Chapter Twelve
Zoe
The second I see my mom; I grab her arm and haul her over to the side of the hallway. The atrium windows overlook the crystal blue sky and ocean, momentarily making me forget that I’m angry. What I wouldn’t give to stay in paradise and pretend Jace and I were a real couple enhancing our already amazing relationship–just because.
Right. My mom and Landon. I cross my arms over my chest. “Why are we here?”
“Because you dragged me away from everyone and into the atrium.” She glances around the room at the potted plants, lounge chairs, and other intimate seating arrangements. “And it’s beautiful, isn’t it?”
“Yes, it is. But you know that’s not what I meant. Why are you and Landon at a marriage boot camp? Is something wrong? Did he cheat?” I know it isn’t true, but I’m hoping to shatter her resolve and force her hand. I want the truth this time.
“That’s ridiculous.”
“Is it?” I tilt my head and study her as color stains her cheeks.
“Yes, it is. Landon wouldn’t cheat on me. I can’t believe you even said that. Not after everything with your father.”
“And it’s ridiculous that you’re at a resort for married couples on the brink of divorce and dragging me around, forcing me to participate. Especially since you and Landon couldn’t be more in love.”
“You’re right.” She glances around, looking to see if anyone is listening in on our conversation. “Okay, here’s the deal, my boss is thinking about buying the resort, and he wanted to know everything about it, from the way the staff interacted to the programs they present, but he didn’t want them to know who he is or that they were being monitored, so he sent me. He’s paying for the trip and wanted me to recruit some people or couples to go through everything as if they were paying customers.”
“Oh….” I straighten and drop my arms to my sides. “Why didn’t you say that in the first place?”
“I told Landon we were here as an anniversary present, and that I won the top prize in a contest.” Her face flushes as she slips a strand of hair behind her ear.
“So, he doesn’t know either?”
“No.” She grabs my upper arm as the bracelets on her wrist clink together. “You’re the only one that knows, and you can’t screw this up. I’ve got to come back to my boss with a completely authentic review of the resort. Can you go along with everything and help me out? I’d appreciate it.”
“Of course.” I’d do anything for my mom. She’s been my biggest supporter and best advocate throughout all my life.
When I played sports or sang in the choir, she was there in the front row with her video camera or cell phone, recording the activity. And why was she recording everything? Because my dad was too busy to come. He was too busy for…. everything. But then she met Landon. He’s never put work or anything before her. Like right now. He’s standing several yards away, watching her every move with eyes that light up when they meet hers. And my dad is absent. Arriving later. Always later.
“Thank you, dear.” She leans over and kisses my cheek. “I’m so glad you’re my daughter. I love you, Zayden, and Zorya so much.” Her eyes darken as thoughts of Zayden and the dangers of his job take some of the joy out of her exotic getaway.
“Mom.” I wrap my arms around her, absorbing her slight tremor. “He’ll be fine. He’s a smart man, and while he takes risks, they’re calculated for safety. He also has a great team around him.” I frown and wrinkle my nose. “Where is Zorya? I hope she’s not stuck in the room with nothing to do.”
“They claim to have amazing programs here for children.” My mom smiles. “So, she’s unknowingly checking out those activities for me.”
Our instructor steps outside the conference room door. “Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time to return.” She shifts her weight from one foot to the other in a way that makes her look like she’s floating. Her outfit is flowing and comfortable, accentuating her curves, but still manages to leave her looking elegant.
My mom chuckles as she gives me a quick squeeze and steps back. “When did you grow up and become the mom?” Her eyes dance with humor, and then she frowns. “When are you going to get married and start a family? You know I’m not getting any younger.”
“Mom…. Are you serious, right now?” I groan and walk side by side with her back toward our room. “Let’s not talk about a baby, right now. This is not the time or place to have this conversation.”
“Fine,” she huffs. “But don’t think for one second that I’m not excited and ready for the future. Including that first grandchild.”
Jace steps out of the opposite hallway where he’d been out of view while sliding his cell phone into the pocket of his swim shorts. His face is pale, and as we near, his jaw flexes. Why is he upset? It’s not like he’s getting the third degree from my mom. I brush past him and into the room. The lights have been dimmed even lower, and the music is a sensual beat that drums through your veins.
Next to the pillows, small tables have been added. On top of the tables are silver trays of grapes, cheese, other fruits, and melted chocolate. For fuck’s sake, we’re really going to feed each other grapes. The urge to bolt surges through me, but I tamp it down. This is for my mom and all the times she listened to screeching instruments and watched kids shooting baskets in the wrong team’s hoop.
Once we’ve washed our hands, we get settled next to each other, and Jace rolls his shoulders, looking like he’s facing execution. “What’s wrong with you?”
“Nothing,” he mutters.
“That’s bullshit.” I’m going to club him over the head. He’s acting like I did something to him, which I did not. I cross my arms over my chest and glare. “Spill it?”
“It’s nothing.” His jaw is so tight I’m shocked when I don’t hear his teeth snap off at the gumline.
“Okay, love birds, we’re going to feed each other now.” Her singsong voice makes me want to hurl the tray of food at her, so I can use the platter to knock the fuck out of Jace.
I snatch up a square of cheddar cheese and lift it to my mouth.
“No, dear. You’re feeding Jace.” She smiles as she approaches us with a sugary sweetness to her tone. “And Jace’s going to suck it out from between your fingers as you stare into each other’s eyes. It’s important for strained couples to regain that intimate connection.”
I inhale and lick my lips as the other couples eagerly participate, and the room zips with electricity. His blue eyes meet mine, and I melt into a puddle of desire and longing. Why can’t this be reality?
Why? Because. He. Doesn’t. Like. You.
I lift my arm and place my fingers above his mouth. His lips are perfect. I want to drop the cheese into his mouth, climb onto his lap, and kiss him until every obstacle that keeps us apart is gone. But his eyes are hooded, and there’s anger, not longing, in his expression.
“You’re an asshole,” I mutter and release the cheese, letting it bounce off his upper lip.
He grabs my wrist and holds it tight, leaning in until no one else can hear us. “I thought you said you weren’t seeing anyone. Are you with the guy?”
“With what guy?”
“The one who got you pregnant.” The deep growl in his throat sends a quiver down my spine. “Is it your boss?”
“I’m not seeing anyone. And no one got me pregnant.” My heart thunders in my chest. With each thump, it feels like my heart is going to explode through my skin.
“Then what was your mom talking about in the hallway?”
His breath fans the loose strands of hair by my ear, and my nipples instantly tent through the fabric of my bikini top. His eyes drop to the tiny pebbles, and he swallows. Fuck. There’s no denying it. We’re both walking on a slippery slope. He may not like me, but he wants me. The question is, are either of us willing to risk the explosion and subsequent fallout.
“She wants me to get married and have grandchildren. I told her, like I always do, to slow down, and I’ll be ready when I’m ready.”
“I see.” The tension in his body shifts from anger to another emotion that feels suspiciously like lust, but he vibrates all the same.
“Switch,” Elise calls out.
Without blinking, Jace grabs a strawberry from the tray and lays it against my lips. “Open up.”
Jesus. I groan and open my lips, giving him access to my mouth. If he’d say the word, I’d allow him to explore every crevice and curve of my body. He tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. “You have a gorgeous mouth. It fits the rest of you perfectly.”
“Thank–” He drops the strawberry to my mouth, and I wrap my lips around it with his fingers still clutching the fruit.
“Take it.” His nostrils flare as I suck the fruit from his fingertips. When the tip of my tongue touches his skin, he growls, and the rest of the room fades away.
He smells of cedar and spices, and I want to run my hands through his hair and travel my tongue along his stubborn jawline.
One corner of his mouth rises as he shakes his head. “The forbidden fruit. It’s always so tempting.” He slips his fingers free, and his hand drops to his lap. “But is it only tempting because it’s forbidden? Those things that are always bad for you, but you can’t help but want them anyway? A filthy mistake. A tempting, filthy mistake. Like a drug that you can’t quit.”
His words are like a bucket of ice doused over my head. “Rest assured. This piece of fruit won’t be plucked by someone who doesn’t respect her and equates her value with a drug to be avoided. I’m not something to objectify. And if you think I am, you’re the one with the problem. Not me.” I leap up from the floor and speedwalk through the room while blinking back tears.
No matter what happens, he’ll never see me as something besides a thing to avoid. To ward against. Or a weakness to regret. A filthy mistake. I don’t want those things. I want to be someone’s queen. And it’s time to stop settling for less.