Page 90 of One Time Only (One Time Only 1)
As I lie there on him, panting, his release smearing my chest, his arms wrap tighter around me, pulling me close. “I’m going to make you so happy every day,” he says in a beautiful bedroom promise that I have no doubt he’ll keep.
“You already do,” I say.In the morning, neither one of us sneaks out. We leave and get breakfast downstairs like two lovers in Las Vegas do after a night of epic passion.
Our love is no longer a secret. It’s no longer one time only. It’s every time, and this morning feels like it’s going to be the start of every day for the rest of my life.
Ever since I felt the first flicker of attraction to another person, I was open to both men and women. Now, I feel wild attraction for one person. One person who happens to be a guy.
A guy I love with my heart, mind, and body.When our food arrives, I thank the waiter then take another sip of my chai and give Jackson a pointed look.
“So, are you finally going to tell me?”
His brow furrows as he drinks his coffee. “Tell you what?”
I roll my eyes. “Your plans? Job plans? Hello? You did quit last night, you sneak.”
He laughs and sets down his coffee. “I had a moment yesterday with Cruz where everything became crystal clear. And I talked to the guys. Cruz and Terrence,” he says, gesturing to the front of the restaurant where Terrence stands guard.
“And the moment was discussing how awesome it is to work with me?”
He doesn’t laugh. Instead, Jackson blows out a long stream of air, like he’s about to tell me something hard. He scrubs a hand over his chin. “Yeah, about that . . .”
Nerves prick across my shoulders. “That doesn’t sound good.”
“You might be needing an entirely new group of bodyguards.”
My eyes bug out. “What? You’re all defecting? Like, en masse?” I rub my ear in case I didn’t hear him right.
“We are. We’re starting a company in Los Angeles. A bodyguard training company. We want to teach new men and women how to do the job, and we want to do it in LA. Terrence wants to see his wife more, and Cruz is missing out on his little girl growing up. It’s hard for them on the road, Stone.”
My shoulders sag. “Those guys are awesome. All of you are.”
He gives me a small smile. “They’re giving notice today, but they told me I could tell you. We’ll help and make sure you have detail as you transition, but I think this is going to be great for all of us. And for you and me, since I can do what I love and be free to be with you.”
I snap out of my momentary funk.
Jackson is right. This is great news. I am happy for all three of them. For me, and for them.
But right now, this isn’t about me. It’s about three good men doing right by their loved ones.
I slide out of the booth, move to Jackson’s side, drape an arm around him, and drop a kiss on his cheek. “I’m happy for you, J. That’s awesome.”
A smile curves his lips, and his cheeks flush. He speaks softly. “You’re so affectionate.”
I squeeze his shoulder. “Does that surprise you?”
“No. Just getting used to it.”
“Get used to it, J. You quit your job for me, and I told the world I loved you for you.”
He quirks a brow. “Well, that was kind of for you too.”
I laugh. “Yes. For me and you. And I want to hear more about these plans. I’m stoked for you.”
I let go of his shoulder, bring my breakfast bowl to his side, and dive in. We eat as he tells me about their plans, what they want to do with their new business, how he sees it taking shape.
I listen to every word, loving my guy’s brain, the way he’s devised this in such a short period of time, but how it feels so right. He’s so good at helping and mentoring. It’s part of who he is—someone who looks out for others and guides younger folks as they rise up in their careers and lives.
Plus, there’s another aspect of it I dig.
I slide my hand under the table, squeezing his big, strong thigh. “I love that you’re going to be in LA.” I shoot him a devilish grin. “Did you happen to know I live in LA when I’m not on the road?”
“You do? I had no idea,” he deadpans.
I nod, big and long. “In Venice. I’ve got an awesome pad. Looks over the ocean. Badass third-floor balcony too, with a perfect view. Also, an infinity pool.”
“Show-off.”
I shrug, taking a sip of my tea. “Maybe. I don’t have another tour for a few months. I’m going to be there a lot.”
