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“I’m not sure I’m going to be the best company.” I step into him and his arms encircle me. It’s hard to believe I woke up this morning feeling resigned to the fact that Jackson was no longer going to be part of my life, and now here he is, the comfort I need.
“Things didn’t go well with your sisters?” The concern in his voice tells me that I made the right decision in talking to him today, despite the problems it’s caused.
“Avery is upset, and I understand why, which is probably the most frustrating part about the whole thing.”
“Because you’d like to be upset as well and you’re too compassionate to do that?” He smiles down at me and tucks my hair behind my ear.
“I don’t know if I’m that compassionate.”
“I do. Instead of going after Selene when you overheard that conversation, you immediately put yourself in her shoes, which is why you reacted the way you did, and rightfully so. With Avery, it’s even more complicated. She’s your sister, she loves Spark House, and you love her, but you also need some of your time back. You look beyond exhausted, and I know that coming home with me tonight means you’re sacrificing time you need for other things. She needed to hear it even if it was hard for you.”
I nod, aware he’s right, but still hating that my sister is upset and our conversation is the reason why. Jackson takes me back to his place, and we order takeout. We set everything up on the coffee table and sit on pillows on the floor. I love that he’s so refined, yet still loves greasy takeout.
“What’s the biggest issue for Avery?”
“Losing control, I think. Or losing the connection with me and Harley? I don’t really know, to be honest, but I never thought Spark House would take over my life the way it has. And I’m so, so grateful for everything you’ve done for us, but at the same time, the growth has been so quick, we’re just struggling to keep our heads above water, especially when she doesn’t want nonfamily coming in.”
“It makes sense on both sides. I understand wanting to keep control of things. It took longer than it should for me to realize I wasn’t Superman and I couldn’t do everything on my own. Avery is just a little behind figuring that out. And she’s had you and Harley juggling all the balls she’s been dropping. Sometimes we need a little crisis so we can reevaluate our efforts.”
“I think you’re exactly right. As bad as I feel about missing the meeting, Harley and I have been doing double time trying to make things work and that’s not a long-term strategy. And I want time with you. I want to be able to come see you in New York. Hell, I want a weekend off once in a while.”
“Those are all reasonable things to want, and I highly approve of all of them, especially the part about spending time with me and coming to New York. I’ve spent a lot of years burying myself in work, and I feel like that’s going to change now that you’re in my life. There’s no point in having all of this if I don’t get to enjoy or share it with the people I love the most.”
“I hope Avery can see it that way.”
“I’m sure once she’s had some time to think it through, she’ll see that you’re right.” He takes my hand in his and kisses the back of it. “I wish I could take this stress for you.”
“Well, there is one thing you could do that might help.” I bite my lip.
His expression is earnest. “Whatever you need, London. Just tell me.”
“I need you.” I pull my hand free from his and lift my dress over my head, leaving me in a lacy bra and panties.
Jackson’s eyes spark with lust as I climb into his lap. He settles his hands on my hips. “I’m yours to command. Where would you like me to start, London?”
“A kiss, right here.” I tip my head and drag my finger along my throat.
His lips brush the edge of my jaw and sweep down my neck. He slips a finger under my bra strap, pushing it over my shoulder as he trails open-mouth kisses along my collarbone.
I undress him slowly, and he rids me of my bra and panties, and all the while, we kiss and touch, an unhurried exploration, the perfect distraction. He brings me to orgasm with his mouth before he settles between my thighs. And when he enters me, I feel that connection everywhere. We kiss and move together, a slow spiral up, finding comfort in each other and this love we share.
* * *
Jackson spends the rest of the night distracting me from my worries. I’m definitely sleep-deprived the next day, but I can’t really find it in me to feel bad about it. I was right to voice my concerns, even though I’m not entirely sure the fallout is going to be something I like.
