❦ Kate ❦

It had to be perfect. I was determined that every detail of the hotel project would go flawlessly. It was my window to make a name for myself in the interior designing industry but more than that I didn't want to let Jason down. He had trusted me with the project when he could have hired any of the well-established interior designing firms in the world. I wasn't going to make him regret that decision.

My team and I had been working on a hectic schedule the past few weeks, and I was glad to see everything was going according to plan. Purchase orders for all of the furnishings, interior finishes, and other equipment had been placed and we were just now waiting for all of the pieces to arrive. After that, the installation process could begin.

My thoughts went to Jason and I smiled. It had been three weeks since our day trip to Catalina Island. I hadn't seen him in a week as he was travelling in Europe, visiting all of his hotels and resorts. He was supposed to be back sometime today and I found myself crazily looking forward to his arrival. I had missed him so much over the past few days.

Jumping out of bed, I walked into the bathroom. It was Saturday morning, and after the busy few weeks I had, I was looking forward to spending the day doing nothing.

Just as I stepped out of the shower, I heard the doorbell ring. It was just nine in the morning and I wasn't expecting anyone. Wrapping a towel around my body, I went to check who it was. I looked through the peephole and felt my heart race when I saw Jason standing on the door step.

Quickly unlocking the door, I flung it open, drinking in the sight of him. As always, my breath caught at how devastatingly gorgeous he was. Even dressed down in a grey t-shirt, black jacket and dark wash jeans, he exuded such raw elegance that seemed to come naturally to him.

The smile that touched his face when he saw me sent my heartbeat quickening. I had a feeling I wouldn't ever get used to that sexy as sin smile. His gaze moved over me lazily and I felt my body responding instantly to the heat in his eyes. The thin white towel barely covered my body, the damp material clinging to my curves and I knew he could see through it. "Do you always answer the door in a towel?"

"Only when I know it's you."

"Good." He pulled me up against him as he walked me backwards, kicking the door shut behind him. "I can't stand the thought of any other man seeing you like this."

My stomach fluttered in response to the possessiveness in his tone but then all thoughts fled from my head, when he fisted one hand in my wet hair and brought his mouth down on mine. There was no teasing sweetness or gentleness in the way he kissed me, but his lips were demanding, moving possessively over mine as if he was branding me as his. My knees went weak and I melted against him, aching with a need only he could arouse in me with just a kiss.

Without breaking the kiss, he tugged at the knot securing the towel around me and it fell off my body. He groaned low in his throat and molded my naked body to him, his hands moving over my back, sending shivers through me.

I yanked his jacket off his shoulder and tugged at his t-shirt, desperate to feel him. He obliged, letting go off me to pull it over his head. Then he was picking me up and I wrapped my legs around him, as he carried me into the bedroom.

"Fuck, I've missed you." He said as he laid me on the bed and moved over me. "The past week has been torture not being able to touch you."

I opened my mouth to tell him I had missed him too but all I could do was let out a breathless moan when he started trailing hot open mouth kisses along my jaw, down my neck. He moved lower, his stubble grazing my skin deliciously, his mouth hot on my breasts. I was squirming beneath him. My breathing was coming out in gasps, my fingers pulling at his hair as the desperation heightened.

"Jason." His name was a plea on my lips. "I need you now, please."

"Soon, baby." His teeth tugged at my nipple before trailing kisses down my stomach. My muscles clenched and I cried out when his mouth closed over my wetness. He pushed two fingers in me, his tongue working my clit, teeth gently scraping on the sensitive nub.

He brought me to the edge over and over again until I was sobbing out his name, begging him to end the torture. Then with one stroke of his tongue on my clit, he curled his fingers deep inside me and gave me what I wanted. The orgasm rolled over me, consuming me with its intensity and I arched against his mouth, his name leaving my lips on a sob.

He dragged his mouth away, leaving me shaking and panting on the bed, and quickly discarded his jeans before settling between my legs.

He wrapped one hand around his arousal and rubbed the tip along my wetness. I whimpered in need.

"Now. Please." I gasped out reaching for him.

The corner of his mouth tilted up sexily. "Tell me you've missed me." He pressed his shaft on to my clit, making lazy torturous circles.

"Yes."

He pushed inside, just an inch before withdrawing. I groaned in frustration, my body screaming out in protest and he smirked. "Yes, what?"

I was going crazy with need and he was enjoying my desperation. I wanted to hit him but more than that, I wanted him inside me. "I missed you. So much." My voice was hoarse. "Please, Ja..." My voice trailed off on a cry when he thrust into me in one smooth stroke.

"You feel so good, baby." He groaned, his biceps flexing in strain as he tried to keep himself still inside me. "Ready?"

I nodded, my legs tightening around him. He withdrew slowly and then slammed back into me. He filled me so completely, stretching me. His grip on my hips tightened as he stroked harder, deeper, driving me wild beneath him. My muscles clenched around him and I came hard, crying his name as violent shudders rocked my body.

His mouth came down on me hard and he reached between us, his fingers pressing into my swollen clit. He was merciless as he drove me to another intense orgasm and I screamed into his mouth, lights exploding behind my eyes.

He buried his face in my neck and over the blood pounding in my ears, I heard him groan out my name as he let himself go over. His body was trembling and he slumped over me. All I could do was cling to him as wave after wave of pleasure continued to roll through me.

We lay still like that, our breathing harsh in the silent room. My body was still shaking and it felt like I was boneless.

After sometime, I felt Jason press a kiss to my shoulder before he raised himself up on one elbow. "Okay?" He asked brushing my hair away from my face.

"Perfect." I smiled. "As always."

He grinned and lifted himself off me. When he reached to tug me up, I groaned. "No. I don't think I can move. Ever."

"Okay. Don't move then." He chuckled kissing the tip of my nose.

He disappeared into the bathroom and a few minutes later came back with a wet face towel. Sitting beside me on the bed, he ran it between my thighs, cleaning me up gently. My heart constricted and sudden emotions welled up inside me as I watched him. His sweetness melted my heart every time.

"All done." He said giving me one last wipe. He straightened up and went to discard the towel. "Have you had breakfast?" He asked as he pulled his jeans on.

"No. I'm not hungry."

He frowned but instead of saying anything he went to my wardrobe and pulled out an oversized sweater and a pair of lace panties.

"Sit up."

I raised an eyebrow at his command and he just cocked his in response. Sighing, I did as he told. He flashed me an amused smirk then helped me into the sweater and panties.

"I can do this by myself, you know."

"I know. But I like taking care of you."

His words melted another piece of my heart. I had been trying so hard to not fall for him but he was chipping away at all of my defenses with all of his attention and sweetness.

"What do you want for breakfast?" He lifted me up so I could wrap my legs around him, then started walking. He liked carrying me and now I was used to it.

I tightened my arms around his neck and kissed his temple. "I told you I'm not hungry."

He ignored me and carried me to the kitchen. "How about pancakes?"

"I'm not..."

He cut me off. "I don't care if you're hungry or not. You're going to eat."

"You're so bossy." I grumbled out as he placed me on the kitchen counter.

"I know." He smirked and went to the fridge. He took out eggs, milk, bacon and sausages.

"Do you want help?"

"You hate cooking."

"Yeah, but I can help."

"It's fine, baby. Just tell me where everything is."

Watching a shirtless Jason cook me breakfast was hot as hell. His jeans were low on his hips, flashing me delicious glimpses of his V-cut. With his toned abs and chest on display, I found it hard to look anywhere else.

He had basically ordered me not to move so I sat on the counter, sipping on the coffee he had made me. I put on some music from my phone watched him whisk pancake batter in a bowl. The muscles on his shoulders flexed and it was ridiculous to get turned on just watching him whisk, but I was. He made quite a picture.

"By the way, my parents are having a small party this weekend." He said suddenly. "I want you to accompany me."

I was so shocked I almost choked on my coffee. I remembered him telling me that he had never met a woman he wanted to introduce to his parents.

"Are you sure?" I asked finally.

"Of course. They are dying to meet you."

My eyes widened. "You told them about us?"

He paused, looking at me. "Why wouldn't I? I've met your family. Don't you think it's time you met mine?"

I nodded. "Okay." Hope blossomed in me. The fact that he wanted to introduce me to his parents made me think he was serious about me. That he saw a future for us. Happiness welled inside me but it only lasted for a moment before the doubts rushed in.

He treated me as if I was the center of his world and despite how special that made me feel, I couldn't stop thinking that one day he would get bored. I just couldn't trust him to stay. The fear that he would walk away from me was always there. Every morning I found myself wondering if that was the day he would decide he had had enough of me.

I knew I was falling for him. Hard. And that terrified me. The last time I had given him my heart, he had broken it completely. I knew I couldn't afford to trust him again, because in doing so, I would be giving him another chance to break my heart. But my defenses were crumbling down. The way he acted around me, took care of me, and treated me as if I were the most precious thing to him made it difficult to keep my guard up.

"You alright, baby?" Jason's voice broke my thoughts. He moved closer and cupped my face. "Something's bothering you. What is it?"

I didn't want to tell him. "I'm just thinking."

"About what? Meeting my parents?"

I nodded, feeling guilty for not being honest with him.

"Don't worry. They are going to love you. Just like I..." He stopped abruptly, his body going very still.

I waited for him to finish his sentence but instead, he bent his head down and kissed me. I got distracted immediately and pulled him closer. He moved between my knees and deepened the kiss. It didn't matter that I had him less than half an hour ago, my body was already coming alive, ready for him again. I could never have enough of him.

The smell of something burning hit both of us at the same time and Jason groaned pulling away from me. "You're distracting the chef." He tapped his index finger on my nose and went to the stove. I grinned watching him toss the burned pancake in the trash.

Twenty minutes later, he slid a plate full of bacon, pancakes, sausages and Spanish omelet.

"I can't possibly..."

"You'll eat every bite of it." He cut me off, placing a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice beside my plate.

"Have I mentioned you're bossy?"

He looked amused. "A few times. Now eat."

I polished everything off and pushed the plate away. I was so full I didn't think I could even move. "Happy?" I scowled at Jason.

"That's my girl." He grinned, his dimples flashing, and brushed a kiss on my lips before pouring me a glass of water.

I groaned but drank it all up knowing he wouldn't give up. He had an unhealthy obsession about my eating habits, always making me take full meals instead of binging on junks as I normally did.

We spent the rest of the morning at my place and for lunch he took me out. After that we headed to his penthouse. I wanted to try out the infinity pool and we spent the afternoon doing laps. After that, I sat on a pool lounger, reading a book while Jason sat next to me, his attention on his laptop. A file was open on the small table between our loungers.

I knew if it weren't for me, he would be spending the day at office even though it was Saturday. But ever since we got together, he had been taking the weekends off, choosing to work from home. He even had meetings via video call, instead of attending them in person.

His phone, which was on the table beside the file, started ringing just then. He reached for it, a frown touching his gorgeous face as he glanced at the display. Instead of answering it, he placed it back on the table and went back to working. It was the first time I had ever seen him not take a call and I wondered who was calling.

Just as I turned my attention back to my book, his phone went off again. I glanced at him as he reached for the phone again. Irritation flashed in his eyes and I studied him curiously. "Aren't you going to answer that?"

"No, it's not important." He put the phone on silent and put it back on the table. "Don't worry about it." He flashed me a heart melting smile. Not wanting to pry, I didn't ask him who it was.

A few minutes later, Annie walked over. She was holding a glossy black cordless phone in her hands. "Miss Costas is on the line for you. I offered to take a message but she is adamant that she needs to talk to you urgently." She said giving Jason an apologetic look.

I froze. Why was Delia calling him? Suddenly I realized that the person calling on his cell phone a while ago must also have been her. And when he didn't answer she called his home phone. A thousand questions flooded my mind. What was so important that she needed to talk to him?

Jason gave a reassuring look to Annie. "That's alright, Annie." He put the laptop on the table, took the phone from her and got up. "I'll be right back." He said to me before walking out of earshot. Scorching uncontrollable jealousy filled me. I watched him as he talked to her and to my surprise, he looked pissed off. He listened to what she said then muttered something into the phone before ending the call.

He came back and handed the phone back to Annie who was hovering nearby. I didn't look at him and kept my eyes glued to the book. I didn't want him to see the jealousy in my eyes.

"Kate." He said my name so softly and I finally met his blue eyes. "I can literally see the questions in your head. Go ahead and ask them."

Just because we were involved didn't mean I had the right to question him every time a woman called him. Even if that woman was Delia. "I don't think I have any right to...."

"You're my girlfriend. You have the right to ask me anything you want." He cut me off, his eyes never leaving mine. He extended his hand to me. "Come here."

I hesitated for a fraction of second but took it and walked around the round table until I was at his side. He gently pulled me on to his lap, making me straddle him, and framed the side of my face with his hand. "Go on, tell me what you're thinking."

I took a deep breath. "You said there is nothing going on between you and her."

"There isn't."

"Then why is she calling you? What's so urgent that she had to call your home number?"

To my disbelief, his lips twitched. "You're just too adorable when you're jealous."

I narrowed my eyes at him. "I'm glad you find this amusing." When I tried to move off of his lap he tightened his hold on me.

"I'm sorry." He grinned and then exhaled slowly. "Delia thinks she is still in love with me. I've told her several times that nothing is ever going to happen between us but she just doesn't seem to understand that." A hint of irritation was in his tone.

"Oh."

"Our parents are close friends and we attend the same social functions. So I can't just avoid her." He tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear. "But I assure you, nothing's ever going to happen between me and her. I need you to trust me on that."

"I do." I murmured softly. I believed what he had just said. He couldn't be faking the sincerity I saw in his eyes just now. It was just the future I was uncertain about.

He visibly relaxed and kissed me long and slow. When he drew back, I saw Annie coming towards us with a coffee tray. I tried to get up from his lap but he just pulled me against him more tightly.

I shot him an exasperated look and he smirked. "What? I like how you feel on my lap. I could hold you like this forever."

His trademark smirk was still in place but there was something in his eyes that made me catch my breath. "Are you sure about that?" I tried to joke but the words came out breathless. "Forever is a long time."

"I know." He trailed his lips across my cheek and stopped at my ear, his hot breath sending a shiver up my arm. "But I wouldn't mind spending it with you."