“Yes,” I whisper.
“Then turn over and get on your hands and knees.”
I roll and rise up onto all fours.
“Knees further apart, Jada.”
I’m definitely wet. He’s being bossy and it’s hot as heck.
His finger slides down my seam and then he leans over and tastes me. But he’s got an ice cube in his mouth, so I jolt.
“Stay still,” he orders. And then his hand glides up my bottom and down again in a gentle caress.
I do my best to stay still, but my knees are trembling.
“Good girl,” he tells me.
My eyes drift shut and I sigh in contentment.
He likes telling me what to do in bed.
But I like doing what he tells me to do in bed probably even more.
61
Austin
Three Weeks Later
San Diego, California
We’re here. Finally, I’m done with New York. For now. I’m concerned I did such a good job of cleaning up there that it’ll mean more of that shit from my father who can’t stop talking about how pleased he is with me.
As far as I’m concerned, Aiden is up next if there’s any travel required.
We’re taking a cab home; I haven’t told anyone we’re coming today. The cab driver, a super-nice guy named Ash, is one that Carly always uses so our clan tries him first before anyone else. He’s waiting with a big smile and he talks to Jada all the way from the airport to my house about some of the perks of living in San Diego.
She talks to him like they’ve been friends for years and it’s no wonder Suki fell in love with her. No wonder Carly wanted to do whatever she could to help Jada out when she was in a jam. She makes a great first impression. Most of the time…
She’s open, and listens to people. She’s got a beautiful smile and shines with a genuine light from within.
I’m in love with this girl and I fully intend to make her mine permanently.
The family thinks we’re coming two days from now. I want tonight to ourselves, so Jada can settle, see the house, not feel overwhelmed.
Her eyes light up stepping inside at the open plan space once we’re inside my house. It’s spacious, bright, lots of windows and there’s a great view out back of the pool and the landscaping, which is a feature of the place I get a lot of compliments on. Buying the model home, all this was done for me, so I just pay someone to keep it looking good.
The kitchen is in the middle of the action and it’s a chef’s kitchen which I’m figuring she’ll appreciate.
Her mouth drops and she stares at me. “This is amazing.”
“You like it? I bought it furnished. It was the model home. I’m totally open to changing things if you prefer another style.”
“Why waste money getting rid of perfectly good furniture?” she asks.
I laugh. “My mother redecorates every second year.”
She waves her hand. “I love everything I see so far. Show me the rest. And when can we go to the ocean?”
“Tomorrow? Does that work?”
She jumps up and down excitedly and throws her arms around me as she jumps up, wrapping her arms and legs around me. I catch her and smile.
I’m really, really fucking happy right now.
“My first plane trip, my first time to California, my first trip to the ocean tomorrow. You’re giving me so many firsts Austin. I love it.”
I kiss her. “And I fuckin’ love that I get so many of those.”
***
The look on Jada’s face when we get to Ocean Beach is a look I’ll never forget.
It’s sunset and the sky is a swirl of crimson, yellow, and purple. She’s in awe as we walk the sand.
“Hey,” I whisper, turning her to me as she stares at the horizon.
“I smell it,” she tells me.
“Are you happy? Because California has been home, sweetheart, but if you’d rather we stay in New York or go somewhere else, I’m totally open to talking about that.”
“I don’t care where we are as long as I’m with you,” she says.
“I love you,” I whisper and then touch her lips with my fingertips.
Her eyes go bright with tears and she swallows before she whispers, “I love you, too, Austin.”
She wraps her arms around my neck and gets on her tiptoes.
“Your first ocean kiss,” I say, and then our lips meet.
62
Jada
Waking up in Austin’s bed feels like a dream. It’s been amazing – these few days here so far. My new life feels like a vacation. Sun and palm trees, and living in a big, beautiful home with sunshine spilling through the windows. Austin’s home office has a desk right by the window that looks at the pool and he tells me it’s now my office – a place for me to write. Though I can see myself writing outside a lot, too.