Conceal

I’m not sure what we are doing for the rest of the day, but as I’m about to ask her if she wants to go window shopping with me, my phone vibrates on the table.

Jaxson is calling.

My heart races. He’s calling.

“Hello,” I answer.

“Hey, Willow.” Even though I have spoken to him numerous times and seen him naked once, I’m still not sure I will ever tire of hearing Jaxson Price say my name. “What are you doing today?”

“I have nothing planned,” I answer, and Maggie’s eyebrows rise.

“Come over. I’d like to start looking into a few angles, and I need your help.”

“Okay, I’ll see you soon.”

When I hang up, Maggie’s eyes are wide. “Was that him?”

“It was.”

“And are you going to hang with him?” she asks.

“I am.”

“Good.” She takes another bite before placing her fork down. “Let’s get the bill so you can go.”

I nod and signal for the waitress to come over.

Ready to start my day and see what Jaxson has to say.

I’m still scared, but I can’t hide forever.

The faster I find something on my husband, the faster I can get my life back.

I’m ready.

* * *

I show up at Jaxson’s Tribeca apartment a few hours later after I freshen up and shower. He’s waiting for me with a smile on his face. I, on the other hand, am blushing from head to toe, I’m sure. Because although we are supposed to be getting down to business and figuring out what to do with my estranged and very deranged husband, I’m having a hard time concentrating on anything other than Jaxson Price and all the things he did to me yesterday.

My body feels warm, my face on fire. It’s funny how only a week ago, the last thing on my mind was sex, and now, since the flame has been ignited, it seems to be the only thing I can think about.

Jax must know because when that damn dimple forms on his cheek, I’m positive I will combust right there in the doorway to his apartment.

His gaze roams my body, and then he swings the door open for me to pass. A part of me wonders what we are now. Was last night a one-time thing? Emotions running high and whatnot. Will we discuss what happened or pretend it didn’t? Or will we pursue a relationship? Seeing as I’m still married, in hiding, and trying to figure out my life, that option isn’t ideal, but I want to kiss him again.

Even if it complicates things.

My inner turmoil is cut short when he takes me in his arms and brings his mouth to mine.

I’m caught completely off guard at first, but soon, I’m wrapping my arms around him and kissing him back.

We stay entwined for a minute, then he pushes back, looking down at me with a look I can’t decipher.

Regret, maybe.

“I shouldn’t have done that,” he says, and I swear I feel deflated. He must notice my reaction because he holds his hand up. “Not for the reason you think. I want to kiss you. Fuck, I have thought of nothing but being with you again since last night, but first, I want to talk to you and come up with a game plan.” He leans in and places a soft kiss to my lips. “Okay?”

“Okay,” I mumble, our mouths still touching.

He pulls back and takes my hand in his and leads me to the couch.

Last night, this place was decorated like a park. Today, it’s all business.

There is a computer sitting on the coffee table. He leads me to sit and then hands me the computer.

“What’s this?”

“It’s a computer,” he deadpans.

“Yes, I’m not an idiot. I know it’s a computer, but why are you giving this to me?”

“Last night, you said you didn’t have one.”

“You’re giving me a computer?” I shake my head. “I can’t take this.”

“But can you borrow it?” He lifts his brow, and I know there is no arguing with him.

“Yes, but how is this any different from me not having one? I can’t use it to find anything. That’s the reason I haven’t even bothered to try.”

“You can. I need to show you how to reroute and hide your IP address. This computer is already fitted to do this, so once I show you, you can use it.” I look at him with curiosity, not understanding what he wants me to do. “Listen, I don’t want you doing any of the digging. I’ll do that. But maybe you’ll see something I won’t. We can monitor some of your old friends and associates who worked for you. I’ve set up a dummy profile already. I also made the profile an employee in your company, so we have access to files, social media, and interoffice chats. There might be things you can see that I won’t understand, but I don’t want you searching when you’re not with me.” He pauses. “Just in case.”