Chapter 24
Chapter Twenty-Four
Jackson
I finished signing off on some paperwork when my phone rang, and Leon was calling.
“Hello, Leon. I hope you have good news for me?”
“I do, Jackson. Can you come to my office around two o’clock? And by the way, I would prefer two million cash.”
“Come on, Leon. It’s going to take some time to get that much in cash.” I sighed.
“It’s only nine o’clock, Jackson. You can get it within the next five hours. Just work your magic with the bank like your father always did.”
I leaned back in my chair. I was now aggravated.
“Fine. I’ll see you at two o’clock.”
I ended the call and immediately dialed Walter Simmons, the bank manager with whom my father and I had a good relationship over the past several years.
“Walter Simmons,” he answered.
“Walter, it’s Jackson Caine.”
“Hey there, Jackson. What can I do for you?”
“I need to withdraw two million dollars, and I need it in cash by two o’clock.”
“You know we need at least twenty-four-hour notice for that.”
“I know, but it’s something that just came up. It’s a deal I’m working on, and cash is the only option.”
“Be here at one fifteen, and I’ll make sure it’s ready.”
“Thanks, Walter.”
“No problem, Jackson.”
Was all of this worth it? If it was anyone else, absolutely not. I was only doing this so she could expand. She had a plan, and I trusted her. The worst thing she could do was let me down. After grabbing lunch, I went to the bank, collected my money, and headed to Leon’s office.
“Have a seat, Jackson.” He waved his hand to the chair across from his desk. “Emily called me today and inquired about the space next door to her shop. I told her that the two buildings were sold, and she’d have to talk to the new owner.”
“Did you tell her I was the one who bought them?” I asked.
“No. I saved that part for you. I just said that they’d be in contact soon.” He smirked. “I need your signature here and on the next three pages.”
“Is there a reason for this private transaction?” I arched my brow at him.
“Nah. Sometimes private business is best.”
I signed the contracts and handed him over the briefcase with the two million dollars.
“Your father would say you were being foolish,” Leon spoke.
“It doesn’t matter what my father would say. It’s my company.”
“Well, thanks for your business.” Leon held out his hand. “And good luck with the buildings.”
“Thanks, Leon.”
The caterers were occupying my kitchen, prepping for the party that was to take place in two hours. The bartender was scheduled to arrive at any moment, and the bakery had just delivered the cake. I wanted this night to be perfect for Jules. I planned to invite Jules and Carter over to have a home-cooked meal at my place instead of going out. She wouldn’t think twice about it since we sometimes did it. I hadn’t talked to Emily since Thursday night and wanted to ensure she was still coming, so I texted her.
“Don’t forget, my place, five sharp.”
“I haven’t forgotten, and I may just be there a little before five.”
A smile crossed my lips.
“You can come anytime you want. In fact, I’ll send Edward over to pick you up now. You can bring your things and get ready here.”
“Are you sure?”
“Positive.”
“All right. Then send Edward on his way.”
I had found myself thinking about her yesterday, and even though I tried not to, I couldn’t stop my mind from wandering back to her. Even when I was at the bar with Samuel last night, I kept thinking about her, which was something I didn’t do. And it wasn’t even sex I was thinking about. It was just her.
The bartender arrived and started to get things set up when I heard the elevator doors open and Emily’s voice calling my name.
“Mr. Caine, Emily Wade has arrived and needs your assistance.”
I chuckled as I walked into the kitchen and found her standing there, holding a garment bag in one hand and a small suitcase in the other.
“Good afternoon, Miss Wade.” I stood and stared at her in her gray sweatpants, matching zip-up hoodie, hair in a high ponytail, and no makeup on her face. Fuck, she looked adorable.
“Would you mind taking this suitcase upstairs for me?” she asked.
“It would be my pleasure.” I grabbed it from her hand.
When we reached my bedroom, I put the heavy suitcase on the bed.
“Are you moving in or something?” I smirked.
“No.” She laughed. “Since I’m getting ready here, I had to bring my makeup and my clothes for tomorrow.”
“You couldn’t just bring one of those small cosmetic bags for your makeup?”
“I need options, Jackson.” She smiled as she unzipped the suitcase and took out a large black trunk full of makeup.
I followed behind as she took it into the bathroom and opened it up.
“I still have to shower,” I spoke.
“Go ahead. I’m just going to be putting on my makeup.”
“You showered already?” I asked.
“Yes,” she replied as she dabbed foundation all over her face.
“Damn. I was hoping you’d take one with me,” I spoke as I started the shower and stripped out of my clothes.
She didn’t say a word, but I caught her glancing at my naked body through the mirror. She pretended she wasn’t looking, but I knew she was. My cock was starting to get hard just knowing she was doing it. Stepping into the shower, I thought about the right time to tell her that I was her new landlord and that I approved of her expanding the shop.
When I stepped out of the shower, she glanced at me as I wrapped the towel around my waist.
“Were you just staring at my naked body?” I smirked.
“No.”
“Yes, you were.” I slowly walked up from behind and kissed her neck.
She let out a soft moan. “Okay, maybe I was. If you weren’t so sexy, I wouldn’t have to look.”
“You think I’m sexy?” My lips continued to graze her neck.
“Yes.” She moaned.
“Is this sexy?” I pushed myself against her, letting her feel the hardness of my cock on her back.
“Very sexy.”
I pulled down her sweatpants and panties and gripped her beautiful round ass as tight as I could. A low moan escaped her. My fingers slid across her slick spot, feeling the excitement that was already there. While my one hand focused on her lower half, my other reached around and unzipped her hoodie, revealing only a pink satin bra underneath.
“Fuck. I didn’t know you weren’t wearing a shirt under there.”
“Surprise.” She smiled.
I couldn’t wait any longer. My cock was throbbing and needed to be buried inside her. Turning her around, I lifted her on the counter, slid her hoodie off her shoulders, and quickly unclasped her bra, tossing it on the bathroom floor. Her hands reached out and took off my towel and then softly stroked me to the point I thought I was going to already come. Bringing her to the edge, I grabbed her legs and forced them around my waist while I thrust inside her, moving in and out rapidly. She leaned back, her hands planted firmly on the counter as the sounds that escaped both our lips intensified. My fingers gripped her ass as I lifted her from the counter and took her over to the wall. Our lips locked tightly together until she gasped, and her legs tightened around me while she came. The buildup for me was there, and my cock was ready to explode. One more thrust and I buried myself deep inside and strained while I blew everything I had inside her.
“Wow.” She smiled brightly.
“Wow, is right.” I kissed her lips.
I set her down, and she stood with her back to the wall and didn’t move.
“Are you okay?” I laughed.
“I’m fine. I need a minute for my wobbly legs to catch up with the rest of my body.”