Harley (West Coast Rock Star #1)(7)

 

The curious thing was she seemed to show a bit more interest in Cadence Williams. Not that Harley could be blamed. The woman had definitely caught his attention in more ways than one. An idea hit him.

 

"Why not send her with Miss Williams?" He glanced at Tina, then at Zee, waiting for either one to agree or convince him it was the worst idea ever.  

 

"That's a good plan. It would be a way to test out Cade … with Harley," Zee agreed.

 

"Perfect. I think I hear them now." They waited until Harley and Cade's footsteps neared the room. "Harley, could you come in here please?" Jax called out.

 

The two were getting along quite well, enough to share a joke between them. Harley had a big smile on her face, something Jax had only seen a few times, and Cade's face lightened with a soft smile playing on her lips. Why was it the first thing Jax noticed? Even during their introductions, as soon as Jax saw those sensuous lips, his world had tilted. There was a slight lilt in his voice when he spoke to her that he hoped no one had noticed.

 

He addressed Cade and Harley. "I was just telling Tina that it would be a good idea for you to go with Miss Williams to check out Collingwood. You have a meeting tomorrow." Jax smiled at his daughter.

 

Upon hearing the suggestion, Harley's bright smile dimmed, but she didn't protest. She only nodded.

 

Cade, on the other hand, was disappointed. Her eyebrows drew together. "Collingwood?" Her question echoed in the room. She turned to Harley. "You didn't tell me you're going to a new school."

 

Harley tilted her head, not saying anything, but an understanding seemed to pass between the two. Jax was amazed and alerted by this. How could she garner trust from Harley in such a short time, while he had been unsuccessful for eight years?

 

"And you're not going with her? To her new school?"

 

It took a second for Jax to realize that the question was directed toward him. It had been too long since anyone had questioned his actions.

 

Before he could reply, Zee spoke, "Cade, Jax has business in LA. It would be an excellent idea for you to attend the meeting with Harley and get to know Collingwood as well, if Harley decides to choose it." Zee sounded powerful, authoritative.

 

Cade crossed her arms over her chest. Defiance. Boy, did she know how beautiful she looked even with that attitude? When was the last time a woman had challenged him? Jax's thoughts had him feeling primal. He leaned on the back of a club chair, copying her stance. "Would you all give Miss Williams and me a moment?"

 

Tina smirked as she left the room. Harley paused for a brief moment, her head bowed as she turned around and walked out after Tina. Zee showed no other emotion. Clearly, he knew Jax was the boss. He glared at Cade as he passed her by but said nothing else before leaving and closing the door behind him.

 

Now that the two of them were alone, other thoughts filled Jax's mind. A surreal crackling in the air made his body shiver, and the hair on his arms stand. Would he falter first in this standoff with the sexy bodyguard?

 

"I have to fly to LA," he started, not changing his stance, and neither did she. "My manager and agent made new arrangements for a possible international tour. Harley knew things like this would happen. I would take her with me normally, however, I believe she would be safe with you as she checks out a possible new school."

 

Would that do it? His voice was cool and calm but radiated sex. It had worked on so many women before, but would it work on Cade?

 

She sighed heavily, unlocking her arms. Her hands remained fisted on her sides. "A new school is a big step. It wasn't mentioned to me that she would no longer be homeschooled. Wouldn't it be a good idea for her father to be present for this new introduction?"

 

He defended himself. "Of course you're right. I have already met with the head of Collingwood before moving to Vancouver. Well, Collingwood and a few other schools. Harley asked to attend a co-ed. Why she wants to change schools at this moment is something only Harley can answer."

 

 

 

        

          

        

         

 

Jax shifted his weight forward, uncrossing his arms. He was drawn to Cade, something not entirely new or foreign to him but it was stronger than he had ever felt before. Taking his time, he sauntered to where she stood, defiance set on her countenance, hands fisted at her sides, chin lifted with challenge but her eyes … her eyes were kind and soft, unsure, and if he wasn't wrong, slightly afraid.

 

"You have a certain connection with my daughter which I have only seen once before and you've known her less than an hour. And you … intrigue me." He was but a few inches away from her. He couldn't tell which one of them emanated more heat than the other. The air thickened between them until it was hard for Jax to breathe.