CHAPTER8
JAX
Ilook up at Lucia’s apartment as I park my truck. I’m a little early but I’ll wait out here rather than going up to get her. I haven’t seen her since the night at her parents’ house when I almost fucking kissed her. God, I’m such an asshole.
I spoke to Alejandro last night and this morning to catch him up on what he’s missed and both times I considered suggesting that he show Lucia the ropes himself. Both times I backed out and now as I sit here waiting for her, I can’t help but wonder why.
I tell myself it’s because he’d want to know what prompted my change of heart and I wouldn’t have an answer for him—at least not one that wouldn’t end in him crushing my nuts in a vise—but the real reason is I’m looking forward to seeing her, working with her and just spending time with her.
She’s not like any other twenty-one-year-old woman I know, not that I know many on a personal level. She’s way smarter than almost anyone else I’ve ever met. She’s more mature than most of the guys I work with who are decades older than her. I suppose it comes from having to look after herself from so young and also becoming a mom at seventeen.
Her apartment is in a nice building. It’s a short walk to the beach and there’s a park nearby where she likes to take Matthias. It’s close to his kindergarten too. I know Alejandro would have bought her an apartment on the beach if she’d chosen one, but she was more than happy with this. It’s not that it’s lacking by any means, but the fact that she chose something much more modest than what he was offering makes me proud of her, whether I have any right to be or not. I like to tease her that she’s a spoiled brat, but we both know it couldn’t be further from the truth.
I stare at the door to her building and wonder if I should at least call and tell her I’m early but then the door opens and she steps outside.
I close my eyes and suck in a breath. This is going to be the longest day of my fucking life. When I open them again, my cock twitches in my pants as if to remind me that yes, she is dressed like that. Not that there’s inherently wrong with how she’s dressed. It’s a pencil skirt and a white blouse. I mean, if she was going to work in an office somewhere, it would be the perfect outfit. And what else is she supposed to wear? A suit like her father and me?
She walks toward the truck and the sight of her hips swaying in that damn skintight skirt makes me feel like I’m about to have a heart attack. What is it about her wearing a pencil skirt that makes me think of bending her over a desk and fucking her brains out?
Stop it, Jax.
“Hey, Jax,” she says with a smile as she opens the door of the truck and steps inside. “I wasn’t sure what to wear today. My dad said businesslike. Is this okay?”
I look at her, my eyes fixed on her face for fear of losing my shit if they drop any lower. “You look fine,” I manage to say with a smile.
“Good.”
“I’m so glad I’m with you today,” she says, her eyes shining as she stares at me.
“You are?” I frown.
“I mean, because … it’s my first day … and I’m…” She stumbles over her words as her cheeks flush pink and that image of her bent over a desk pops back into my brain. What the fuck is wrong with me?
“I guess I’m a little nervous,” she says, brushing the hair back from her eyes, “and so I’m glad that you’re with me.” Her cheeks turn even pinker and I realize I am not improving her situation by simply sitting here and staring at her instead of putting her at ease. “I mean, because … it’s you. Fuck.” She shakes her head. “Am I babbling?”
I finally find my voice “It’s natural to be nervous, Lucia, but there’s nothing to worry about. We have a straightforward day ahead.” I wink at her.
“Yeah.” She lets out a long breath. “I don’t know why I got so flustered.” She laughs as she fans herself with her hand.
Maybe it was because I was staring at you like I wanted to throw you in the back seat and eat you?“It’s hot out,” I say instead.Smooth, Jax.
“Sure is,” she agrees as she sits back in her seat. “Thank God for air con.”
“Hmm,” I mumble as I start the engine and pull away from the curbside.
“You speak to my dad yet?” she asks.
“Yeah, caught up with him last night and saw him this morning. He and your mom seemed like they had a good trip.”
“Yeah. I’m so glad they’re back though. Watching those three kids on my own was exhausting.”
A pang of guilt stabs me in the chest. “I’m sorry. I should have come around more.”
“No you shouldn’t.” She shakes her head. “You were busy taking care of business stuff. I was fine. They’re just a lot together, is all.”
“I’m sorry, Luce,” I say.
“I told you it’s fine.”