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  “It’s perfect.”

  “Good.” He sighed. “Get changed. We need to go.”

  She rummaged through a suitcase and withdrew a pair of black yoga pants and a red tank top.

  “Racheal packed your bag. I thought she’d know what you’d prefer more than I would,” Jaxon said as he changed his flip-flops for a pair of tennis shoes then pulled out a pair for her too.

  Thirty minutes later, they had hiked up to the first zip location, had been geared up and were standing in front of a guide, listening to instructions. As each minute passed, Jaxon had grown quieter and quieter. She sent him another glance. He stared straight ahead, jaw clenched tight. He really hated the idea of this.

  She touched his forearm and he jumped. “You don’t have to do this.”

  “The hell I don’t.”

  “Jaxon,” she whispered.

  “I’m doing this, Madison.” He went back to staring straight ahead.

  Okay. It was his choice. She’d given him an out—and she definitely wanted this. After the guide finished with the instructions, the tour began.

  “You go first,” Jaxon said.

  She didn’t argue. She figured he didn’t want her to see him have to struggle with making that first jump. Heck, nervous flutters were attacking her stomach and she wanted to do this. She couldn’t imagine what Jaxon was feeling.

  She stepped up on the platform, and the guide secured her harnesses and locks.

  “Okay,” he said, pressing a hand on her back. “Step up here and move to the edge. When you’re ready, lean back and lift your feet.”

  Madison made the mistake of looking down. Holy shit that was high. So fucking high. A vise seemed to close around her throat.

  You can do this.

  Closing her eyes, she leaned back and let go. At first, she felt herself moving, but it wasn’t much of a difference. But as she picked up speed, she felt the wind hitting her face, blowing her hair back. She forced her eyes open. The jagged rocks and creek below seemed like they were miles beneath her, but she was no longer aware of the distance.

  The exhilaration of flying through the air was all that had her now. She whooped, laughed, grinned. It was the most amazing thing she had ever experienced.

  Too soon, she reached the other platform. The guide helped her stop and unlocked her. Her hands shook from the adrenaline and she was ready to move on to the next line.

  A few moments later, Jaxon stumbled onto the platform, a little pasty, but grinning.

  “That was pretty awesome,” he exclaimed.

  “Wasn’t it?”

  He grabbed her around the back of the neck and kissed her hard on the mouth. When he released her, she asked, “What was that for?”

  “My appreciation.”

  “For what?”

  “For opening my eyes to the fact that there’s more to life than what are the most expensive trips and trinkets.” He kissed her again. “I would have never done anything like this if you hadn’t come into my life. You’re good for me, Madison.”

  Good for him. She hoped that stayed true. She could show him the simpler things in life, that was for sure. But what happened when the roles were reversed and she had to enter his world?

  That was where she worried things would completely crumble.

  ***

  Madison tilted her head back and let the hot water sluice down her body. The day had been wonderful. The zip-lining tour had taken two and a half hours to complete. Each line had been as exhilarating as the last and the scenery had been breathtaking. After the tour, Jaxon had set up a couple’s massage, which had been pure awesomeness. When they got back to the cabin, he had arranged for a candlelit steak dinner to be waiting for them.

  Once they’d finished eating, an awkwardness fell around them and she’d excused herself to take a shower. She knew where this was headed, had known from that moment when they kissed in the office. In a way, this had been too prepared, but not by her. She hadn’t gotten to get ready for it. She didn’t get to pick out the perfect nighty to wear for the occasion.

  She’d gone through her suitcase, twice, and unfortunately, Racheal had only tossed in her boring bra and panties and nothing that said, “Fuck me now.” To say the least, she wasn’t feeling very seductive.

  As she turned off the water, she pulled the towel from the hanger and dried herself. Studying the white fluffy towel, she smiled. She could work with this.

  She wrapped the towel around her body and tucked the corner between her breasts. After she grabbed her make-up bag, she wiped the fog off the mirror and glanced at her reflection. She didn’t want to make herself up too much. Highlight only. She strategically placed blusher and bronzer, then blow-dried her hair so it was almost dry.

  Hmm. Yes.

  Madison stepped out of the bathroom, carrying her clothes to her suitcase. Keeping her gaze away from where Jaxon lay on the bed, she put a little extra swing to her hips, then bent with her backside pointed at the wall opposite of Jaxon’s view. He’d know without a doubt that the towel had ridden completely up. Wonder if she had on panties or if she was bare.

  It would drive him wild.

  If the movement on the bed meant anything, she was right. And her nipples hardened.

  Letting out a small breath, Madison tugged out her lotion, straightened, then walked over to the table and pulled out a chair. She was good at putting on a show men loved to watch, but this was the first time she was turning herself on during such a show. It was exciting.

  She propped her foot up on the seat, squirted a generous amount into her palm, rubbed her hands together. Starting at her ankle, she massaged the lotion into her calf, knee, lower thigh, upper thigh then her hip. A low growl came from across the room. She kept her expression unchanged, even though the noise caused her clit to throb.

  Switching to the other leg, she repeated her movements, keeping the same removed expression. As if she was doing her nightly lotion routine, alone, and he was not in the room. Next she rubbed her arms, massaging her fingers over her neck and under her chin. In her peripheral, Jaxon sat up and moved to the edge of the bed. Wound tight. Ready to pounce.

  Lust pooled between her legs, pulsed. She was so aroused, so fucking close to making a noise to give that away, but she maintained her performance. Wanting to push him into pouncing.

  Placing her hand on the area where the towel was tucked, she intentionally paused. Jaxon made a muted grunt of impatience. A smile pulled at her lips, but she beat it back. She pulled the towel and it dropped free. His harsh inhale was all the encouragement she needed. Madison squirted another drop of lotion into her palm. Lowering her hands to right below her belly button, she rubbed over her stomach, up to the underside of her breast, cupped, then pinched the erect nipples.

  The mattress springs squeaked. She wanted to look at him so badly. Wanted to see his expression, his body language, but she forced herself to keep detached.

  Because she was about to start the finale. The thing that would push him straight over the edge.

  Propping one foot back on the chair, she slid her hand down her stomach and over her mound. The second her fingers made contact with her throbbing clit, she gasped. God, she was so fucking aroused. Closing her eyes, she rubbed the nub, getting closer and closer.

  Strong fingers latched on to her wrist and her eyes popped open.

  “Not so fast,” he said, then he threw her over his shoulder, strode the few steps to the bed and tossed her on the mattress.

  Grabbing behind her calves, he yanked her to the edge of the bed, spread her thighs then lowered to his knees. The second he circled his tongue around her, she fisted the comforter in her hand, arching. “Fuck.”

  He teased, licked, kissed.

  She wanted, needed more.

  She seized the back of his head and pressed him closer, grinding against his mouth. Taking the hint, Jaxon sucked deep and she came apart. Squeezing her eyes, her orgasm ripped pleasure through her.

  As she floated bac
k down, Jaxon crawled up her body then kissed her, his tongue tangling with hers. The intoxicating taste of herself and red wine flooded her mouth.

  He’d seen to her pleasure. Now it was time for her to see to his.

  ***

  When Jaxon felt Madison pushing at his chest, he lifted his head, confused. The lust filling her gaze could not be mistaken for anything else. He allowed her to turn him onto his back and straddle his hips.

  She’d already given him one hell of a performance. She didn’t need to give him another one, but he couldn’t beat back his curiosity at what she’d do next. The woman was walking sex. Every movement she made oozed sex. It was fucking hot.

  Madison ran her palms down his shirt to the hem then yanked the shirt up. He tugged it the rest of the way off.

  Her eyes roamed over him.

  “How do you like to fuck, Jaxon?” she asked, gyrating her hips on him.

  He swallowed. Holy fucking shit that was hot.

  “Missionary?” she continued, rotating against him. “No. Cowgirl?”

  He growled.

  “Definitely warmer.” She moved harder on him. “Doggy?”

  She was killing him. He grabbed her hips and pushed down.

  “Ah, that’s it.” She leaned down and whispered in his ear, “I like it from behind too.”

  Then she kissed her way down his chest, pulled down his shorts, and circled her tongue around his cock. Jaxon groaned and closed his eyes. Threading his fingers into her hair, he massaged her scalp, enjoying the suction of her mouth as she took him deep between her lips.

  Not many women were so vocal in the bedroom, could get so dirty. He fucking loved that. But he also loved the softer side of her too. She was everything wrapped into one gorgeous package.

  And she gave one hell of a blow job. When she cupped his balls and increased the speed of her bobs, he gave a quick tug on her hair. If she continued, things were going to end way too quickly.

  Making a disappointed noise, she lifted her head. Jaxon hauled her back up his body and kissed her deeply. He loved kissing this woman. All the kisses, the passionate ones, the quick ones, the ones on the forehead. Any way. Each meant something different. Lust, caring, admiration.

  Madison gave him a seductive look as she turned onto her stomach and then pushed up on all fours. So inviting. No hesitation. Jesus.

  Reaching down on the floor, he grabbed a condom out of his wallet and quickly put it on. He moved behind her and grasped her hips between his hands.

  “Fuck me, Jaxon.”

  He thrust deep and hard, her tight center welcoming him. She yelled out in pleasure. “Oh God, yes.”

  Her shouts were all the encouragement he needed to completely let go. Skin slapped from the intensity of his thrusts. Sweat beaded. She slipped her hand between her legs and rubbed her clit as he continued to push into her over and over again. Closing his eyes, he hung his head back and relished the feeling of being inside her, hearing her cries of pleasure, her whimpers for more, the smell of her arousal. All of it was an aphrodisiac and he was already ready for more.

  Couldn’t imagine ever tiring of this—of her.

  “I-I’m coming.” Her breaths came out choppy. “Jaxon. Fuck. Jax—”

  His name was interrupted by her low moan of release and her body clenching tight around him. The sight of her writhing beneath him, the muscles of her back flexing, her arms reaching forward, was beautiful and he continued bucking into her, loving the way each of his thrusts gave her a little more pleasure through her orgasm.

  As she reached the end of hers, he finally let go. The intensity of his release caused his body to jerk and he had to brace himself with one arm on the mattress. Grunting, he thrust hard three more times then collapsed onto his side, pulling her down with him, breathing heavy.

  Madison lay with her back to him. He scooted closer and wrapped his arm around her waist and kissed her shoulder. She looked back at him and smiled.

  He could get used to this. This woman was a special, once in a lifetime kind of woman, and he had to find a way to win her heart.

  CHAPTER NINE

  Jaxon couldn’t believe she was here.

  As they stood in a circle making idle chit-chat with some of Jaxon’s most important contacts and peers, he wrapped his arm around Madison’s waist and tugged her closer to his side, proud to have her next to him. In the floor-length black strapless gown, no one would believe she’d been wrestling a lollipop from Noah not an hour ago while trying to keep the kid’s sticky fingers away from her dress.

  Getting her to agree to come tonight hadn’t been easy though.

  Hell, getting her to do anything outside her budget was nearly impossible—even though he’d had every intention of paying, which he guessed was the issue. She was uncomfortable doing anything where she didn’t have the wardrobe to attend, and she refused to let him buy her the clothes. Her and her damn pride.

  The only reason she came tonight was because it was a charity event for underprivileged children. She’d fretted over what to wear, and finally relented on letting him help, but she’d given herself a budget, one that he thought was insanely low considering he could afford any gown she wanted. She simply said, “Give that to the underprivileged kids. I’ll find a dress for a reasonable price.”

  And she had. Not only a gown that carried a high end name, but a diamond tennis bracelet and diamond stud earrings. He had no idea how she pulled it off, and she’d proven him wrong once again.

  Madison sipped from a champagne flute and glanced around. Typically she was relaxed. Not tonight. Everything about her was tense. Her body, her smile, the way she talked.

  Squeezing her hip for support, he hoped she’d eventually relaxed as the night wore on. He hated seeing her out of her element. Hated knowing it was this part of his life that made her feel like this—and he couldn’t think of any other reason for stilted words or stiff posture. This was a huge part of who he was.

  How could he help relax her some? The ballroom was packed with the elite of the elite. Waiters walked around with silver platters of champagne and appetizers. A large orchestra was playing classical music and a dance floor was situated underneath a crystal chandelier.

  Jaxon whispered, “Do me the honor of a dance?”

  She looked up at him, smiled and nodded, her relief evident.

  After he took her out on the dance floor, he pulled her into his arms. Instantly, all the tension left her body as she placed one hand in his and the other on his shoulder.

  That was the way it always was.

  When it was the two of them, everything was fine. But when his money came into play, she got all weird.

  He wasn’t sure what to do about it. He was super rich. He couldn’t change that.

  And he hoped he didn’t end up losing this woman because of it.

  Never before had he believed he could lose a woman over the size of his bank account. But with Madison, it was a distinct possibility.

  A little over six weeks ago, this woman had walked into his office looking for a job and struck him dumb with her beauty. She’d been striking him dumb ever since. He knew why now, knew why she was different from the rest.

  He was in love with Madison Walker.

  And money didn’t buy love. He wished it did. He’d give his entire fortune to have hers.

  Pulling her forward, he kissed her on the forehead. “Have I told you how absolutely breathtaking you are tonight?”

  She smiled up at him again. “Only about a hundred times.”

  “Well make it a hundred and one.” He studied her. “Are you having fun?”

  “Of course, I am,” she said, but glanced to the left over his shoulder.

  Lie. Disappointment weighed heavy on him. He wanted so badly to impress her. He knew how to do it with any woman, but her.

  “I’ve shown my face, spoken to a few people, so what do you say we get the hell out of here?”

  Her gaze jumped back to his. “Seriously?”

&
nbsp; “Yeah. I’m not big on these events.”

  Brows drawn together, she pulled back a bit. “You’re not just saying that?”

  Actually he wasn’t. He liked to party, but the charity events could get rather stuffy—like this one. “No. Racheal has the kids. The night’s ours. Let’s go do something fun.”

  “That sounds great.” He could hear the relief in her voice.

  As he escorted her off the dance floor, he took her hand in his and weaved their way toward the exit. Someone called his name.

  Letting go of her, he turned to find Mica and a few of his buddies headed their way. He sent Madison an apologetic look. “Give me a few more minutes, okay. I haven’t seen these guys in a while.”

  She waved away his words. “Don’t worry about it.”

  It was then he noticed Victoria was with them, and he suppressed a groan. Shit.

  “Hey man, been a while,” Bradley said, coming in for a hand slap. “I hate that you missed my birthday party.”

  “Sorry about that, buddy.” Jaxon returned the gesture. “I had other things going on.”

  “I’m sure you did,” Victoria said, pursing her lips as her gaze coldly ran over Madison.

  Yeah, it was definitely time to split.

  “We were about to head out.” He took Madison’s elbow and started backing away.

  “Wait a second, Jaxon,” Mica said. “How are things coming with that whole McDaniel thing?”

  Madison stiffened then shuffled behind him. He silently cursed that Mica brought this up, but it wasn’t like talking shop wasn’t anything abnormal inside their group. Last time he saw Mica, he’d been complaining about how difficult the old dodger was being.

  Best to answer his question and move on. “He’s still being a pain in the ass. I’ve been giving him some space to think about things.”

  Mica breathed a huge sigh, and ran a hand down the front of his pressed tux shirt. “Good.”

  Jaxon rolled his eyes. “Thanks for the support, buddy.”

  “Hey, man. Pussycats is one of my favorite dirty—”

  “Wait,” Jaxon interrupted and stepped closer to his friend. “You go down there?”