She moved her napkin to her lap. “I’m a marketing major. I would like to go into the field, not necessarily at an agency, more like apply my skills to a business and do the marketing and social media and influencing for a company. Those are the things I’m good at.”“Have you decided what kind of business?”She sighed. “That’s the hard part. I’m still not sure. I did an internship last semester for a set of privately owned gyms in South Beach, and they offered me a job for when I graduate. I also did some work for a local art dealer who owns several galleries throughout South Florida, and she would love to employ me full-time, but I just don’t know. Although I enjoyed both jobs, neither angle is exactly what I’m looking for.” She shrugged. “I guess time will tell.”“I didn’t have that luxury.”“No?”I shook my head. “I went from prelaw to law school.”“Did you always know what you wanted to be?”“I did, but I also knew what was expected of me, and with that came a lot of pressure.”She
I thought about every word she’d said.I processed each one.And as they resonated, I learned something.Jo was right.I didn’t need three nights with my client. I extended the trip to give me more time with her. And as soon as I’d found out about Miami, I’d called her—the hesitation hadn’t lasted for more than a few seconds.“Jo …”“I hope you don’t mind, but I brought Bordeaux glasses,” the waitress said, her approach cutting me off, placing the long-stemmed glasses in front of us.“Not at all,” I voiced. “It’s what I prefer.”She showed me the bottle, earning herself a nod, and then she began the process of opening the top and pouring a sample.But the entire time, my eyes were on Jo.And as soon as the waitress filled our glasses and left, I held mine toward the center of the table. “To more time together.”Jo smiled. “Interesting … I’ll cheers to that.”We both took a drink, and she placed her wine on the table, holding the stem between her fingers, twirling the thick rod so the
I reached across the open space, my fingers landing on her thigh.The move didn’t startle her—she had seen me coming.But it startled me in the way she felt.The warmth of her skin, the way it welcomed me.The placement that felt so right.So fucking perfect.“How else can I surprise you tonight, Jenner?”You just did.But something told me she already knew that.TwelveJoanna“Do you go to the beach in California?” I asked Jenner as we sat in lounge chairs on the sand, the warm Florida sun shining down on us, the waves lapping not far from our feet.South Beach wasn’t the dreamiest beach in Florida, but it was still so beautiful, calm, and relaxing.But the view had nothing on Jenner, not with his abs on full display, his pecs etched across the top of his chest.My God.That man was perfect.No matter how hard I tried to look away, my eyes constantly went back to him. I was already staring when he rolled his neck toward me, blocking the sun even though he wore shades.“No, never,” h
I took the last sip and set the empty cup on the table. “If I take the job with the art dealer or the private gym, I’ll be staying, but I’m keeping all my options open. Our lease doesn’t end for another four months, so that gives me time to figure things out past graduation.” I paused as the waitress approached and ordered another round for us. “Be honest,” I said as she left, “is it strange to be hearing about this post-college-life stage? You’ve been established for so long. I imagine it’s been a while since you’ve thought about any of this.”There were times when Jenner looked at me, and I could tell what he was thinking. I could read the thoughts in his eyes; I felt his energy. And then there were times when I was lost, unable to decipher a single thought.That was where I was now—lost.“Admittedly, it’s been a while since I’ve been in your shoes, but it’s interesting to listen about your journey and compare it to mine.”My voice softened when I said, “Does it bother you?” I took
“How often do you find yourself in Florida?”I felt him breathe, the air warming my hair.“At least once a quarter. I have several clients here.”“Are all the trips planned far in advance or surprises like this one?”“Both.” He paused. “I’d have to look, but I don’t recall any more trips down here until the end of the year. That could always change though.” His arms tightened. “What about California? Do you ever make your way out there?”I filled my lungs several times, holding in the air after each inhale. “It’s actually where I’m from.”“No shit?”“Yeah … I grew up in LA.” I stilled, feeling the pounding in my heart. “I do go back—holidays, birthdays, special events, things like that. But now that graduation is coming up, I have too much to do, and I won’t get a chance to return. Plus, my parents will be coming, so there’s no reason to fly home to see them.”He turned my body to the side, so he could take in my face.There were so many things I wanted to say, but I couldn’t. They hu
I went to blow up the photo and accidentally liked it.Goddamn it.I moved on to the next picture of her in a long dress and a hat similar to the one she’d worn to the beach, and I realized I hadn’t seen this photograph.I’d followed her Instagram on the plane ride to Miami, but work had been keeping me so busy the last week that I guessed I hadn’t spent much time checking out her account.I had the time now.There were photos of her with friends, but most were solo shots. There were ones of her in a bikini at the beach, posing in dresses with sunsets in the background, at clubs and restaurants. My favorites were the ones where she was cozy in her apartment, the faraway look in her eyes telling me she was fantasizing.About me.No wonder I hadn’t checked her account before. It was dangerous as hell.Just as fucking dangerous as it was to text her, yet I found myself pulling up the last message we’d exchanged, my thumbs hitting the keys.Me: You’re so fucking hot.Jo: Sounds like someo
It wasn’t personal, the way I wanted her gift to be.So, I’d reached out to the store and had them contact an artist, who painted Jo’s name on the inside of the bag along with a small skyline of Vegas above it.I blew up the photo to get a better look. I knew nothing about purses, but the large red crocodile-looking-skin bag looked sexy as hell on her shoulder.Me: It looks stunning on you.“Who’s making you smile so hard?” Walter asked, returning from the restroom.I glanced up from my phone, shoving it back into my pocket. “A business deal that just closed.”“Bullshit.” He placed his napkin on his lap. “You’ve been in this business for far too long to get a hard-on over real estate. Plus, you’ve closed deals for me that have exceeded half a billion dollars, and I’ve never seen you smile like that. It’s a woman. Who is she?”I shook my head. “Nah …”“You think I don’t know what a man looks like when he’s in love? Come on, son. I’ve been around the block plenty of times in my old age.
“Good. Well, it was honestly the best surprise ever. My girls can’t stop gawking at it. Monica is dying of jealousy, but I’ve threatened her life. If she goes anywhere near it, she’s toast.”I opened the door and stepped outside, needing the breeze on my face. “I’m glad you love it. That makes me happy.”“We haven’t spoken since you left. Are things good? How’s work? And how was Seattle?” She giggled. “I assume all must be going well. You’re liquored up, and it’s not even noon.”I laughed. “How the hell do you know that?”“Really? Come on. I know you better than you think I do, Jenner. I can hear it in your voice.”Goddamn it.My dick turned hard at the sound of my name, at her incredibly sexy voice.But something else she had said really hit home.She knows me.“You’re not wrong,” I admitted. “It’s been a long-ass morning with a client who wanted to chase his breakfast with bottomless scotch.”“The only better way to start your day would be waking up in Miami.”I took a seat on one o