Beneath This Man

‘How’s your hand?’

‘It would be fine if I didn’t keep smashing it into things.’ he answers dryly.

I wriggle free of his embrace. ‘Let me see.’ I sit up on his lap and he pulls his hand from behind me to rest between our bodies. I gingerly take it. He doesn’t wince, but I flick him a quick glace to check his face isn’t pained.

‘I’m fine.’ he assures me.

‘You smashed the elevator door.’ I say, stroking his recovering fist. It’s in a million pieces and I expected his hand to be too, but it’s not as bad as I thought it would be.

‘I was really mad.’

‘You already told me that. What about the hijacking of my office this afternoon? Where you crazy mad then?’ Perhaps I should disregard his little hissy fit, especially since I’ve just thrown a woman out of his office.

‘Yes, I was,’ He narrows his eyes on me, but then he grins. ‘A bit like you were just now.’

‘I wasn’t mad, Jesse.’ I look at his damaged hand with the pity I feel for the pathetic woman I’ve just evicted from his office. ‘I was marking what’s mine. She wants you. She couldn’t have been more obvious if she’d straddled you and thrust her tits in your face.’ I screw my face up in disgust at her desperation, looking up to find his grin has broken out into a full on, Hollywood worthy beam. This smile is a step up from his one reserved only for women. This smile is reserved only for me. I can’t help the little smile tickling the corners of my mouth. ‘You look very happy with yourself.’

He brushes me away from fussing over his hand. ‘Oh, I am. I like it when you’re all possessive and protective. It tells me you’re crazy in love with me.’

‘I am, even though you are stupidly challenging. And don’t be calling Sarah, sweetie.’ I mock.

He circles our noses and pushes his lips onto mine. ‘I won’t.’

‘You’ve slept with her.’ It’s a statement, not a question. He recoils, his green pools all wide and wary. I roll my eyes. ‘A dabble?’ I ask.

His eyes drop down slightly. ‘Yeah,’ His expression and body language scream uncomfortable. He’s not happy with this line of conversation.

I bloody knew it. Okay, that’s fine. I can cope with this as long as he keeps the hussy at arm’s length – or further. That might be bloody hard when the woman works for him and follows him around like a lost puppy.

‘I just want to say one thing.’ I press. I need to make this clear if I’m ever going to keep company, both socially and professionally, with any men in future, although I’m fully aware that Jesse’s possessive streak is never going to go away completely. ‘It’s all about you.’ I drop a kiss onto his lips to reinforce my declaration.

‘It’s all about me.’ he mumbles against me.

I grin. ‘Good boy.’

He pulls back and runs his fingers down my neck, his eyes full of satisfaction. ‘Why is your hair wet?’

‘I had a shower but didn’t have time to dry my hair. I needed you.’

He smiles mildly. ‘I love you, Ava.’

I rest my cheek on shoulder. ‘I know.’

I’m not kidding myself that this is the air completely cleared. I have a woman scorned to contend with and Jesse’s possessiveness to work on. The latter, I think, will be a lifelong bone of contention, but if Jesse, especially like this, is my compensation, then it’s all worth it. But on top of all that, there’s the huge issue of Mikael and his need for revenge. I can’t even begin to think of how we’re going to deal with that. I know one thing, though. I won’t be working with him anymore. What will Patrick’s reaction be to that?

‘Take the day off work tomorrow.’ His voice is beseeching.

I’ve not even advised Patrick of my afternoon appointment with Mr Ward, but I need a break and a long weekend with Jesse is hard to turn down. I’ve no appointments and I’m ridiculously up to date with everything else. Patrick owes me a few days in lieu. He won’t mind.

I pull myself away from his chest. ‘Okay.’ I agree.

He frowns, like I’m going to retract my answer or add a but to it. I’m not. I want to take the day off work and spend it with him. Maybe I can pump him full of the re-assurance he needs. I’m not going anywhere with anyone, except him. I’ll text Patrick and clear it. I know he’ll be fine.

‘Really?’ His eyes twinkle as his lips tip at the edges. ‘You’re being very reasonable. That’s not like you.’

My eyes bulge at his comment. I know he knows that he’s the unreasonable one. He’s playing on it. I don’t bite. ‘I’m ignoring you.’ I grumble.

‘Not for long. I’m taking you home to our tower in the sky. I’ve not been inside you for way too long.’ He stands and props me on my feet. ‘Shall we?’ He cocks his arm out and I link it with mine, my stomach clenching at the prospects awaiting me when we get home.

‘I fancy a bit of rowing.’ I flip casually.

He raises a sardonic eyebrow at me. ‘We’ll row another day, baby. I want to make love.’ he says softly, looking down at me. I smile.

He leads me through the summer room and to the entrance hall. I ignore the disappointed faces of all of the women we pass, all obviously hoping we would be leaving separately. John meets us at the door and gives me his distinguished smile.

‘I’ll see you tomorrow.’ Jesse informs him as he opens the door for me.