Chapter 10 #2
Jagger’s brows drew together in a scowl.
“My father works hard to get at Kaden’s assets.
Mine too. Fortunately, I’m smarter than him.
” He turned to her. “I know I’m seen as a shallow millionaire playboy, but really that’s my father.
I lived that lifestyle for a few years, but I like to think there’s more to me than that. ”
Chelsea pressed a hand to his cheek. “There is more. You’re kind and generous. You’re a great father.”
Jagger turned away, as if he couldn’t take the compliment. “I’m his nephew.”
“Technically. But you’re his parent. And you’re good at it.”
He looked at her again. “You seem surprised. Well, I guess you would be with my background.”
She wanted to contradict him but couldn’t. He was right. “Do you think you’ll marry and have more kids once this thing is done?”
He shook his head. “I don’t think so.”
“Really? Why?”
He laughed. “You sound horrified by the idea. Not everyone is suited for love and ever after.”
“You don’t think you are?”
“I know I’m not.” He finished off his champagne and poured himself more. He held the bottle to her, but she shook her head.
“Why not?”
He shrugged. “I’m just not.”
She frowned. “That’s not an answer.”
“Well, what makes you think I am?”
The memory of Alexis’s conversation about how Jagger had never been loved came back to Chelsea.
Her heart ached for him. Not just because he hadn’t been loved, but because he seemed to believe he wasn’t worthy of it.
“You’re kind and loving and patient. Someday a woman is going to love you for that, and not just for all this.
” Chelsea motioned to the expansive view only money could obtain.
“What about you, Chelsea? You’re not impressed by all this, but I don’t see you falling head over heels for me.”
She swallowed back her surprise. “Well, it’s a two-way street, right? Someone needs to love you, but you need to love them too.”
His eyes narrowed and stared into hers.
Unable to stand the scrutiny, she looked down and took a sip of her champagne.
“You don’t think I’m capable of love?”
She whipped her head to look at him. “Yes. I see it when you look at Kaden.”
“No. I mean romantic love.”
“I’m sure you’re capable of that if you find the right woman.”
He laughed, but there was a hint of derision in it. A part of her wanted to ask him about it, but she kept her mouth shut.
Mrs. Stanton appeared in the doorway. “Kaden is ready for bed.”
Jagger set his glass on the table. “Shall we go say good night?”
Jagger adjusted the knot on his tie and then turned toward her.
Her breath caught at the sight of him. She’s seen him in a suit for their wedding, but it had been white.
Today he wore a black shirt and suit with a black tie, making him look more like the devil than he ever had.
In all that black, his blue eyes blazed hot and intense.
He was the sexiest man she’d ever seen. She had an impulse to strip him of his dark suit and take advantage of his hot body.
She wanted to run her tongue over him and feel that soft facial scruff on all her most intimate spots.
He cleared his throat, taking her out of her sexual daydream. He was staring at her with a smirk, suggesting he knew exactly what had been running through her mind. “You like what you see?”
“I think if this business thing doesn’t work out, you could make a living as a male model.”
“I modeled for an art class once.”
She nearly groaned as the image of him hot, hard, and naked posing for an art class seared her brain.
“I went out with a bohemian woman who was an art major.”
“You dated a bohemian type?”
He flashed her a grin. “We went out a few times. Sort of friends with benefits. Artistic types are very…creative.”
She wasn’t artistic or creative in or outside the bedroom, which was a reminder why she should stick to her no-touch rule. “Did she get extra credit for bringing you as the model for class?”
He laughed. “You’ll have to ask her. It’s Alexis.”
Her jaw dropped. “Your lawyer?” Chelsea couldn’t decide what was stranger, that the high-class sophisticated woman in the five thousand dollar dress had once been a bohemian type or that Jagger was still friends with her. Did their friendship still include the benefits?
“No.” Jagger shook his head. “Alexis and I don’t engage in bedroom art anymore.”
How’d he know what she’d been thinking?
“I’d be happy to pose for you, though, if you wanted.” He waggled his brows.
“I’m not artistic.”
He grinned. “But you’re athletic.” He bit his lower lip as his gaze blatantly took inventory of her body. Every nerve ending in her body fired with a desire so acute, she nearly launched herself into his arms.
When he stepped toward her, she thought he was going to save her the effort. Oh, Lordy, did he look sexy, his eyes blazing with heat, as he leaned forward and kissed her cheek. “I have to go. Maybe we can discuss indoor exercise when I get back.”
She blinked and wondered how she wasn’t in a gelatinous heap on the floor. With a wink, he exited the bedroom. She shook her head to gather her wits and followed him to the main living area of the penthouse.
“Don’t let your father get under your skin, Jagger.” Mrs. Stanton straightened his tie. A move that caused a tinge of annoyance in Chelsea. She was his wife. Shouldn’t she be the one making sure he was put together and giving him a pep talk? It was a reminder she wasn’t a part of his world.
“I don’t plan to be long. Alexis is coming over this afternoon to take care of some business.”
“We’ll be ready.”
He pushed Mrs. Stanton’s hands away and headed out the door.
Chelsea felt awkward. What was she supposed to do now?
“Can we go to the park now?” Kaden called from where he sat at the table eating his breakfast.
“Let me get my sweater.” Mrs. Stanton made her way to her room.
“Can I tag along?”
Mrs. Stanton stopped. She stared at Chelsea and then Kaden. “Maybe you want to take him since you’re his…well, you know.”
“I don’t know the area.”
“We’ll go together then.”
Chelsea nodded. It was the first time she’d felt like Mrs. Stanton had recognized her place in the family.
“Are you coming too, Miss Chelsea?”
“If that’s okay.”
“Yay!” Kaden jumped down from his chair and ran to her. “I’m gonna show you how high I can swing.”
“I can’t wait.”
Jagger may have felt isolated and alone in Virginia, but at least he didn’t feel like an anvil was crushing his chest as he did when in New York.
As his car approached the Talbot Building, that weight pressed harder and deeper until he could barely breathe.
It’s only once a month, ran like a mantra through his mind as he rode the elevator up to the fiftieth floor.
He’d been fortunate to escape his family’s expectations as the next in line to run Talbot International.
From his birth, he’d been groomed for the job, and he’d towed the line, starting in the mailroom in high school and working his way up during college and following graduate school.
He’d been miserable the entire time. Only when his grandfather had gotten sick and began to make important decisions about his money and assets did Jagger have the opportunity to redesign his life.
Wanting a better childhood for Kaden, Jagger’s grandfather had made provisions, allowing Jagger and Kaden to escape to Virginia.
Jagger’s only commitment to the family business now was a monthly meeting with the board of directors.
His grandfather had ensured him a spot on the board.
Jagger might have been flattered his grandfather felt he had the business acumen, but Jagger knew he was really there to keep his father in check.
He followed through because the business was responsible for over twenty thousand employees. For them, Jagger did his duty.
He let out a breath and rolled his shoulders as the doors opened.
He made a beeline to the conference room, nodding acknowledgements from the staff that greeted him.
When he entered the room, he was glad that not many people had arrived yet, including his father.
It would give him a minute to psyche himself up for the meeting.
“Jagger. How are you?” Marlena Anderson greeted him.
“Marlena.” He took her hand and leaned in to kiss the stylish sixtyish woman on the cheek.
“You’re looking well. That southern air must be doing you good.”
“It is. Thank you.”
She patted his hand and then looked at it. “Is that a ring?”
Jagger followed her gaze to the platinum band on his finger. “Yes.” For the first time since he and Chelsea had married, he felt awkward, nervous even. Was that how Chelsea was feeling?
“My goodness. When did this happen? Who is she?”
He managed a smile, but his chest compressed even more as he prepared to lie. Why it was different now than it had been in Virginia, he didn’t know. Maybe because these were his people. Because they knew him and would question his actions.
“It’s recent and she’s not from here. Not a money family.”
“Really?” Marlena’s pulled brows showed intrigue.
Feeling pressure to justify his marriage, Jagger added, “She’s a smart, beautiful, regular person. And she’s terrific with Kaden.”
Marlena patted his hand again. “That’s wonderful. I’m glad. Is she here in New York with you?”
He nodded. “She’s with Kaden now.”
“You’ll have to bring her to my place tonight. I’m having a little party.”
“I don’t know.” His uncomfortable feeling grew. “We’re actually still on our honeymoon.”
“That is recent. Please. I want to meet the woman who stole Jagger Talbot’s heart. Come tonight.”
“Yes. You should come. What’s this I hear about your heart?”
Jagger flinched at the sound of his father’s disingenuous voice. His father always knew what to say and do, but it was lip service. Jagger suspected his father was actually a sociopath who could act the part but never really cared about people. At the very least, he was a narcissist.