Uncharted (Unexpected Book 3) (28 page)

“How should we call this?” AJ stares at Jacob, who’s covering my half-naked body. “I can’t believe you, Jacob. I asked if something was going on and you said nothing. Ana is my best friend. If you mess things up with her, what am I supposed to do?”

I lean my head on his shoulder, refraining from biting him. While driving from Seattle to California, I explained to him that the premiere was a family affair and that my presence wasn’t required, and being seen together by his family would give the wrong idea. He said that his family wouldn’t arrive in California until the end of the week, so we stopped in Santa Barbara for the night and planned to head to Anaheim tomorrow so we could spend two days in Disneyland and other fun recreational parks. On Thursday morning, we’d check in to a hotel in Los Angeles and no one would know we were sleeping together. It seemed like a brilliant plan—until the Bradleys arrived only an hour behind us and caught us in the pool fooling around.

“Why are you here?” Jacob answers with a question. “You know what? I don’t care. Tomorrow morning, we’re leaving. I’ll see you at the premiere. I respected your decisions. I never gave you a hard time while you played heartless bitch. How about you do the same with me?”

“I never used your friends, Jacob.”

With that, they turn around and leave the pool.

“What does that mean? ‘I never used your friends.’”

“After she broke up with Kendrick, AJ played ice-queen-bitch for a couple of years. Only sex, no strings attached. She knows this is something we have in common. We’re not serious, so she fears that after this ends, you won’t talk to
her
.” Jacob submerges his head, brushes his wet hair out of his face, and smiles at me. “We’re clear about this booty call arrangement, right?”

“That we’re using each other for sex?” I rotate my body and take the foil square he dropped before we dove into the water. “So far it’s working. I snap my fingers and you’re ready to go.”

“You’re a terrible liar. My sister’s reaction worried you.” He draws a wave on my forehead. “We’ll be fine. There’s a timeline traced. You have future plans and I have to figure out my shit by then, including the hybrid record studio and the venue I want to open. In the meantime, we’ll continue having fun. Now, let’s head to my room so you can show me that tattoo I love to lick.” A devilish look comes into his eyes as he licks his lips. And thank God for those devilish lips that did indeed show me how much he likes to lick.

Waking with the sandalwood scent of Jacob Decker is becoming part of my daily routine. Some mornings he’s awake before I am, and others I have the advantage and jump out of bed without morning sex in bed. Today is one of those days. I skip kissing his tattoos, miss tracing my tongue over the treble clef tattoo on his back, the staves of music, or the star on his arm. I slip out of bed, put on a pair of shorts and a yoga top, then head downstairs.

I don’t have time to lose. Jacob doesn’t stay in bed for too long when I’m not with him. In fact, on the few occasions that he’s awoken and I haven’t been there, he’s searched me out for his “good morning fuck.” Sometimes I wonder if he’s horny or if he worries that I will leave him.

If I find AJ, I can talk to her before he finds me. I wanted to have a heart-to-heart with her yesterday, but Jacob locked us in his room after we left the pool. He disappeared a couple of times and brought food and drinks up for us both. Either he was avoiding his sister or wanted me to avoid her.

“Morning.” I enter the kitchen, where AJ is preparing a cup of coffee. “Can I get a mocha without the poison?”

“Do you know what you’re doing, Ana?” She doesn’t turn around. Instead, she looks for another mug. I can’t respond over the sound of the steamer. So I wait, thinking about an answer, because I do know what I’m doing. I’m having sex with a deity. Our first time was amazing, and by the end of that first weekend, I think we had a good technique—as good as a couple of teenagers can have. After so many years, he surpassed me and became a masterful sex god. There’s no limit to what he can do and what I can take from him, except I do miss the kissing part of the experience. “Because my brother is really doing what he said—using you for nothing more than sex.”

I can’t decipher if she’s telling me that because she’s worried about me, or because she’s upset I slept with her brother.

“It’s not the first time we’ve been together, Ainsley. If you must know, he was my first and I survived after we stopped seeing each other. I’m not expecting flowers, or promises, or…a future.”

“Has he told you why he’s so screwed up?” I shrug one shoulder, because I know part of it.

“Norah, right?” I bring up what I know. “She died in an accident.”

“Then you don’t know much.” She shakes her head. “That’s just the tip of the iceberg.” Ainsley closes her eyes for a moment, finishes the coffees, and hands me a mug. “I love you, and I don’t want to lose you.”

“You won’t,” I assure her, heading to the breakfast table, which I notice is set for four and already has a fruit salad and some casserole in the middle. “What’s going on with Jacob has an expiration date. We both know it and whatever happens after won’t affect our friendship. As long as you don’t think I’m a slut for—”

“I’m the last person to judge; so is anyone else in my family, for that matter.” She smirks and sips her coffee. “It’ll sound stupid, but I wanted you guys to get together when you both were ready. Neither one of you are right now.”

Ready for what?

“Are you okay?” Jacob holds my hand while we walk the red carpet, heading to the limo that will take us to the after-party. Bright lights flash me at every step, voices screaming nonsense toward us. Well, toward the Deckers. “If it’s too much, we can head home.”

It’s too much, but I can handle it. This night is all about Gabe and yet another
Never End
movie—his last one for the franchise. His character retired, leaving his legacy to his two lost sons. They never showed the sons during the movie. I expected some surprise appearance by Matthew, who helped the production department, but there was nothing. Rumor has it that the studio is working a deal with Gabe Colt’s sons. I know firsthand that Jacob hasn’t taken any of their calls.

“Fuck, I wish I had ordered our own limo,” Jacob murmurs in my ear as he slides next to me. “We should hire a limo in Seattle and have sex all over the city.”

“Uh-hmm, nope.” I have my limits. “Settle down or you won’t get any tonight.”

“Ana, I’m glad you joined us.” Gabe enters the limo and the driver closes the door. “How are your dad and your sister doing?”

“Dad is…” I shrug. “Doing better some days, worse on others. Mae’s doing well. Her new therapies are increasing her lung capacity. She’s doing some research about the best places to live with CF. A coastal city is ideal, but if it’s warmer that’s even better. You did great in the movie.” I don’t lie; he did. The movie sucked, though, perhaps because I’m not into action movies.

“I like that, babe. She isn’t lying, yet not voicing what everyone else thinks.” Chris pats his husband’s hand. “Worst
Never End
in the history of the franchise. The secret sons who helped you defeat the bad guy made it stupid. Are you two signing anything, Jacob?”

“Nope.” He presses his lips together and shakes his head. “I keep dodging their calls. Matthew and I agreed it’s not worth our time. I hate acting, and he doesn’t want to pursue an acting career.”

“Writing, producing, directing, editing… but I can’t be in front of the camera.” Matthew loosens his tie. “That brings public attention, which I don’t like that much. I’m a behind-the-scenes guy. Behind the drums, behind the band, not a front man. That’s my brother. Even Mrs. Princess is better at that shit than me.”

The limo comes to a stop; everyone unloads, and Jacob mumbles something to Matthew. His brother rolls his eyes, fixes his bow tie, and nods.
You owe me
, he mouths, and Jacob ushers me back into the limo. He talks to the driver and closes the door behind him, then locks the privacy window.

“I said no.”

“You said no to Seattle.” The devilish smile he wears as he’s about to undress me appears; my conditioned reflexes stimulate my entire body, wetting my thong only by looking at his face and knowing his intentions. “I’m not wasting a precious opportunity like this one. That hot dress, the fuck-me shoes, and I’m hoping a thong under that gown is the only barrier I’ll find before I eat you.” He pauses. His hand goes under my dress and glides toward my thigh. He slides a finger onto my sex, then brings his hand to his mouth and sucks it. “You’re ready. Should I make you come first or do you want to ride me already?”

“I want your mouth first, Jace. Then we can talk about your needs.”

“My needs will take all night.” He winks.

And so it begins. And it is extraordinary. Maybe riding in a limo through Seattle isn’t completely off the menu after all.

“I shouldn’t be here.” I fix my dress as I climb down from Jacob’s truck. “It’s Sunday dinner—family only. They’ll think we’re an item.”

“We are an item, Pria. Not the regular kind, but we do spend a lot of time together.” Yes, we do. I can’t deny the obvious. “They like you, and every Saturday night or Sunday morning, my parents remind me to bring you over.”

Yes, we spend so much time together, that ever since the premier last month, everyone thinks we’re dating. I practically live at his penthouse. He shares his office with me when I go to the record studio and drives me to see Dad every day. It’s not that I’m incapable of driving myself, but after each visit I’m emotionally drained. His condition has worsened and he is now living in a state of vegetation. Dad no longer speaks. They have to feed him through a tube, and… It breaks my heart every time I look at the almost six-foot-tall man that used to be full of life and in love with technology, staring off into space. Each time I visit, I try my best to bring him out of the place where his mind now exists. Jacob has to haul me out of Sunny Hill every time, while I’m a teary mess.

“But we aren’t, and it’s just weird.” I deliver a poor line to convince him that maybe tonight should be the last family dinner I attend. “Next week I’ll stay at home, with Maeve.”

“And her secret boyfriend?” We don’t know who, or even if she’s dating someone, but we think that Maeve is in some sort of relationship. “Can we have a peaceful family dinner? The bitch has some news and I hope it’s not something stupid. Because if it is, I’m going to need you and your fucking gorgeous body, babe.”

Back when I was seventeen, this man made me feel like the prettiest girl in the entire universe. Ten years later, even when we have a fucked up relationship, he still has the ability to make me feel truly gorgeous. As long as I don’t compare myself with the string of prettier women he has fucked.

“We’re a pathetic codependent mess.”

“Yes, and you love when I go codependent on you.” I laugh because he’s just a walking case of hormones, and because his comments never fail to lighten my mood. “Now stop talking sex code or I’m going to have to drag you to my parents’ house for a quickie.”

I ring the bell, but Jacob wiggles the handle and enters the house as if he owns it. “Honey, I’m home,” Jacob hollers and takes me by the hand toward the living room, where we find the entire family.

“Dinner is usually at six.” AJ points at the grandfather clock. “We waited until six thirty but couldn’t hold any longer, Jacob.”

“Sorry, we were busy—working.” Matthew and AJ laugh, but I give them both a stern look, mirroring Jacob’s growly voice. We
were
working this time. Rebranding the record company is taking longer than I expected. There are so many contracts we have to read to make sure we can update them or terminate them and offer each musician our new options. “If I say we were working, it’s because that’s exactly what we were doing. I don’t have a problem disclosing my activities. What was I doing before you left, Matthew?”

“Working,” he responds. “Sorry, Pria.”

“Ana, the name is Ana.” I can’t get either one to call me by my name and to stop calling me Pria. “As Jace said, sorry for being late, AJ. We lost track of time.”

“Do you guys want something to eat?”

We both nod and I follow her to the kitchen. “You two have lasted longer than I predicted. Have things changed?”

“Nothing will ever change. Can we not do this every time I see you?” I reach for the glasses while she serves the plates. “I’m beginning to wonder if I should avoid you at least three times a week. Your brother and I won’t last much longer. As soon as Dad dies, I’m leaving. We discussed this and you supported me.”

“I did, I do. It’s just… Never mind.” She bites her lip and hands me one of the plates. “From now on, I’ll keep my mouth shut. Better?”

I nod, but don’t believe her.

We’re in the family room, drinking coffee, eating pie, and chatting about the record company. Jacob doesn’t want to disclose much information, afraid Chris, his father won’t approve of what we’re doing.

“Why are you amending the artists’ contracts? We did that a few months ago.” Chris observes his son and waits for an answer.

“We’re cleaning house, Papi. I promise you’ll like what I’m doing.”

As Chris is about to open his mouth, Mason enters the room. He disappeared for some time after receiving a call. No doubt some secret mission; dismantling a bomb, flying some drone, or whatever it is they needed him for. According to Ainsley, he used to travel a lot. Now he oversees the missions from the office or from the comfort of his home.

“Ready?” Ainsley looks at her husband and he nods. “You sure you don’t want to call Mina or Arthur?”

“His parents,” Jacob whispers, as I open my eyes wide and feel as if they’re talking in another language. “I’m not liking this.”

Jacob’s shoulders slump, his hand tightens on his thigh while the other shakes. I take them both and try to calm him.

“Dad’s on his honeymoon, and let’s not tell Mina for another two months, Nine.”

Jacob rises from his seat and walks toward her. Matthew follows.

“No, you can’t, Ainsley Janine. No.”

“Get down from your alpha horse, Jacob Christian,” she retorts back, and I’m lost. “Nothing is going to happen.”

“What if it does, baby?” His desperate tone breaks my heart. “You watched
Steel Magnolias.
Julia Roberts died.”

“She dies. Kidney failure.” Matthew’s soft voice and sad eyes make me want to cry. “Not to rain on your parade, babe, but you shouldn’t do it.”

Watching the three of them discuss something when I have no idea what is going on frustrates me to no end. Except it’s entertaining to see the connection they share. Ainsley places her hands on her belly and takes a deep breath. Mason is hugging her and clamping his mouth shut.

“We’ve planned this since we got married.” Ainsley’s voice is firm, but her eyes tremble. “Not for it to happen this soon, but to prepare ourselves for the implications. Diabetes and pregnancy isn’t a great combo. This little peanut was supposed to arrive next year, but it happened before.”

She leans her head against Mason, who is now enveloping her in his arms. They’re the most adorable couple I’ve ever met.

“Julia Roberts happened back in the late ’80s, and it was a movie,” she continues. Her parents, I notice, hold hands and wait for her to speak. “I have a team of doctors. Not one. Several. This is the first of four, maybe five babies. Or we might decide to only have one after this experience. We’re not sure. But I need my family—my guys—to support me, not give me shit about the baby.”

“How many weeks, baby girl?” Chris asks.

“Eighteen,” she responds, weary eyes and a shaky voice trying to do her best to stay in one piece. “We didn’t want to say anything until we passed the sixteen-week mark.”

AJ told me she had been pregnant once, but lost the baby. At her sixteen-week routine checkup, they told her that the baby had died.

“The doctor plans on delivering the baby at the thirty-seven or thirty-eight weeks of gestation.” She’s trying to sound breezy, but the attitude her brothers are giving her is not helping anyone. “That’s in twenty weeks, or before if necessary. He wants to keep both of us healthy.”

“I can’t lose you, AJ. I can’t fucking lose you.” Jacob marches out of the room and my body wants to split because both need me.

“Abuelo,” Christian rises up from his seat. “That’s what the baby will call me. He can use the boring grandpa thing on Arthur. What do you want, babe? Granddaddy sounds cute.”

“I don’t care. What I do want is to stay put for the next year, if you don’t mind.” Gabe stands up and moves AJ away from Mason, hugging her tight. “You’re going to be the best mom ever, sweetheart.”

“You think?” She lets out a shaky breath. “I don’t have experience with that.”

“It’s all about parenting, Ainsy.” Chris takes her away from his husband. “I want to think you had two good examples of that shit. You’re loving and caring. None of that hiding fucked-up crap we pulled and you’ll be perfect. Plus your children are going to have two kickass grandparents.”

“That have to use proper language in front of my children if they want to see them often,” Mason mumbles loud enough for everyone to hear.

“Right, that too. And this guy isn’t half as bad.” Chris releases AJ and hugs Mason. “Congrats, son. Take care of my kid and call us if you need anything. Even to come by while you’re working. Promise.”

He nods.

“Oh, God. They’re going to mother me,” Ainsley says the moment Chris takes her in his arms again, giving her yet another big hug.

I stand up and hug her tight as soon as it’s my turn. “Congrats, Mommy-to-be. Not to ruin your happiness, but I’m going to check on your brother.”

She nods and I run out without knowing what MJ says or why he’s suddenly kneeling in front of her.

Jacob sits on the dock, watching the lake.

“Want to talk?” He shakes his head. “Take a few days, but get over this soon. She needs you more than ever.”

He circles his arm around my shoulder and presses me into his side. I prop my head on his chest and remain in silence, waiting for him to speak. Instead, my phone buzzes.

Matt: You need me with him?

Pria/Ana: No, stay with your sister. Is everything all right there?

Matt: Hell yes. I’m going to be an uncle. The favorite uncle. I made that child promise me in utero. Best place to make alliances. Ask my siblings ☺

I can’t help it but laugh at that silly comment.

“What if she dies?” Jacob finally speaks up. “What am I supposed to do then?”

“She’ll need you to protect her baby and care for her husband because he’ll be broken-hearted.” I can’t hold the tears and let them roll trusting the night to hide them. “Be the big brother you are.”

There’s this wrenching pain inside my chest, similar to the one I experienced during Mom’s last days or when Mae ended up in the hospital. The one that takes over when I think about Dad and realize he doesn’t have long.