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I relaxed into my seat, trying to enjoy the drive. Michael turned up the radio, humming along with the music, neither of us saying a word.
The silence offered me some time with my own thoughts.
Talking about Tim, the slimy, conniving, two-timing jerk brought back everything I had put aside yesterday. And it plagued me.
I was happy to be putting some physical space between us again. I couldn’t stand to be up there right now and have him roaming the streets, reminding me of him. It was incredibly important for me to put all of this in the past officially. I had my money in hand, a gorgeous man beside me, and the promise of a new career right in front of me.
Michael was a much welcome distraction to the turmoil I was experiencing and the upheaval to my life that I was trying to forget. I had allowed him to help me get rid of the awful memory of my ex. And I had done it without any question.
I wanted and accepted Michael’s advances for all the right reasons. I hadreallywanted him, craved him. But I still felt a sense of guilt that I hadn’t told him the complete tale of what had happened with Tim after my interviews and at least given him the opportunity to make up his own mind about what would happen next between us. Instead, I kept him in the dark. I was surprised and irritated at my guilt. The girls assured me that I didn’t need to tell Michael anything. Tim and I weren’t together. That was all that mattered. But something was nagging at me. I honestly didn’t know how I’d feel if our roles were reversed.
I had used Michael, at least a little bit. But wasn’t he using me too? We both had been clear about keeping things light. No commitments, no hassles. Should I feel guilty that he was there, ripe for the picking, exactly when I needed him? My eyes shifted to him for a quick glance. God, he dazzled me. Perfect hair, impeccable smile, stunning looks. And awesome personality to boot. Not to mention his skillful tongue and mouth and flawless body.
Think about it, Siena. Really, really think about it. He’s been with countless women, according to the tabloids and the internet searches I did. So what if he was one of only ten guys I’d slept with? Were we really in a competition? He wanted me—that was obvious. I wanted him too.
I knew we agreed to no strings attached. It seemed he accepted my rules: keep things between us uncomplicated. But now that I had gotten to know him and had gotten my hands on him, I wondered,How long could things stay uncomplicated?
All I knew now was that last night and this morning, holy fuck-a-moly!
I already wanted more.
How long could I keep up this façade?
Siena
Jax O’Halloran’s Place was achic, boutique hotel. And it was stunningly gorgeous. The driveway was lined with immaculately shaped shrubs and dotted with planters that housed palm trees and birds of paradise. A few rounded turrets stood atop the ends of the pristine cream stucco façade and Spanish tiled roof.
Located along the coast, the azure blue backdrop added to the already picturesque scenery. The fact the hotel was near the water was a definite plus. I sucked in a breath at the magnificent view, inhaled the salty air laced with freshly mowed grass and fragrant flowers. Trees swayed in the breeze and overflowing planters of bright flowers bordered the entrance in a rainbow of colors. It was an oasis of posh luxury right from the driveway.
“You know the owner of this place?” I couldn’t hide the awe in my voice.
Michael chuckled. “Not the owner. The manager. It’s one of the perks of having him as a friend. Impressed?”
“Maybe”—I held my fingers an inch apart—“just a little.”
He chuckled, patting my knee, lingering just slightly before returning his hand to the steering wheel. “He’s one of my best friends from college. We were both business majors, same frat, brothers, you know?”
“I’ll say. I wish I had a friend with a hotel like this.”
“You do.”
“I do?” My mind sifted through all the people I knew. “Who?”
“Me. You can stay at any of the E Hotels whenever you like.” His eyebrow rose, a twinkle of playfulness in his gorgeous eyes. “I know they’re a littleaudacious, I think is the word you used, if memory serves.” He shrugged his shoulders, smile still tactfully in place. “But, as myfriend, you always have an open invitation. Any time.”
“What’s the catch?”
“This is ano strings attachedarrangement, Siena. There is no catch.” Something about the gleam in his eyes told me there had to be a catch, some kind of strings, something required as payment. My breasts tingled thinking about the delicious possibilities.
“Jax is a real lady’s man. He’s a dog, but he’s my bro.” He shrugged nonchalantly, chancing a look in my direction. “Just so you’re forewarned.”
I sensed some trepidation in his voice, so I cocked a brow and smirked. “I think I can handle him. You haven’t been too difficult so far.”
His roar of laughter filled the car. “I may be a lady’s man, but I’m not a dog.”
“Walks like a dog. Barks like a dog—”
“Oh, come on. I think I’ve proven, at least a little, that I’m not like that.” He grinned broadly, flashing those perfect pearly whites at me, twitching his brows suggestively. “After all, last night was all aboutyou,” he said as he pulled to a stop.
