Page 68 of Bourbon Deceit
In a green frame was a picture of Jett and me at our first event together. His arm was wrapped around my waist and he was leaning into my ear, saying something while a giant smile lit up my face.
“This picture was sent to me after the first event we went to. I have the same one on my desk and I wanted you to have one, to put on your nightstand. I want you to remember this moment. I want you to remember the way my arm felt wrapped around you, the way my breath caressed your skin as I whispered into your ear, and the way pure elation flowed through your body from it. Memorize it, little one, and carry that around with you because once I leave here, things are going to become complicated and I want you to know that no matter what happens, I will always be yours, always.”
“Jett, you’re scaring me.”
“I’m being honest.” He took a deep breath and caressed my cheek. “You’re my girl, Goldie. I don’t like titles but . . .” He paused for a second and then said, “You’re my girlfriend, you’re everything to me, and I will do everything in my power to make sure it stays that way. Do you understand me?”
I nodded my head, so confused, but understanding the gravity of the situation, and with a heavy heart from his confession.
His fingers caressed the frame and he said, “Do you know what the color green means here in New Orleans?” I shook my head no so he continued, “It means faith. I put this picture in a green frame because I want you to have faith that everything is going to work out. Okay? Have faith in us, Goldie, and have faith in the fact that even though you might not like it, I know what I’m doing. I know what’s best for us.”
A tear cascaded down my cheek. “Okay.”
Gently, he took the frame from me and placed it on the nightstand, next to a bouquet of green hydrangeas.
“Did you have Diego put those there?” I asked, trying to be brave and wiping my tears.
“I did. Hydrangeas are tricky flowers, they can mean a lot of things, but there is an old saying that a bouquet of hydrangeas means that the giver is grateful of the recipient’s understanding.” He took a deep breath and continued, “I’m grateful for you, Goldie, and for trusting in my decisions and having faith in the fact that I will be back and when I’m ready and everything has been fixed, you will be with me, fully. You will be back in my club, not as a Jett Girl but as my girlfriend, as the one who has stolen my heart.”
Not being able to say much due to the tightness in my throat, I nodded my head and acknowledged him.
Faith and trust, I could do that. It seemed so simple.
Chapter Twenty-Three
“As We Are”
LO
The smell of coffee pulled me from my bed. Jett had made me pack pajamas, and made me swear that I would wear them while at Diego’s place. I couldn’t blame him; I was known to wake up in the middle of the night and venture out, forgetting I was naked. Jett clearly didn’t mind, but in someone else’s place, he would have none of that.
I tried getting away with packing light camisoles and boy shorts, but Jett threatened to make me wear turtlenecks and sweats to bed, so we compromised with leggings and a tank top . . . with a built-in bra. The man could be infuriating.
I looked at my nightstand and smiled at the flowers and picture frame Jett had given me. He had to leave after he settled me into my new room, which broke my heart, but I understood. I didn’t know what was going on—and I knew it was dangerous and he didn’t want me wrapped up in it—but I was a little hurt that he wouldn’t tell me, especially since I was technically involved now. This would all be so much easier if he’d let me in, but he said the less I knew the better.
I pulled my phone off the nightstand, checked for messages, and was surprised to see one from Jett. Squealing like a girl, I quickly opened it and read it as I sighed to myself.
Jett: Little one, it tore me apart to leave you last night but I know it’s a first step to making everything right for us. Don’t forget to have faith and trust. When you miss me, hold on to your necklace. I will be in touch.
After readinghis text about five times, I pulled myself away and walked downstairs. In the morning light, the club actually looked clean compared to what I’d thought last night. It was such a neat concept. I was excited to see what else Diego had in store and what the dancers were. I didn’t forget about that little comment last night. If I was going to be here, I would at least make the most of it.
Following the smell of coffee, I was able to find the kitchen. There was a swinging door that I pushed through, and I was instantly met with Diego’s bare chest.
“Whoa,” Diego said, balancing his coffee to keep the hot liquid from spilling over the sides of his cup.
I was easily distracted by his mocha-colored bare chest, and the way that his shorts rode dangerously low on his hips, showing a very attractive line of hair from his belly button to his waistline and a deep V that would make any woman weak in the knees. Fuck, he was hot.
I gulped and looked back up at him. He’d noticed me perusing him, and he was smiling like a damn buffoon.
“See something you like?” He wiggled his eyebrows at me.
“Get over yourself,” I said childishly as I walked past him and went straight for the coffee. I had no clue where the mugs were so I started sorting through his cupboards. His body pressed up against mine, making me go stiff as he opened a cupboard I hadn’t explored yet and pulled down a mug.
He leaned over my shoulder, handed it to me, and spoke too close to my ear, “Here you go.”
“You’re awfully close, you know, especially for someone who gave Jett his word.”
Smiling and holding up his hands, he said, “I was just being helpful.”
