Page 37 of Just My Luck

I was really doing it. I was moving in with Jax. Officially. Last night, after we’d packed way too many of my clothes into suitcases, we’d called my parents.

Dad had arranged to have his newest and latest security system installed at the townhouse while we were gone.

Mom, of course, had wanted to start talking paint colors and decoration ideas. Thankfully, Dad cut her off and told her it was late and he knew we had to catch an early flight.

When we got to the airport, we were surprised to learn that our seats have been bumped up to first class again, thanks to Kit. Sitting in the luxury chair, sipping a mimosa, I leaned back as Jax took my hand in his.

“You know, I could get used to perks like this,” I said, between sips. “Maybe I could afford to flirt a little with Kit?”

“Guys like him…” He stopped and shook his head slightly. “Something tells me he won’t take no for an answer.”

I thought about it for a few seconds and realized he was probably right. For the most part, I’d dated nice guys all of my life. Still, I’d heard horror stories from friends who hadn’t been as lucky as I was.

Then I thought back to how Sofia had just been kidnapped by an ex-coworker who had become obsessed with the idea that she was the reason for his downfall.

For the rest of the short flight, I thought about this idea that Kit could become obsessed with me. The signs were already there. The flowers, the emails, the job offers. It all lined up.

How was I supposed to do our job, gaining his attention and the attention of the board he oversaw, in hopes that he’d sign with the agency I worked for? What would happen if we did win the account? Having to deal with him for years might prove tiresome.

By the time we landed, I had a slight headache. Maybe it was from the two mimosas and the fact that all I’d had to eat that morning was some fruit. After gathering our bags at the baggage carousel, we spotted a man in black holding up a sign with our names on it. We were helped into a long black limo and offered more drinks. Instead, I suggested we stop off somewhere for some breakfast and coffee before heading to the hotel.

The driver seemed a little put off by the request, but stopped at a Starbucks so we could run in to get coffee and some egg bites, along with a lemon cake.

By the time we pulled into the hotel, I was feeling slightly better.

“You’re awfully quiet,” Jax said after we closed ourselves into our room.

“Just a slight headache,” I said, setting my smaller bag down on the bed. “I want to unpack and maybe lay down for a few minutes.”

“Sure. I can head down and get you something more to eat?” he suggested, lifting the heavier of the bags onto the bed.

“Maybe. I think it was the mimosas,” I said with a sigh.

“We should watch how much we consume on this trip. Last time, I think it was Kit’s mission to get you drunk,” he said, unzipping the bag.

For the next half hour, we filled the closets and drawers in our smaller room.

I wondered how Kit had taken the news that we wouldn’t be staying in the suite this time. The man didn’t seem to understand how to take no for an answer. Which is why I was determined to play it safe on this trip. I’d debated flirting with him or at least using some small tactics I used when winning over new clients, like complimenting him.

When everything was put away, I shut the curtains, toed off my shoes, and laid on the bed while Jax ran downstairs to get us some real food. We could have ordered room service, but he needed to make a few calls and decided I needed some quiet time.

I had just closed my eyes when there was a knock at the door. Thinking that Jax had forgotten his key, I rolled off the bed and opened the door.

I was surprised at the huge bundle of white and purple flowers before me. Then Kit peeked over them and smiled at me.

“Welcome,” he said, walking past me and carrying the flowers inside. He glanced around with an obvious look of distaste and set the flowers down next to the television. “I tried to upgrade you to the penthouse—the concierge said that you specifically requested ‘standard luxury.’ Standard! As if you belong in a room where you can see the door from the bed.” He made a tsking sound. “Say the word and I’ve got the suite all ready for you.”

“I’m fine, we’re fine, really,” I added, really wishing I hadn’t had that second mimosa.

He glanced around once more, and then his gaze landed on me. I could tell that he wasn’t really seeing me—the headache, the travel weariness in my eyes and my body. Instead, he tilted his head as a slow smile filled his lips that reminded me of the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland. “I’m looking forward to seeing what you have for me this trip. I just adore it when you get that sharp, focused look—it’s captivating, honestly. Still, it’s a crime that you’re wasting that energy trying to ‘pitch’ me on behalf of an agency.” He took a step toward me. “Why don’t you skip the middleman? Work for me directly.”

He was less than a foot away now. He lowered his voice slightly. “Just think about it: late-night strategy sessions, direct access to me and the board. Not to mention, traveling on my private plane, staying in penthouse suites instead of”—he motioned around—“lower rooms. We’d be unstoppable together. And off the clock?” His hand came up and brushed down my arm. “Well... we can figure that out as we go.”

I stopped myself from taking a step back, not wanting to draw his ire. “While I appreciate the offer, I am under contract with Gold Standard Media for another two years,” I said easily. Jax and I had talked about this, what to do in case Kit backed me into a corner. After all, it wasn’t really a lie. Every employee was under contract at GSM. However, these contracts didn’t necessarily have an expiration date. It just stated all the things we could and couldn’t do while working for the company, legally speaking.

His smile slipped slightly. Then he waved his hand. “Details. I have enough lawyers on retainer to handle anything necessary.”

“Again, thank you, but I’m happy where I am,” I said, feeling my headache grow. When was Jax going to be back? Not soon enough.