“Yes, it was amazing. But Jaxson...I shouldn’t have come here. I gave into temptation.”
“So do it again,” I growl. “I’ll make you come all night long.”
She looks like she’s considering it. Damn, I really want her to consider it. But after a moment, she closes her eyes and she shakes her head.
“I’m sorry, Jaxson. I shouldn’t have done this.”
She pulls away and snatches up her underwear. I watch as she rushes to get her dress on, leaving me behind, still dripping wet from the pool, the taste of her fresh still on my lips. I want to run after her and grab her. She’s mine. But I have to respect what her wishes. I have to give her space to think.
Once again, Sam is standing in the way of my happiness.
CHAPTER FIVE
Stella
I can’t believe I walked away from the only man I’ve ever wanted. I can’t believe I convinced myself that it was better to let him go than to try and fight for this, for him. Since I met him yesterday, I feel like I’ve been going crazy, but in the best possible way. Crazy for him.
But as I lounge on the beach with my dad, I feel miserable. All I want is for this whole thing to be simple. I want my father to forgive Jaxson for their silly feud and give us his blessing. But it feels like that will never happen. I’ve never seen my father react the way he did to Jaxson yesterday. Now, it’s up to me to undo nearly twenty years of bad blood between them as a pair.
It’s going to be nearly impossible.
Dad glances over at me, seeing how miserable I look, he sighs and closes his book. “You’re not still mad about me ripping your picture, are you? I’m sorry, alright? I shouldn’t have done that. I was just trying to teach you a valuable lesson.”
“And what lesson is that? That I should be punished for asking you questions? For taking an interest in someone from your past?” I say with a scowl. I never talk back to my Dad, but these are new circumstances. I don’t want to just roll over and accept things anymore. With Jaxson in the picture, I want to do everything in my power to keep him in my life.
“You’re too nosy, Stella,” my father insists. “Whatever happened between me and Jaxson is none of your business.”
“I know what happened,” I say, folding my arms. There’s no way I’m going to tell him what happened at the pool last night, but I can let him know I’m not in the dark anymore. “Jaxson moved on with his life and you couldn’t stand it, could you? You wanted to be the successful one. And you got there, years later, but you could’ve been partners if you weren’t so full of pride.”
“Who told you all that?”
“I have my ways,” I say vaguely. “Look, Dad, the way I see it, life has dealt you a chance. Don’t you think it’s a coincidence that you’re both here at the same time? It’s a sign that you should be making things right between you…”
“What a load of rubbish, Stella. Fate, yea! Stop being ridiculous and let it go.” His eyes flash with anger. “Why do you care so much, anyway? You don’t even know Jaxson.”
Little does he know after last night, I know him pretty damn well. I feel like he knows me better than anyone in this world. But dad will never understand what happened between me and Jaxson. At least, not until he’s willing to accept Jaxson back into his life.
“I just think losing your best friend over something so ridiculous and self-centered is your problem, not his,” I say with a sigh. I stand up, giving my dad the cold shoulder. I’m going to cool off in the water and give him a chance to think about what I’ve said.
Feeling irritated, I swim out a little way. I haven’t seen Jaxson on the beach today. I was hoping he might show up and try to win me over again, but there’s no sign of him. My heart sinks in my chest. Maybe he’s just not that into me. Maybe last night I was just one in a million women he’s been with. After all, he could have any woman he wants. He’s so damn tempting and now I can’t believe I managed to walk away from him last night.
A large wave takes me by surprise and splashes right across my face. I splutter, ducking under the water for a moment and then resurfacing, gasping for air. The water out here is choppier than I realized. I try to swim back to shore, but the water is overwhelming, stronger than me. I’m consumed once again by the waves and salt stings my eyes. I feel helpless. I know I’m not far from the shore, but it feels like I’m about to drown out here. I wave my hands helplessly. I need help, someone to rescue me.
Suddenly, I feel strong sure hands grab my body. Gasping for air, I can’t even concentrate on who it is, but I lean into them, my body moulding to the shape of theirs. And then I realize, there’s only one person who it could possibly be. I look up and see his tanned face covered in salt water, as he guides us to shore with ease.
Jaxson.
Jaxson
When I saw Stella flailing in the water, I couldn’t stop myself from running to her. She wasn’t far out in the water and would have probably been guided by the waves back to shore, but the overprotective animal inside me needed to help her.
Now, as I carry her back to shore, she clings to me desperately and I realize how much I’ve missed her in the short time we’ve been apart. Last night, as I lay alone in bed, I felt my feelings for her grow. It’s not just about sex for me. I want her heart,
