“That sounds perfect, Steph! Call Bev on Monday to set it up. With these two big projects, I think we should hire a temp to help out. I’ve been thinking about adding to the staff anyways. This will give me the opportunity to find the perfect fit for us.”
“Sounds good to me.”
We go over a few more things and call it a night. Standing at our cars, I ask Steph if she has any plans tonight or for the weekend.
“Daniel and I are heading up to the cabin for the weekend.”
“Dammit Steph, why didn’t you say anything? I wouldn’t have asked you to stay.”
“No worries, I’ve been packed since Monday!”
We both laugh and hug each other goodbye.
Driving home and stuck in traffic, I reflect on my day and try to relax. Landing that exclusive was the best thing that’s happened all week. Tonight, the girls and I will celebrate with champagne, steaks on the grill, and lots of dancing. We have a tradition that when one of us has something exciting to share, we dance our asses off in the living room and have a celebratory toast. They are like family and I couldn’t think of anyone that I would rather celebrate with. I finally get home and April is already marinating the steaks and cutting veggies for salad.
“Congratulations Crys! I’m so happy for you! You must be so proud.”
I hang my keys, drop my purse, and give her the biggest hug.
“I am,” I say. “I’ve been waiting on something like this to happen. I know the magazine has been doing well, but this is a game changer.”
Chassity walks in while we’re talking. “What’s up, bitches?”
“Nothing, just waitin’ on your ass to get here so we can get this party started,” I say.
She gives me the finger as we all laugh.
“I’m going to go get changed, be back in a sec,” she says.
“I better get out of this dress too. I’ll be back down in a minute.”
I head upstairs and change my clothes. It’s Friday, we’re hanging out and on top of that, I had an amazing day. I’m on a natural high and I don’t want to come down.
We meet back downstairs and get the party started. Looking at my girls, I realize how lucky I am to have people to share my accomplishments with. They are truly the best friends I’ve ever had. “So, when do you plan on talking to Jeffrey?” April asks.
“Probably this weekend,” I say. “It’s best to get this out in the open and be done with it. Since we’re going to Pure Sin next week, it’s the perfect time for me to be free. Then I can relax and enjoy the atmosphere without worrying about him.”
“I’ve been meaning to ask you about that,” Chassity says. “What do you think is missing from your relationship?”
I tell them how Jeffrey loves making love, but I want to be fucked. I want it sadistic and raw with some pain. I want to feel like I can give everything over to a man and he takes control.
“So, you want someone to beat your ass while he beats up your pussy?” We all bust out laughing.
“No silly girl, I just want some pain with my pleasure. One time while we were making love, Jeffrey bit down on my nipple harder than usual and it felt so good. He apologized, but I was so damn turned on that I fucking came harder than I ever have.”
They both stare at me with wide eyes. I laugh and say,
“Seriously, it was the best and so intense. I knew from that point on that I wanted more. Instead of it turning him on, he started being even more careful. To be honest, I think it scared him.”
“If you think that then, yes, it’s best you end things now and figure this out,” Chassity says.
On that note, we continue with our evening of celebration with good food, drinks, and lots of dancing.
Chapter 4
Crystal
The next morning, I smell the coffee and that’s my cue to move my ass so we can hit the gym. We all have our own gym routine, but on Saturdays we go together and then go to brunch. About an hour later with breakfast smoothies in hand, we head out to Burn Fitness in downtown Santa Monica. This gym is amazing, offering rooftop classes, boxing, and yoga. We love the boxing class because it helps to burn off some steam now and then. We go to the locker room to put our bags away and hit the treadmills for a quick warm up.
“We’re heading over to class,” Chas says.
I’m really making good time and I have a great pace going.
“Ok, I’ll be over in a bit.” I continue my run, deciding to hit the weights after and skip the boxing class today.
“Do you mind if I run next to you?”
I’m speechless as I look over and see the most gorgeous man I’ve ever seen in my life! I stumble over my words as I try to get a simple “yes” out and I lose my footing. I fucking hit the base of the treadmill and my ass flies off the damn thing. He’s at my side in a second. Looking horrified he asks,
“Are you alright?”
“I’m fine unless you want to count full blown embarrassment as an injury.” He has the most beautiful eyes I’ve ever seen. Deep pools of green with gold specks that have me in awe. I’m staring at him like an idiot, not even paying attention to the pain that I’m in. He reaches down and helps me up, being ever so careful and looking me over for injuries.
“I’m Jackson, by the way.”
“I’m Crystal.”
He lets go of my hand and I try to stand on my own. I nearly fall again, but he immediately steadies me. “Ouch! Son of a bitch!”
“Looks like you may have a sprain. Mind if I check?”
“Are you a doctor,” I ask?
“No, I’m a detective, but I’ve seen plenty of injuries to recognize minor things.”
Before I can utter another word, strong, tattooed arms scoop me up and carry me into an empty room and set me down on the mat. Why did it feel right to be in his arms like that? Why do I feel drawn to him as if this is how it should be? It feels so perfect that it’s scary.
“Does this hurt?” he asks, as he presses down on the inside of my ankle.
I let out a half scream, half yelp.
“I guess that means yes. Looks like a minor sprain to me. Alternate cold and warm compresses and take some ibuprofen for inflammation. That should take care of it. Also, stay off of it all weekend. That should help it heal faster.”
“Thank you,” I say.
At that moment, the girls come running in.
“Damn, Crys, are you ok,” April asks?
“Yes, I’m fine, just clumsy as fuck. Jackson, these are my friends April and Chassity. Girls, this is Jackson, my hero.”
Pleasantries are exchanged and there’s a brief awkward silence.
“So, uh, thank you for helping me with my ankle. I’m such a klutz.”
“If it’s any consolation, you have beautiful ankles,” he says.
I stare at him and I’m blushing so hard that my face is hot, and I feel flushed. He has a smile that makes me want to strip naked and lay bare for him. Crystal, get your shit together, I chide myself.
Still more silence.
“Well, nice meeting you Jackson,” April says. “We have to be going now.”