Dangerous Pursuit (The Pursuit #3)

14 Promises

PROMISES

Mia

I ’m an official adult. The smile on my face as soon as I open my eyes may have to do with a certain someone who wouldn’t touch me until I was eighteen. He said if I still wanted to kiss him on my birthday, he’d have a surprise for me. I’ve never been more excited for a surprise in my life. Will he call me into his office and kiss the living daylights out of me? Because that, I’ve decided, is my birthday wish.

When I get downstairs to the kitchen, my mom is setting a plate of chocolate chip pancakes on the table. A cup of coffee is already waiting, and there’s a present next to my plate. Mom looks up to see me and beams.

“Happy birthday, mija! I can’t believe this is it. And look at you—I swear you look ten years older today. It’s like you blossomed overnight.” Good thing I wasn’t sipping my coffee; I might have choked at the reference to ten years older.

She comes over and envelops me in a huge hug.

“I’m pretty sure I look the same as yesterday, but thanks, Mom.”

“Not to me, you don’t. Knowing you’re not my baby anymore is hard to grasp.” She holds me at arm’s length and looks me up and down, tearing up.

“Don’t cry. Nothing is different than yesterday.”

“Well, I don’t know about that. You seem, I don’t know, older somehow. I’m glad to see you dressing up on your birthday. Now come, sit down. I made your favorite breakfast, and I want you to open your present.”

I wonder if she’s just being a typical mom or if I really do look older today with the clothes I’m wearing and the extra bit of makeup I did—not a lot, just a hint more to freshen up my look. I want Jackson to see me as an adult and let go of all the ways he’s been holding back.

“Thank you, Mom. I kind of figured that once I finished school, you’d stop making birthday breakfasts.”

“It’s tradition, and as long as you’re home, I’ll never stop. Let’s eat so you can open your present.”

We serve up and start digging in, but I can’t help but ask, “Do you think my outfit or makeup is too much?”

I’m in a blush cotton wrap dress that cuts low in the front and ends midthigh. It’s professional but also transitions to dinner, which I was going for since I’ll probably meet my mom at the restaurant after work.

“I think you look beautiful, Mia. That color goes great with your skin tone, and I don’t think your makeup is overdone at all. It makes you look more mature. I’d tell you if I thought otherwise.” She smiles at me, and I know she’s telling the truth.

“Okay, I just don’t want to look like I’m trying too hard.”

“Mia, honey, you don’t have to try. You’re beautiful just the way you are, but there’s nothing wrong with adding a little oomph. Just don’t get carried away.”

“You know I wouldn’t. So, what time are we meeting at the restaurant for dinner tonight, or do you want me to come home first?” My mom made reservations weeks ago at one of the best steakhouses in town. I told her not to pick somewhere so pricey, but she insisted. It came highly recommended by none other than Jackson’s parents.

“I’ll meet you there. I’m finishing up early today to come home and get ready. I’m so excited to celebrate your big day. All right, open your present now, honey.”

Picking up the small square box, I remove the bow and slowly unwrap it, lifting the lid to a pair of gold nightingale earrings with blue gemstones for the eyes. “Mom, they’re beautiful.”

“They match the necklace I got you for graduation. Aren’t you glad they’re not M I can take it, but I don’t want to at this point, since I’m head over heels already.

When I reach the desk, my phone buzzes in my purse, and I pull it out to look.

Walker: Happy birthday! Have a good morning, birthday girl. I’ll see you at noon!

Mia: Thanks, Walker. Can’t wait!

I send my text with a bra and underwear emoji and get a laughing emoji in return, which makes me giggle.

“Is that my giggling little girl?”

My belly dips at hearing his sexy voice, and I look up to see Jackson wearing a sultry smile. Okay, it wasn’t my imagination.

“Try that again since I’m an adult today.”

“We can always pretend.” Damn . How can four words make me so hot? “Happy birthday, beautiful. I missed you last night.” He leans down to kiss my forehead. “Did you have a good morning?”

It would be better if you’d kiss my lips instead.

However, I keep my thoughts to myself. “I did. My mom made my favorite breakfast and gave me a pair of earrings.” I turn my head to show him.

Pushing my hair back, he runs his fingers along the skin behind my ear, continuing to my neck, and then farther down my chest along the top of my dress, ending at the V between my breasts before pulling back.

For crying out loud, kiss me already.

“They’re beautiful, just like you,” he says while staring at my chest.

All I manage is a gulp in between the panting I can’t seem to control. That desire meter is about to blow.

“Do you like birds?” he asks, jolting me from my stupor.

“Huh?”

He smirks. “Your earrings?”

“Oh… right. They’re for my middle name, Nightingale.”

“Mia Nightingale Marcos. I like it.”

“Yeah, well, my initials are MNM, so there’s that.” He laughs heartily. “My parents thought it was cute and would get me M it’s about keeping my remaining willpower intact. I’m waiting until tonight to make my move and hope she ends up a fraction as pent up as I’ve been for the last several weeks. Her attempt at provoking me was adorable and didn’t go unnoticed, which was why walking away before the current bulge in my pants became any more visible was necessary.

It’s going to be a long day. I’ll have to get out of the office for some of it if I want half a chance at keeping my hands to myself. That dress she’s wearing… fuck. It would be so easy to undo the tie around it and unveil what’s underneath. And Christ, those heels? She’s making this more difficult than I expected. I already have a plan, though, and I’ll be damned not to see it through.

I’m barely through last night’s emails when there’s a soft knock on my door. “Come in,” I call out.

Mia enters holding a file and shuts the door, giving me pause, but I’m too distracted while checking her out from top to bottom to overthink it. Not a day goes by that I don’t find her attractive, but today she shines. From the dress, heels, and something else I can’t quite place, she looks different, which is probably a figment of my imagination since it’s finally the day I’ve been waiting weeks for.

“We need to review your schedule and go over a few messages,” she says.

“Sounds good, shoot.”

She sets the file on the desk and then continues around it.

“Mia, what are you doing?” I sit back and turn to face her.

She doesn’t answer. Instead, she climbs onto my lap and straddles me with her knees on the chair. Fuck. Me. I am a dead man. My hands can’t help but reach for her hips, squeezing them.

“I thought you said you’d have a surprise for me on my birthday. I’m sick of waiting.” She gives me the most adorable pout.

“You told me you didn’t like surprises, remember?”

“I’ve decided I like your surprises.” Her smile… God, I’m in so much trouble.

“Mia, I’m hanging on by a thread here. This wasn’t how I planned to do things.” It’s taking all my willpower to refrain from mauling her.

“What will it take to snap that thread? Because I think your plan needs revising.” She reaches around and tugs my hair as she whispers in my ear. “I’m still your little girl, Jackson.”

“Fuck it.” I grab her face and slam my mouth to hers.

It’s explosive. We’re both so hungry for this, devouring each other hard and fast, our mouths melding together, fighting for more. Our collective moans fill my office as I grab the back of her hair while my other hand moves to palm her breast. God, it feels fucking amazing, but it’s not enough.

I reach inside her dress, under her bra to come skin to skin, and my dick jerks at the feel of pure perfection. The moan she releases is music to my ears. I rub her nipple with the pad of my thumb over the hard pebble before pinching it.

“Jackson,” she squeals. Her hips begin to grind back and forth over my throbbing erection.

Fuck. For the love of everything holy.

“Mia. Wait.” I pull my hand from her dress and lean back to look at her. She’s a siren with glassy eyes and swollen lips parted from panting, her hair disheveled from my grip. “You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to do that, and I swear, I wouldn’t take it back for the world. But let’s take it easy. I’m afraid if we keep this up”—I draw her attention downward to the bulge she’s sitting on—“I won’t be able to stop.”

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that,” she says in shame and tries to rise, but I hold her in place and tip her chin up with my finger.

“You did nothing wrong. The problem is that everything you do is perfect. Your noises, your touch, your body… fuck, Mia, it’s incredible. You are incredible.” I lean forward and give her a chaste kiss on her lips. “And that’s why I want to do this right. I promise you won’t be disappointed if you’ll just be patient.”

She gives me a slight smile. “There’s another one of your promises.”

“And I told you I don’t break my promises, so will you trust me?”

She groans and leans her head on mine. “I guess so, but it’s my birthday, which means I’m supposed to get what I want.”

I laugh at her petulance. “Ah, there’s my little girl. Remember, sweetheart, all good things come to those who wait.”

“Screw you and your words of wisdom.” She climbs off my lap, and I slap her ass as she turns to walk away.

“Screwing is for later, Mia.”

“Ugh. I take it back—your surprises suck.” She’s about to leave but stops at the threshold. “Don’t forget, Walker will be here at noon to meet you,” she says over her shoulder before stomping out and slamming the door, causing me to bark out in laughter.

Where the hell did that wildcat come from? Apparently, I made some headway this weekend, but I still need to make sure she knows I’m not just in this for the sex. If that were the case, I would have had her bent over the minute she came around the desk. And although I’m planning for that in the near future, it’s not where I want us to start. She means more to me than just a quick fuck.

It was almost impossible to stop, but I’ve waited this long; what’s a little longer? I certainly wasn’t expecting Mia to make the first move. She took me by surprise, and damn did she bring out the big guns, saying she’s my little girl. Fuck, I’m hard just thinking about it.

A text lights up my screen, snapping me from my thoughts.

Braden: We still on for tonight?

Me: Yeah, see you at six.

Eli: I’ll be there.

Braden: See you fools later.

Dinner with the guys will keep me occupied while Mia celebrates with her mom tonight. The wait would’ve been difficult as it was, but now that I’ve had a taste, every minute is going to be torture. I’ll probably get a ton of shit, but fuck it, I don’t care. I’m officially whipped, and I’m on board with that.

Looking at my watch after going through the list from this morning, I see that Walker will be here in ten minutes. I’ve been looking forward to this visit to discuss what’s happening with Mia and whether he knows anything or not. It’s doubtful, but one can hope.

Mia’s voice sounds through the intercom. “Walker just got here. Is it a good time, or are you busy?”

“I’m good, Mia. Come on in.” I chuckle at hearing the hopefulness that I was too busy. Is she worried I won’t like Walker or that he won’t like me?

I’m coming around the desk when the door opens to Mia with Walker trailing behind. I meet them halfway, noticing the look of trepidation on Mia’s face, and reach out to shake his hand.

“You must be Walker. I’m Jackson. It’s good to finally meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

His grip is firm in return as he looks me in the eyes. “Yeah, likewise.”

“Mia, would you mind giving Walker and I a few minutes to talk? Man to man.”

She scrunches her eyes as if my request is crazy and then narrows them in accusation like she’s got me figured out.

“I’ll be good. Just thought I’d give him a chance to grill me without you here.”

“It’s fine, Mia. I’ll only be a few minutes, and then we’ll go,” Walker says and gives her a wink. If I didn’t already know he was gay from my prior conversation with Mia, we’d be having a different kind of talk.

“Fine. Hurry up, though. I’m hungry. And you,” she points to me, “be nice.” I give her the Scout’s honor sign before she leaves.

“So, you and Mia, huh?” Walker starts in right away.

“Yeah, I guess it sort of snuck up on us.”

“Well, from what I’ve heard, you’ve treated her like shit until last week. What’s your angle? She’s eighteen today, so what? You think you’re free to get in her pants now?” He stands with his arms crossed, accusation written all over his face.

“That’s a fair question, and I deserve it,” I said, then proceeded to explain the same as I did for Mia.

I sigh before continuing. “Listen, Walker, I like her a lot. As in, I’m all in at this point. I’ve been fighting it for weeks, but everything seemed to fall into place when I finally stopped resisting. I’m not just trying to get laid. Hell, I’ve been trying not to.” I laugh at my internal joke. “I’ll do whatever Mia wants, and if that’s to take things slow, then that’s what we’ll do.”

“Look, Mia’s my best friend, and I don’t want to see her taken advantage of. I haven’t seen her this into anyone, so I’m only going to say this once: if you hurt her, I’ll hurt you.” That’s as good an opening as any.

“Glad to hear she has someone in her corner, but it won’t come to that. Speaking of hurting her, do you know about anyone who might be trying to do that?”

He narrows his eyes. “No. Why?”

“I don’t know exactly, but I’ve been noticing things. Like the poker games she’s attending. They’re not safe. Why is she putting herself in those situations when she has a good-paying job?”

“Mia’s been playing poker for as long as I remember, but only online until last year when she started with live ones. That’s for her to say why she’s playing. I haven’t noticed anything unusual other than what happened on Friday. She was lucky you were there to step in. So, how did you know where she was?”

Mia opens the door, halting our conversation. “Seriously, can we go now? Geez, you’ve been in here forever. Are you all caught up on the last eighteen years or what?”

Walker turns back to me. “We’ll have to finish that conversation next time,” he says pointedly.

Or we won’t. “Sure. It was nice meeting you, Walker. Enjoy lunch, you two.”

“Oh yeah, can I steal Mia for an extra half hour today? We have some shopping to do.” He smirks as she punches him in the arm.

“Sure, don’t rush. Take all the time you need. Mia, I may be out when you get back, but I’ll leave a note if I need anything.”

“Oh. Okay. I guess I’ll see you tomorrow,” she says dejectedly. Her disappointment kills me, but I remind myself it’ll be worth it later.

“Happy birthday, Mia. Enjoy dinner with your mom. Oh, and text me if anything comes up this afternoon?” I say, half tempted to give in and tell her that I’ll see her later.

“Yeah, okay,” she says before walking out.

Walker’s eyeing me curiously, and I smirk, giving him a wink to indicate there’s something up my sleeve.

With a dawn of understanding and a nod of his head, he follows her out.

As soon as they leave, I clean up my desk and grab my keys to head out. After a meeting with some potential investors, I’m picking up a few more things for tonight. I want it to be perfect—not only because it’s her birthday but because tonight is important. It’s time to take this to the next level but also prove how special she is.

We’re wrapping up dinner, and I’m waiting for the text signaling that Mia and her mom are almost finished with their meals. I was able to get everything ready to bring her back to my place tonight, but first, I’m stopping by for a surprise visit to introduce myself to her mom. Conveniently, the restaurant I’m at is around the block from theirs.

“So, tonight’s the big night, huh?” Braden asks, clinking his drink against mine. I indulge him in the mock toast, with Eli joining in.

“It is. I’m just not sure how big it’ll be,” I respond, knowing we may not end up in bed tonight. I won’t pressure her, no matter how badly I want it.

“Ah, buddy, I didn’t know you had a size problem. Too bad it doesn’t match up to the rest of you,” Eli jests.

“Fuck you, man. Look at my hands. I guarantee it does. I’m just not sure we’ll end up there tonight, that’s all.”

“Seriously, dude? You’ve been hard for this girl for months, and now that you can have her, you’re gonna keep it in your pants? Who are you, and what have you done with Jackson?” Braden wouldn’t know how to keep it in his pants if his life depended on it.

“She means a lot to me. I’m not just in it for the sex, so if it doesn’t happen tonight, that’s okay. Hopefully, there’ll be plenty more opportunity.”

“Shit, so we’ve lost you, then. Well, here’s to you and me, Eli. Looks like we’re the last holdouts.” Braden and Eli tap their beers together and take a drink.

Perfect timing for my phone to buzz, signaling it’s time to go.

“All right, guys, I’m outta here.”

“Good luck, man. We’ll see you on the other side,” Eli quips.

“Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” Braden says.

“Yeah, okay. See you guys later,” I say and turn to go, but Braden keeps talking.

“Meaning, I wouldn’t leave a girl hanging. Go get yourself laid, man.”

I flip him the bird on my way out.