Page 77 of Pursuing Desire

Out of all the places we’ve been to on this trip, Santa Cruz has been my favorite place. Despite all of the craziness with Jess’s ex-boyfriend, I still enjoyed the stop. It might have something to do with the beauty of the city. More likely, though, it’s because of this gorgeous woman whose naked body is currently wrapped around mine. She might not want to realize it or admit it, but last night was something special, something unforgettable.

It’s time to get up, but I hate the thought of waking her. She needs her sleep.

I should feel guilty for keeping her up late, but it’s hard to feel guilty when my body is so completely satiated and relaxed.

“Why do you look so satisfied with yourself?” says a sleepy voice against my chest.

“Why do you look good enough to eat?”

Jess reaches up and pinches my nipple.

“Behave.” She groans into my chest and stretches her arms and legs. “I’m guessing it’s time to get up. Can’t we just stay in bed? I don’t want to drive all day.”

My hand reaches up and ruffles her hair. “I’d like nothing more than that.”

It’s not the first time I find myself wishing she would let go of some of her pride and let me help her out. I don’t mind doing this game with her, but I could cure her money problems easily. Not only do I like the thought of being her hero, but it would take the stress off her.

And then we could lie here and make love all day, just like we both want.

That’s not Jess, though. She’s not the type to allow someone to come to the rescue and take care of her.

She rolls over and slides out of bed. “Alright. We might as well get going. I want to jump in the shower really quickly. Could you order some breakfast to be delivered to the room?”

I grab my phone from the nightstand. “Already on it.”

Once breakfast is ordered, I open up my text messages and search through my contacts. I wait until I hear the water running before typing out my message to Peyton.

Got a job for you. I need a full investigation on someone, the complete works. You up for it?

Peyton

For you? Always. Shoot me a name, and I’ll have my team on it immediately.

First name, Anthony. Last name, unknown. He owns a condo with Jessica Roberts. I’ll email you the rest of the info I have.

Perfect. Send me what you have, and we’ll take care of it.

Just typing out that text to Peyton Douglas makes me feel better. If Anthony is hiding anything, Peyton will uncover it. Her firm is the best private investigation agency in Manhattan.

I’ll find a way to help Jess, whether she wants my help or not. She’s come to mean a lot to me in the last few weeks. Last night cemented the bond between us. I won’t let someone I care about be hurt when there’s something I can do about it.

Yawning, I swing my legs out of bed and search through my suitcase for clothes to wear. It’s going to be another long day in the car, so I want to be comfortable. I grab a pair of black sweatpants and a soft cotton t-shirt.

The water in the shower shuts off, and a few minutes later, Jess comes out. She’s put her hair up into a damp bun at the nape of her neck, but a few curly tendrils have escaped.

“Your turn,” she says. “We have to be on the road in about an hour and a half, so try to hurry. We still need to eat breakfast and finish packing.”

I pass by her on the way to the bathroom and pinch her bottom as I go. I laugh when she yelps in surprise. “I’ll be out shortly. Breakfast has been ordered and should be here any minute.”

My shower is quick. Since the issue with the nail in our tire back in Destin, I’ve been on high alert. Even though nothing has happened since then, I don’t want to leave anything to chance. I checked the car late last night, and it was fine, but I still want to get downstairs early enough this morning to check it out again.

I also made Taylor aware of what happened, and she told me she’d keep an eye out for anything suspicious. Luckily, she hasn’t seen anything yet.

Still, I’m not in a super trusting mood. Knowing that Anthony is likely hiding out here in the hotel doesn’t give me a warm and cuddly feeling. I’m not convinced it was a rival contestant who sabotaged our tire. It could very well be Anthony. He’s shown his true character, and I believe he is entirely capable of doing anything to get what he wants.

And the thing he seems to want most is Jess.

Jess and I rush through breakfast and head to the car. I half expect to see Anthony as we make our way through the lobby, but we’re able to get to the car without running into him.