal with everything. How are you?”
“Confused. It’s hard to explain. Dad was sick for so long, and though not having him here hurts more than anything I’ve ever experienced, I was prepared for his death. It might sound odd to some, but we knew this day would arrive. So I’m trying to be as strong as possible, because it’s what he would have wanted. Instead, I’m focused on remembering the way he lived his life and the fact he desired me to be happy living mine.”
He reached for her and hugged her once more before pulling back. “No matter what, I’ll always be here for you. How did the will reading go?”
“The usual players were there, Mom and Matthew.”
“Fuck, those obsessive snobs must have made it hell for you.”
“They weren’t exactly well-behaved, but I’ve dealt with worse from them. There was a surprise guest though, a totally unexpected one.”
Jax crossed his arms over his chest. “Who?”
“Matthew’s son, Cade West.”
“Your stepbrother?”
She groaned, then cringed. “Come on. We’re going to be late for our spa appointment. I’ll catch you up along the way.”
* * * *
Jazz and Jax entered her apartment several hours later. She’d requested a manicure, pedicure, massage, and waxing. She’d needed the relaxation the spa services had provided. After they were done, they’d lunched on chicken salads at a small bistro in Greenwich Village. It was just after five p.m., and in minutes, she’d start getting ready for her date.
Jax patted the wall next to the Gustavian-style clock. “I can’t believe you fucked him against this very wall.”
She laughed. “Jax, you’re obsessing. I never told you which wall it was.”
He plopped down on the nearest chair. “Describe him again. I want to envision how good-looking he re -lookinis.”
“No. I don’t need you hungering for Cade. Besides, he’ll be here soon to pick me up. We’re having dinner tonight.”
He smiled. “So, you have been holding out on me. Weren’t you on the fence about seeing him so soon?”
“I’m still not sure this is a good idea. I only met him yesterday. But I have to be honest with myself. Cade is irresistible in too many ways.”
He grinned. “So how does it feel to fuck your sexy stepbrother?”
She snickered. “Don’t ever refer to him as such again. I’ve completely driven that fact from my brain, and it will remain that way.”
Jax rose to his feet. “I’m joking, Jazz. You guys were never raised together, and more importantly he is no blood relation. You are definitely overthinking this, and you’ve been way too serious for far too long. Have fun tonight. Forget about the business for today and just concentrate on what you want to do.“
She nodded. “Speaking of dates, how are you and Carter doing?”
He sighed. “That is a long conversation we’ll have at another time over a glass of wine. I’m going to head to my place and make a few phone calls. But
I’ll be back in time to meet Cade.” Jax winked before heading out.
Chapter Five
Jazz eyed herself in her hall mirror while asking Jax the question, “How do I look?” She wore a white halter dress, with nude pumps. She’d worn her hair loose, styling it in soft waves. She had a drawer full of sexy bras and panties. Though she had made it a point to not date much due to her daily life being filled with obligations, as a woman she still wanted to feel sexy and desirable. And to wear such lingerie was her little secret.
“Absolutely stunning,” Jax replied. “Do you know where he’s taking you tonight?”
“He didn’t mention it. Hopefully I’ve dressed appropriately.”
“I’m sure you did. He’s going to want to make a huge impression. That’s not to say his first one wasn’t a bang.” Jax laughed just as the doorbell rang. “And this is where I act like an overprotective bear.”
He walked away, and Jazz quickly followed, momentarily unsure of how Jax would behave. She’d never seen him this way before, but then again it had been forever since she’d actually agreed to a date with anyone.
Jax opened the door, and Cade’s gaze landed on her immediately. Cade was a man who was confident in every aspect. She hadn’t introduced Jax yet, and though she knew Cade was curious as to who he was, he didn’t show it. She found his self-assuredness a sexy quality.
Her stomach clenched in pleasure as Cade slowly took in what she wore from head to toe. She did the same. His clothes were tailored to fit his physique, and she wanted to peel each item off him slowly. How would he look naked? She trembled at the thought.
“You look absolutely delicious,” he growled softly. His voice was a deep caress, stroking every nerve in her body, and her heartbeat quickened. How would it feel to spend an entire day in bed with him giving in to their desire?
She struggled to smile when all she really wanted to do was moan. “You look wonderful yourself. Cade, I’d like you to meet my best friend, someone I consider a brother, Jax Montgomery. Jax, this is Cade West.”
After both men shook hands and exchanged pleasantries, Jazz and Cade were out the door. They exited the side of the building to the parking lot. He opened the passenger door to his Bugatti, ato nd she slid in.
She turned toward him as he sat, then closed the door. “You have great taste in cars.”
He smiled. “It’s the one vice I’ve allowed myself. It’s one of the most powerful and fastest vehicles in the world. I’ll let you drive it sometime.”
“A man who would let a woman drive his one vice? I’m impressed.”
“I wouldn’t let just any woman drive my car.” He started the vehicle and drove. “But you amaze me. It’s quite a feat for a woman so young as yourself to take over the reins of your father’s company.”
“I was always fascinated with how Dad seemed to delve into business with such passion,” she whispered, her voice quivering as she faced the passenger window. It was hard to keep the emotion out of her voice, but she tried desperately to keep the tears at bay. “And I remember thinking I wanted to be the exact same way. I wanted to be involved with something that gave me the same satisfaction he experienced. So when I turned eighteen, he allowed me to start working part-time as an office assistant. He slowly began to teach me what it took to build a hotel from the gr
ound up and make it successful. It was hard work learning every detail, but I relished it.”
“How did you manage with attending college at the same time?”
She shrugged. “I tried to schedule most of my classes in the mornings, and Dad would have his driver take me to his office where I worked till seven. I’ve always thrived on a busy schedule.” And it helped compensate for her mother’s hurtful distance. Maria had made it a point to coddle only herself, refusing to have anything to do with Jazz. Just thinking about it was painful, but she managed to push it away.
“How did your mother feel about your schedule?”
“My mother has always lived in her own world.” She glanced at him, then shook her head once. “And that is the last I will say on the subject. I will not ruin the night by speaking of her.”
The car pulled to a stop, and she was shocked to realize they’d arrived so quickly. Cade grabbed her hand and placed it on his thigh. The uneasiness she felt at the mere mention of her mother faded away. The heat in the car elevated, and she could only focus on the rock-hard muscle beneath her fingers. “How do you keep in such shape?” Envisioning Cade nude was becoming a constant desire.
He smiled. “I have an apartment on Central Park West with a gym. I work out a few times a week, and I find it helps relieve stress. I also have a home in Scarsdale, and on the weekends when I do head there, I hike and also do some rock climbing. The outdoors is invigorating, and I always find it clears the head. I’d be happy if you made time to join me one weekend. And I’m sorry, Jazz.”
“For what?”
“The subject of your mother. I realize she may be just as much of a sore topic as my father. It’s a conversation we need to have but now isn’t the right time.”
“So where are we?” She pulled away from him and without waiting for his answer, she stepped out the vehicle. She’d told him too much already, and he’d been so easy to talk to. But she refused to break down in front of him. He was still so new to her, and the emotions he evoked had her running from cold to hot in seconds. Jazz startled as Cade grabbed her arm and steered her toward the restaurant.
“This is Gramercy Tavern. It was my first venture, and I’d like you to meet someone special inside.”
They entered the establishment, and she had to admire the tastefully decorated decor with its rich warm colors and travertine tiles. A darker shade of mosaic tiles ran up the walighn up thls. One wouldn’t have thought both would work so well together, but they did. The tables were a dark cherrywood, and in the center of each were candles. Some art pieces adorned the walls without being overstated. And the place was filled with people.
“It’s beautiful and serene, Cade. You should be proud.”
“The dining industry has always had its chaotic moments, as I’m sure the hotel business does as well. But I’m pleased my first venture is a high-quality result that people enjoy. It gives me a sense of accomplishment.”
“Cade, I’m so glad you’re here.”
The loud female voice filtered through, and Jazz twisted from Cade to the woman who now stood before him. She was stunning in a white sheath dress and red heels.
Jazz watched the beautiful blonde woman throw herself into his arms. She itched to step away from him and tried to discreetly pull her hand from his. The move was instantaneous, and she didn’t have time to think about her actions. But when Cade tightened his hand, she forced herself to remain still and regretted behaving in such a jealous manner. She was being silly. She’d only met him yesterday. On top of that Cade was a gorgeous man, and of course he’d have beautiful women who she sincerely hoped were just friends surrounding him.
She inwardly cringed at her thought, but even with her slight tugging movement, she suspected Cade would have observed it. Taking deep breaths, Jazz tried to calm her tumultuous emotions. She’d been a basket case lately.
Cade faced her with a slanted brow, which told her he had noticed. “Jazz, this is my younger sister, Ivy West. She heads Gramercy Tavern, and I’ve been trying to convince her to stretch her wings and help me out with some other projects. Ivy, this is Jazz Cortez. She is the—”
“I’m well aware of who Ms. Cortez is. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you and long overdue.” Ivy shook Jazz’s hand.
“Call me Jazz, please. It’s a pleasure to meet you as well. I’ve read you are or were a chef?” The article about her in the prestigious Good Food magazine detailed her rise to being one of the top sought-after chefs. Ivy was twenty-five years of age, and it was quite an impressive achievement for someone so young.
“Ivy, please. I still am when I have the time. Cade let me know you were coming, so I prepared a special dish for the both of you and saved my brother his usual private seating. Come this way.”
She and Cade followed Ivy to the table. “Your moment of jealousy back there has my cock so fucking hard,” Cade whispered in her ear before pulling her chair out.
She almost dropped her gaze to his crotch but stopped at the very last moment. Jazz shivered, unsure of how to respond to his shocking words as her nipples tightened. Cade was an erotic torture on her senses. She sat and placed the napkin on her lap, then swiped her tongue against her dry lips. “Won’t you be joining us, Ivy?”
“I’m sorry, but I have a previous engagement. I’ll take a rain check though. Maybe we can have lunch sometime this week.”
She nodded. “Cade knows how to reach me.”
“It was great finally meeting you.” Ivy brushed a kiss against Jazz’s cheek before doing the same to Cade. “Your meal should be out in fifteen minutes. I’ll call you later, Cade.”
A waiter appeared with a bottle of wine. “I assumed, Mr. West, you’d have your usual Quinta Do Noval vintage port?”
“Absolutely. Would this be fine with you as well, Jazz?”
“Yes.” The waiter filled their glasses, then left.
Cade sipped his wine while keeping his heated gaze on her. She imagined those divine lips surrounding her nipple, sucking the tip in. “Have you given any thought to what I spoke with you about yesterday?”
His words flowed like a soft caress against her skin. Focusing on Cade had helped ease the pain in her heart. She’d replayed their entire evening last night over and over, especially the part where he fucked her so deep and hard. Jazz squeezed her legs together, hoping it would lessen the ache in her clit. “Refresh my memory. As I recall we spoke about several things yesterday.”
He smiled as if he knew exactly what she was thinking. “You and I would make a perfect team, Jazz, in and out of the bedroom. The only one who needs convincing is you, and I want you to give me the opportunity to find out for yourself.”
He was so tempting, and she desperately wanted to give in. “We still have a lot of business to discuss.”
He arched his brow. “I figured Monday we’d get down to it, and though I know it’s extremely important, I’m more inclined to speak about us.”
There was no use in denying she wanted more. “A perfect team? For such a short amount of time knowing each other, you sound completely certain.”
“There’s no denying the attraction. You and I complement each other in every way.”
Taking a sip of her wine, Jazz decided to go for it. What the hell was she waiting for anyway? Their first time together had been noth
ing short of spectacular. “I guess we’ll be discovering if in fact that is true together.”
Chapter Six
“Touch me,” Jazz whispered as her legs spread open, and propped her heels on the edge of the mattress. The sweet scent of her pussy filled the air, and each time Cade inhaled deep, he knew he was on the verge of losing it. He’d barely held back his desire for her during dinner. It seemed he turned caveman around her, and all he could think about was plunging his cock deep, fucking her until she came over and over again. Just the thought of her juices slathering his dick had his balls tightening.
It was an indescribable pleasure going bare in her, and something he�
�d never allowed himself to do with anyone else. And now they’d both exchanged reports that stated they were both disease-free, Cade was hooked like an addict. He’d be coming inside her over and over.
He’d had every good intention of ending dinner with a kiss. But as soon as he’d pressed his lips against hers and licked into her mouth, Cade had lost it. He’d plunged his fingers into her creamy wet cunt; then he’d swirled his thumb against her clit, and when he’d ripped her panties off, she came against his hand, her honey flowing hot against his flesh.
“Please, Cade.”
His dick throbbed heavily as his gaze pierced her, taking all of her in. Her hair was spread against the sheets, her nipples tight and wet from when he’d licked them moments before. “You’ll be begging a hell of a lot more before this night is through, and I’m going to love every moment of it.”
Cade fell to his knees and placed her legs on his shoulders. Her pussy was bare, smooth, and deliciously pink. Spreading the lips of her cunt open with his fingers, Cade leaned in and flicked his tongue against her clit. She whimpered and tightened the muscles of her legs as her hand flung out, before her fingers tangled in his hair. “Just as I suspected, you fucking taste delicious, baby.”
She moaned as he pushed his tongue out, and he closed his eyes in ecstasy as the tastsy e of her filled his mouth. Moving his hand from the inside of her thighs, he thrust his finger into her tight, hot opening. She cried out, and every bone in his body seemed to ache from lust. She was exquisite in her passion, and he couldn’t get enough of her. “That’s it, baby. Come inside my mouth.”
“Cade.” Her pussy gripped his finger tightly, and Cade worked another one into her as he flicked his tongue against her clit. He fucked her furiously fast, stretching her and readying her for his cock.
“You’re so beautiful, Jazz. I never expected this. Come now!”
She tossed her head back and forth, and when he curved his middle finger against the sweet spot he found on the front wall of her cunt, she tightened around his digits. He bent his head as she exploded, hot streams of her juices filling his mouth, and he sucked and licked all the cream flowing from her.