grew broader. “You did ask me to kiss you,” he reminded me hoarsely.
I went into the small bathroom to gather my toiletries. “I asked you to kiss me,” I said in a louder voice so he could hear me. “I didn’t ask you to curl my toes and turn the entire universe upside down.”
That kiss hadn’t been just a simple kiss. It had been like having an orgasmic experience with my clothes on.
I’d been ready to climb up that hard body of his and demand that he fuck me immediately.
I slammed my toiletries bag closed and zipped it before I walked back to my suitcase and shoved it inside.
“Are you really mad because you enjoyed it?” Jax asked in a sensual, low baritone that sent a tingle down my spine, and landed directly between my thighs.
“Yes! No! God, I don’t know,” I said with a low moan. “I completely lost control. I didn’t even notice that the damn press was right on top of us.”
I always did things in a measured, cautious sort of way.
I paid attention to details.
I took a deep breath and let it out. “I shouldn’t have asked you to kiss me. I did one impulsive thing in my entire life, and it ended up being caught on camera. It would probably be a lot safer if I just stuck to my boring old life.”
“But not nearly as much fun,” Jax answered provocatively. “Everything will be fine, Harlow. It won’t be long before the press gets bored and moves on to another story. They always do. I just want you to stay with me so I know you’re safe. I don’t want you to feel like you’re in a fishbowl being watched all the time.”
“Why does it just feel like I’m running from a bunch of bullies?” I asked him in a calmer voice. “I hate that. It’s not like I committed a damn crime.”
“Then pretend that you’re just coming to my place because you want to, and because I invited you to come hang out with me. I know it feels really intrusive, but in this situation, it’s just better to remove yourself from it for the sake of your sanity. Most of the gossip and entertainment press aren’t dangerous, but they’re relentless and annoying. Why deal with that if you don’t have to?” he asked.
I nodded. “You’re right. It’s not a battle I’m going to win. I think I’m about ready.”
The press had been chasing celebrities for stories for a long time. If there was nothing I could do to stop it, I might as well be as comfortable as possible.
Jax moved forward until I could feel his hard body against my back. “Look at me, sweetheart,” he rumbled.
I turned, looked up, and fell into his gorgeous green-eyed gaze.
“Are you okay?” he asked in a concerned tone.
He was doing it again.
Checking in.
Gauging where my emotions were with a single look.
“I’m okay,” I told him honestly.
“You sure?” he asked as he scrutinized my face.
And…my heart melted.
The most difficult Jax to resist was this one, the guy who cared about how I was feeling, and wasn’t afraid to show his concern.
“I think I was just mad because I let them catch me off guard like that. It was slightly mortifying,” I told him honestly. “And I really do hate running away.”
“Unfortunately, this shit is part of my world,” he said, his voice dripping with regret.
My heart ached because I could see how much he hated exposing me to anything that might upset me.
And I hated the guilt I could see all over his face.
He was right. This was part of his world. Maybe they did chase Jax more than his brothers, but Taylor had recently been hounded by the press, too. Once word had gotten out that Hudson might have to be removed from the world’s richest, most eligible bachelor list, everyone wanted to know who had captured him.
If I wanted to be part of Jax’s world in any way, even as a friend, the media interest was something I was going to have to learn to brush off.
If I had to choose between not having Jax in my life at all, or being with him with the media in my face, I’d learn to handle the press.
I lifted my hand and stroked his tight jaw. “Hey, none of this is your fault. I was just venting my frustration,” I told him calmly. “It is part of your world, and it’s nothing I can’t handle. I just