my body. I'm too hyped up." She paused. "Are you sorry you decided to take your break with me?"
He gave her a slow, warm smile that tightened her nerves in a different way. "No. I like talking to you, Maya. There are always surprises."
"Not always good ones. I like talking to you, too." She paused, feeling an irresistible urge to burn off all her energy in a very specific way. "But there's something else going on here—between us."
"What do you mean?" he asked warily.
"Do I have to spell it out?"
"Maybe you should."
"I'm attracted to you," she said boldly. "I think maybe you feel the same way. Are you one of those guys who has to make the first move?"
"Are you one of those women who talks more than she acts?"
"Probably," she admitted. "But not tonight." She wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her mouth against his.
Chapter Ten
Maya wasn't sure what she intended to do with the kiss, but it turned out she wasn't in the lead position for long. Jax's arms came around her waist, and he pulled her up hard against his chest. He angled his head, taking the kiss deeper, and delicious shivers ran up and down her spine. She threaded her fingers through the hair at the back of his neck, parting her lips to his, wanting the kiss to connect them in all the ways she needed to be connected.
"Damn," he muttered, finally lifting his head to look into her eyes. "I wasn't expecting that."
"Sometimes it's good to be surprised." She licked her lips, already missing his mouth. His gaze darkened in the dusky shadows of the night, tiny beads of light dancing in his eyes.
"I need to get back to work," he murmured.
"Has it been ten minutes already?"
"I don't know. I lost track of time." His hands slid down to her hips, holding her against his body, and she was very aware of his hard, muscular form. He looked into her eyes, and it suddenly felt like he was conflicted.
"If you have to go…" she began.
"I have to go. I just don't want to go."
She smiled at his words. "I feel the same way. I wasn't sure you did. After the way you tried to avoid me earlier, I thought I had imagined this thing between us."
"No, you didn't imagine it. I've wanted to kiss you since I found you wandering in the hallway yesterday."
"Was that only yesterday?"
"Yes. Time seems to run away when you and I are together." He paused as voices came from the path.
"That sounds like Sylvia," she said with a frown.
"She can't see me here with you," Jax said abruptly, grabbing her hand and dragging her off the path and into the trees.
"What's wrong?" she whispered as they huddled in the darkness.
"Sh-sh."
She stayed silent as Sylvia stepped onto the deck with Ryland Jagger.
"What are we doing out here, Ryland?" Sylvia demanded. "I'm busy."
"David is blackmailing me."
Maya stiffened at Ryland's words and exchanged a quick look with Jax, then turned her focus back to the couple on the deck.
"That's crazy," Sylvia said, shock in her voice. "What are you talking about?"
"David left photos of me and Victoria in my car," Ryland said tersely. "We were at my beach house yesterday."
"You're having an affair with Victoria? Are you stupid?" Sylvia's words were full of disgust and annoyance.
"She came on to me, and she's beautiful," Ryland said. "What was I supposed to do?"
"Not what you did. My God, how stupid are you?"
"My relationship with Victoria is none of your business. You need to rein your son in."
"How do you know David left the photos in your car?"
"I gave him my keys."
"There are three other valets who can access the vehicle."
"It's David, Sylvia. You have a blind spot when it comes to your son, but you know I'm telling the truth. You know he takes my car when I bring it to the club. You need to put a stop to this now."
"I'll take care of it. Don't give it another thought. Destroy the photos."
"I already have, but if he has copies—"
"They'll be destroyed as well, but you need to stop sleeping with Victoria. Alexander is not a man to mess with."
"She's like a drug. I'm addicted to her," he whined. "She's not happy with him."
"She'll never leave him, and you are playing with fire. Go home. I'll handle David."
"You better, or—"
"Or what? Don't threaten me, Ryland," Sylvia said sharply. "We go way back. I know far more of your secrets than this