Kezlin looked at her searchingly, not all too sure if Paxton was being honest or if she indeed intended a tracker watch. She had never lied to Jared. To do so now didn’t sit well with her.
“Kez, I’ve opened my heart to him, but it’s much too soon to talk about love. All I know is that I just found the one man I believe can make me happy as much as I’m going to aspire to do the same for him. I’m not going to fuck it up.”
Jared jogged easily along the pathway. His usual morning run was at a fast pace, ramping up his heart rate to get his blood pumping. Fitness discipline was drilled into him during BUDS training. He had enough power in his thighs to sprint up a mountain without breaking a sweat. Today, it was all about putting on a show. Every footfall was measured, every movement practiced to recruit the muscles to show off his physique.
At first pass, he’d waved at Olivia as he’d jogged past the house, aware of how her gaze had devoured his body. When he returned an hour later, she was leaning on the balustrade as he approached.
“Morning, William,” she called out, striking a seductive pose with one hip pushed forward. He slowed as he neared, smiling as she quickly trotted down the patio stairs to intercept him, should he decide not to stop. Her eyes scoured his shoulders and chest that glistened with sweat. “I love a man who takes care of his body.”
“And I love a woman who does too.” He leered at her long legs and bare midriff above the tiny shorts and cami top she wore.
She gestured to the garden set. “How about joining me for a cold drink? I’ve got some freshly made lemonade.”
“If there’s ice in it, I’m in.”
He sat down, watching her with an expression of admiration as she poured two glasses. Every movement was deliberate, intended to entice the animal in him to stir to life. Jared wouldn’t be a red-blooded man if the sight of her round breasts and curvy hips didn’t heat his blood. A vision of Paxton wearing his shirt flashed through his mind. His cock stirred. His smile widened. Here he was, with a young, firm woman offering herself on a platter and all he could think of was the woman waiting for him at home.
It was a sign that he had made the right choice. Paxton Lee was the woman he’d been searching for.
“Do you live here permanently, William, or is The Sea Ranch your getaway home?”
“We live in San Francisco but love visiting here over weekends whenever time permits.”
“What do you do? I don’t recall you mentioning it yesterday.”
“I dabble in the markets.” At least it wasn’t an outright lie. Jared had learned the trick of trading from his father who, after his military career, had owned an investment company. He’d made a lot of money which was what had made the Cobras possible. Bates Investments still existed with Jared playing only a consulting role. He didn’t live a life of luxury by choice but appreciated the good things that money could buy.
“An entrepreneur, I see.”
“I like working for myself.” He winked at her suggestively. “It gives me the opportunity to indulge in... more exciting endeavors.”
“I’m intrigued.” She leaned closer and brushed her hand along his arm. “Tell me more.”
He glanced in the direction of the thicket, like he was checking if they were alone. “A man has certain needs.” He smirked. “You know what I mean?”
“I think I do. You love your wife but you need a little added... shall we say, spice to your life?”
“Exactly.” He took a sip of his drink. “I travel quite often for work.” He shrugged. “But I don’t need the complication of women with expectations.”
Olivia’s eyes lit up. “You use prostitutes?”
“Escorts. A man has to protect his crown jewels, you know.” He laughed boisterously. “There are many houses of ill repute to service men like me.”
“You’re not worried Poppy will find out?”
“My wife is sweet and trusts me impeccably. I’ve never given her reason to suspect me. Besides, I take care of all her needs... very well, I might add.”
“Would you be interested in a very exclusive party?” She traced seductive circles with her nails over his palm. “The kind where the menu is unlimited, catering for every desire and need... across all age groups.”
“You know of one? How do I get an invite?”
“Oh, I’m sure I’ll be able to get you a special invite.” She lifted his hand to her lips and licked his fingers, her eyes caught his. “If you ask nicely, I’ll add myself to the menu.” She locked her lips around his middle finger, fellating it gently. She breathed her hot breath over his wet finger as she released it. “But I have to warn you. The attendance fee is astronomical.”
“This party... is it a one-off? It sounds like something I’d like to buy into on a regular basis.”
“Once a month for an entire weekend. You decide how long you wish to stay and you’ll be billed accordingly. Of course, if you have specific needs, the price will be higher.”
“Money isn’t a problem.” He leaned forward with his expression eager. “I have to admit, I’ve always wanted to be someone’s Daddy... a girl much younger than me... maybe even... you know?” He eyed her suggestively.