She sighed, but just snuggled closer. He held her close, their breathing slowing in time with one another. Emma's breathing became slower and more even as her head rested on his chest. He brushed the hair from her face and smiled, feeling himself drift to sleep behind her. For the first time in a very long time, Jack was happy.
Kisses From Jack: Chapter 5
Jack awoke the next morning to the sound of a text.
Lawyers have question. Investors in Dubai. -Rachel
Jack groaned, but knew it needed a response. Emma was still fast asleep, her head resting on his arm. He didn't want to move, didn't want to even risk waking her up, but he had to call the lawyers back or there would be a panic. Even on his vacation, he didn't really get a day off.
He slipped out of bed and into his clothes from the day before. He searched for his shirt, finally finding it hanging on the top of a dresser on the other end of the room. He grinned remembering the noise Emma had made when she pulled it off of him. He kissed Emma's forehead before leaving the room. She murmured something and smiled in her sleep.
Morning was already warming the white sands of the beach outside as he stepped onto the porch. The ocean was a soft green, reminding him of Emma's eyes. Only Emma's eyes had more depth.
Jack sighed and hit the speed dial for Rachel.
“The lawyers are at it early this morning, Jack,” Rachel informed him without greeting. “They want to know if the contracts from Dubai have been looked at.”
Jack grimaced. “That's Owen's job.”
“I told them that,” Rachel replied. “But, since he's smart and not picking up his phone, they called me. Since I got woken up, you get woken up. It sucks being the boss.”
“I was having a very nice morning.”
“So was I.” Jack could almost feel Rachel's probing gaze on him, even though he knew she was nowhere nearby. “So, still at your new girl's place?”
“Yes. And I'd like to stay here if you don't mind.” Jack lowered his voice. “Is Brandy gone?”
“I have her bags packed and in the car. Her flight's in an hour,” Rachel said confidently. “If she resists, Dean offered to hog tie her and throw her in the trunk.”
“I'm so glad to know my employees think so highly of my dates,” Jack replied. Rachel snickered.
“You just need to pick better dates. I'll let the lawyers know you've seen them and to bother Owen for anything else,” Rachel said. “I'll let you know if there's any updates and when Brandy's in the air.”
“Thanks, Rachel.” Jack sank into one of the chairs on the porch overlooking the water. He clicked the phone off and set it on a small outdoor table. An old copy of Old Man and the Sea sat tucked into one of the chair cushions. Jack pulled it out and began leafing through the pages, trying to remember the plot from lit class.
It wasn't long before he heard motion from inside. Emma stepped out on the porch, her eyes distant but strong as she looked out at the water.
“Good morning, Sleepy-head. I thought you were going to sleep the day away,” he said, setting the book down. She jumped a little, but the smile that lit up her face was worth it.
“You're still here,” she murmured. “I woke up and thought you had left.”
“After a showing like last night? I may never leave,” he replied with a mischievous grin.
“It was pretty good, wasn’t it,” she remarked with a grin. Jack stood up and took her into his arms. She felt so good there, like it was exactly where she was meant to be.
“Better than good,” he whispered, and truly meant it. He tucked his chin and leaned forward to kiss her. She opened up like a flower under his touch and he could already feel himself getting hard after just one kiss.
Unfortunately, his phone had other plans.
“What is it?” Jack growled into the phone. She untangled herself from his arms and stepped down into the sand, trying to give him some privacy. He leaned against the rail, watching her and wanting to hang up the phone instead.
“It's the lawyers again, Jack,” Rachel started.
“I don't care about the damn lawyers.” Jack did his best to keep his voice low and even, but the fact that lawyers were interrupting his vacation put him on edge. “Take care of it.”
“I'm trying. They need your signature, Jack,” Rachel explained. “I can't forge it, not for this. Just come sign the paperwork and I'll take care of the rest.”
Jack ran his hand through his hair, looking out at Emma. She was watching the water dance across the shore. He didn't want to leave her. He wanted to stay right here, perhaps even in the bed, but definitely with her.
“I'm sorry, Jack. This is important. I wouldn't call if it wasn't,” Rachel said after a moment.