Page 140 of The Jaded Notes

Before she can answer, my phone erupts with that specific ringtone that makes her entire body tense against mine—theencrypted satellite line that connects me to people who don’t exist on any public record.

Her eyes narrow as she steps back with a flash of hurt as she tries to hide behind casual indifference. “Let me guess.”

“I have to take this.”

“I know. You always have to takethatcall.” Her suspicion can’t be denied.

Knowing I can’t give her any information, I disappear into my office, locking the door behind me as I accept the call. Thirty minutes of conversation about issues that will take me further away from the one person who makes any of this worthwhile.

When I emerge, she’s curled up on the couch pretending to read a design magazine, but there’s stiffness in her shoulders.

“My Aspen headquarters need me.” I can only give her that much, because more would put her in danger. “Travel’s going to pick up again.”

She nods without looking up from her magazine. “Of course it is.”

The disappointment in her voice bruises more than any business betrayal, but before I can figure out how to fix what I’m breaking, she surprises me.

“Do I have a special ringtone?” She glances up with feigned casualness, but there’s something vulnerable in the question.

The shift in mood catches me off guard, and I can’t help the grin that spreads across my face. “Of course you do.”

“What is it?” She bounces up from the couch, suddenly animated as she dances around me with exaggerated curiosity. “Let me hear it.”

I scroll through my phone until I find her unique ring, then hit play. The opening notes of “You Sexy Thing” fill the room, all seventies groove and unashamed appreciation.

She bursts into laughter. “Jax, that song is older than I am!”

“Not by much.” But her words remind me of the fifteen years between us.

“God, you’re ancient.” She’s still giggling, but there’s affection in her teasing that makes my chest tighten.

Before I can retreat behind the walls her comment threatens to build, she launches herself at me. Her arms wind around my neck as she kisses me with passion that erases every doubt, every insecurity, and every reason I have for keeping her at arm’s length.

When we break apart, both breathing hard, she smiles against my lips.

“I love my ringtone.” She slides down me, then leads me to the bedroom.

As soon as we step inside, I slam her against the wall, my mouth crashing onto hers.

“About fucking time,” she mutters, her hands already tugging at my shirt.

She tears it off, ripping my belt away seconds later. She works my zipper down and strokes my cock. I take her in a delicious kiss, tasting her and devouring her as my hands roam her body.

“More.” Her nails scrape my back.

“You want more?” I growl, hiking up her dress.

My fingers dig into her ass and lift her. She wraps her legs around me, pulling me closer.

“Don’t stop,” she whispers, her breath hot in my ear.

“Wouldn’t dream of it.” I carry her to the bed and lay her down.

But I can’t slow down. I tear at her clothes, exposing her skin. Her breasts heave as she pants, her nipples hard and begging for my touch. I lean down, taking one into my mouth, sucking and biting.

“Yes,” she hisses, her body arching into me.

“Like that?”