Accepting Destiny Read online

  J: Where r u?

  “I’m right here,” I answer him. He jumps a little, like I a startled him and I let out a laugh.

  “Shit, you scared me.”

  “I can see that. How long have you been standing there?

  “Just a few minutes. Have you got everything you need?” He asks, as he eyes the garment bag, that now houses my dress. Good, he didn’t see it before she wrapped it up. Now I can surprise him, though I expect he’ll be surprised enough when she tells him how much all this shit costs.

  “That’ll be Two thousand, four hundred sixty two dollars and eighteen cents,” she says, with a devious smile on her face. Yeah, her commission will be good tonight.

  Without blinking an eye, Jackson hands her a credit card and looks back at me smiling. I remember the last time I had to charge an outlandish amount of money and I damn sure wasn’t smiling.

  He signs the slip and puts his card back in his wallet, then reaches for the bags. I let him carry the dress, but I take the other bag from him, to carry myself. “What are you doing, Ally? I’ve got this.”

  “Um no, Jackson. You just got out of the hospital.”

  “Yeah, well so did you.”

  “But my injuries weren’t as bad as yours, I can carry the bag.”

  I flash my eyes at him and he smirks, while he hands me the bag with the shoes and clutch. I stick my tongue out at him as I turn towards the exit, but he yanks my arm back. “The door is that way Ally,” he says, pointing the other direction.

  Well, so much for getting in the last word, damn it.

  As we step outside, James pulls up in the Bentley and gets out and opens, the trunk, taking the bags from us and putting them in.

  We climb in the car and once James is back in, he pulls off.

  “Where to now, Mr. Bentley?” James asks.

  “Home.”

  “So where did you go while I was shopping?” I ask him.

  “Just had a few errands to run.”

  That is the extent of his answer. I want to dig more, but he’s looking out of the window and I figure he’s not going to tell me anyway. So I look out of the other window and watch the office buildings fly by us. Well, I guess actually, we are flying by the buildings, but whatever. You get my point.

  He lays his hand on my thigh and I immediately tense up. His fingers begin lazily stroking against my jeans, pressing just firm enough to let me know he’s there. It’s an intimate gesture and I take this as an invitation to scoot over a little closer. As my leg presses up against his, he lifts his arm and drapes it over my shoulders.

  “Thank you,” I tell him quietly.

  “For what?

  “What do you mean, for what? You just spent an outrageous amount of money on me. I was thanking you, even though you shouldn’t have done it.”

  “Alexandra, one thing you will learn about me, is that when I love someone, I lavish them with things, they love. It makes me feel closer to them, knowing they are wearing something I gave them. Get used to it.”

  “But Jackson....” He cuts me off, again.

  “No, Ally. You’re doing it again.”

  I sit back and look at him, his arm dropping off my shoulder.

  “Doing what again?”

  “Over thinking it. Please, don’t. It’s something I like to do and I’m sorry if it makes you feel uncomfortable, but, I enjoy it and I have nothing better to do with my money.”

  I huff out a breath, because I really hate him doing this, but I hate arguing with him even more, because he always wins. “Well, if you keep doing it, then I’m going to keep thanking you. So you’d better get used to that.”

  I realize after I’ve said it, how stupid that sounds and immediately wish I had a retract button built in to my mouth, but I don’t. I sometimes wonder why my mouth insists on spitting out whatever my brain thinks of, but then again, I didn’t think. I keep quiet and wait for it, cause I know it’s about to happen.

  At about the count of three, Jackson bursts out laughing. I try not to look at him, because I know I’ll start laughing too and I’m not in the mood to laugh. Jackson just spent over two grand on me and he’s laughing. I’d be crying if I just spent that kind of money. I guess we’ve already gone over that, huh?

  He pulls me in to his side and squeezes so hard, I cringe. I guess the bruise on my rib cage isn’t quiet healed yet. I try my best not to groan out in pain, but I can’t get anything past Jackson and he releases me immediately, “Are you all right?” He asked, dark sympathy in his eyes.

  “Yeah, just still little sore, but I’m good.”

  “Damn that bitch.”

  Whoa, where did that come from? He seems angry now and I’m not sure how to react to that. He hasn’t brought her up since before he left the hospital, but I feel like I need to bring it up now, though I might be opening up a big ole can of worms.

  “What’s going to happen to her?” I ask quietly, not wanting to rock the boat.

  “Who cares? She can burn in.....”

  “Jackson, no. Don’t say that. She’s sick, something’s wrong with her. She needs help, in more ways than one.”

  “How can you be so sympathetic to her? She almost killed us both! She needs to be put away for life. I only wish I could be the one to prosecute her, but that would be a conflict of interest,” he mumbles.

  “But you aren’t actively practicing law,” I say, a bit of confusion lacing my voice.

  “I will be, that’s why I want you coming to work at the magazine,” he sighs. “I was going to discuss this with you in Miami, but I guess now is as good a time as any. I’m shutting down ops in Miami and moving it to Atlanta. I’ll keep the New York office because well, it’s New York. But Miami is small and three out of the four people have already agreed to relocate. That’s why we’re going down there, so I can tie up the loose ends and lock the doors.”

  “Why would you close that office?”

  “Because I want to spend more time in Atlanta, with you. Three offices is too much to manage on my own and since I plan to open my own law firm, I need the brunt of the operation close by. My mother would kill me, if I let it all shut, that was her baby. I promised her on her death bed, that I would continue it, but after all that has happened, I feel I would be better suited putting assholes behind bars. That’s where you come in.”

  “Jackson, I know nothing about running a magazine. I’m an interior designer, not an editor,” I tell him, but his eyes look so hopeful that I’ll take on this job.

  “I’ll pay you double what Tim is paying you,” he says to me. “And Heather, if she’s interested. Between the two of you, I think the magazine can be more successful than it is now. Please, think about it?” He asks, batting his lashes at me like a puppy.

  Double? Shit, that sounds like.....like he’s buying me. Wait, surely that is not what he’s doing.

  “Double? I don’t know Jackson, it kinds feels like you’re buying me. I.....”

  “No Ally, I’m not. Shit, I can’t get into it all, right now, but after the trip, you’ll understand. I promise.”

  “Okay, then you can wait for my decision?”

  “Of course, I wasn’t even going to bring it up again until the trip, but bringing Madison up, kinda screwed that idea.” Oh, so now it’s my fault?

  The rest of the trip back to the condo is quiet. I’m contemplating my options and Jackson is staring out the window, smiling. Humph.

  Chapter 26

  We get back upstairs and head to the bedroom, to get ready for dinner. I’m excited, because this is actually our first real date, aside from the fundraiser in New York. Shit, that was a fund set up in Madison’s name, I wonder what will become of that now that we know she’s still alive, and a criminal. I figure tonight is not the time to ask, so I store that in the back of my mind for another time.

  Jackson showers and gets dressed quickly, leaving me to my own devices. He looks stunning in a dark grey suit and navy tie. Yes, the same tie he wore in Miami when we met
, and the same tie he blindfolded me with. His hair is messy and his eyes are sparkling that beautiful green. “I’ll meet you downstairs,” he says, as he kisses me gently. “Don’t take too long, our reservation is in an hour.”

  “Okay,” I say as I kiss him again, this time a little more heated. I slip my tongue between his lips and brush against his, but he pulls back rather quickly.

  “Alexandra.....” He growls. “You keep that up, we’ll never make it to the restaurant.” He gives me a peck on the cheek as he turns to leave the room, but he turns back to wink at me. I smile back at him, because I love the effect I have on him. I glance down at the bulge in his pants and agree, yep. I can make him hard just by a look.

  He puts his hands in his pocket and shifts himself a bit before leaving the room, the click of the door, a sign that he’s no longer in the room.

  I pull the dress out of the bag and slip in to it. It feels good, like it was made for a princess. Once my hair is pulled up in a knot on my head and my makeup done, I slip in to my new shoes. Damn these heels are high, I hope I don’t bust my ass going down the stairs. I look at the shoes and realize the heel is not that high, but high enough for me.

  I admire myself in the mirror, actually feeling good about the way I look. Usually I’m so self-conscious about my body, that I hide it under baggy clothing. I give Amanda a mental pat on the back for helping me with this dress. She’s almost as good as Heather. Heather, damn it. I need to call her and check in. She and Chase have gotten close and I need to get the scoop. She knows all about me and Jackson but I know nothing about what’s going on in her life. I start feeling guilty, so I go to grab my phone to call her real quick, but as I see the time I realize I don’t have time. I promise myself, I’ll call tomorrow. But I do decide to shoot her a quick text.

  A - Hey grl, just checking in. You ok?

  I wait a few seconds and then slip my phone in my bag. As I do, it beeps.

  H - Better than good. Lunch tomorrow?

  A - Yep, let me know when and where.

  H - You got it. Plans tonight?

  A - Dinner with J - something fancy

  H - Ooh, nice. Pics?

  I snap a selfie real quick and shoot it off to her. She’ll love this dress and shoes, the little fashionista that she is.

  H - Shit girl! Hot! Ur getting laid tonight.

  Good thing I’m not drinking anything or I would have spewed all over my phone.

  A - Hope so. TTYL

  H - Haha, have fun!

  I drop my phone back in my bag and touch up my lip gloss. There, all set.

  I head out of the room and as I get halfway down the stairs, I see Jackson standing by the window, looking down over Peachtree Street. He looks lost in thought, so I stop and quietly watch him for a second. ‘What is he thinking about so intently?’ I wonder. As if he senses me standing there, he turns to see me on the stairs and blinks. When he opens his eyes, that emerald green flashes at me. He pushes off the window and stalks towards me. I suddenly feel like prey and he’s the predator. I guess in a way, that’s true. A surge of heat crawls up my neck and dampness appears between my legs. Great, we’re never gonna get out of here.

  “Alexandra, you’re......you’re stunning,” he says, as his eyes make the slow and agonizing trip up and down my body. He smirks a little when he sees the shoes. “Love the shoes, babe, but be careful and hold on to me, I don’t want you falling,” he says, as he takes my hand and leads me down the rest of the stairs.

  We make our way to the front of the building, were James is waiting with the Bentley. He helps me in and I’m sure my thong panties flash him, because he growls a little as I scoot in. My dress is not that short, but it raised up a little as I bent down.

  We wind our way through the city streets. It’s seven o’clock and the sun is just starting to set. The bright orange glow reflecting off the metal and glass buildings makes for a beautiful sight. I’ve been here for so long, but I’ve never seen the sun set over the city. I’m tempted to pull my phone out and take some pictures, but before I can do that, Jackson pulls me in to his lap.

  I let out a squeak as his hands press in to my hips. I lean in and lay a gentle kiss on his lips.

  Before things can get out of control back here, the limo pulls up to the Four Seasons Hotel. James gets out and comes to the back, opening our door for us. Jackson slides out and then takes my hand, gently tugging me out with both hands. He is really is determined to not let me fall. I look up at the towering building that makes up part of Midtown Atlanta’s landscape. I’ve seen this building before, but always thought it was offices or something. I had no idea there was a hotel in here. As we walk in and I take in my surroundings, I start to have doubts again. I’m used to pizza joints and sports bars. This is so out of my league that, my hands start to shake. “Relax, Ally. You’re over thinking again,” Jackson says, as he stops and pulls me in to his arms. “You’re going to love the food here, and the atmosphere. This is a great place. Just enjoy it, for me?” He says, as he releases me.

  I step back and nod, because I can do this. I’ll pretend....shit, pretend? Hell, I’m living it! I’m sure other people only dream about eating at a place like this and here I am, standing in the lobby, being held up by Jackson Bentley.

  We are seated at our table and I look over the menu. Wow, this is stuff I’ve never even heard of. I select the salmon and Jack orders a steak. Glad to see his appetite is back after his hospital visit. Mine too, for that matter. I know I’ve lost a little weight over the last few weeks, so I guess that’s one good thing to come out of all of this.

  The meal is delicious and I’m totally stuffed, but Jackson orders cheesecake for dessert. I pass, because I figure he’s going to shove some down my throat anyway. After the waiter leaves the table, Jackson excuses himself for the restroom. I’m left at the table alone and start fidgeting with my napkin. Its one thing sitting here with him, but another sitting here alone.

  Thankfully, he isn’t gone long and I feel him behind me. He leans in and kisses me on the cheek. “Miss me?” He breathes in to my hair. The heat from his breath singeing the hair that has fallen from my twist. I nod, because that damn cat has my tongue. All I need is to jump his bones in the middle of this fancy restaurant and get us both arrested.

  He sits down and smiles at me, taking my hand in his. We sit in companionable silence for a minute before the waiter brings our cheesecake. It looks so good my mouth starts watering. I silently wish now that I had ordered my own. Jackson scoots his chair close to me and picks up the spoon. He takes a bite and his eyes roll back in his head. “That good huh?” I ask.

  “So good, Alexandra. Would you like a bite?”

  I nod, my eyes bugged out over the appearance of this succulent dessert. Yeah, I saidsucculent.As he dips the spoon in the cheesecake again, I hear a clink from his spoon. “What’s this?” He asks, as he sets the spoon down and leans in to the cheesecake. I groan, thinking something gross has found its way in to our dessert. “Ally, take a look at this. Can you tell what this is?”

  I look close and.....OH MY GOD! I know that isn’t what I think it is. Jackson stuffs his fingers in to the creamy goodness and pulls out a ring. A very large diamond ring. I set the spoon down, because it’s shaking so bad I might throw it across the room, kind of like Pretty Woman and the escargot. He pulls this ring out and dunks it inmywater glass, jiggling it around to remove the stickiness. He gently dries the ring on his napkin and then lowers himself from his chair to his knees.

  Oh shit, he’s going to propose. My body starts shaking and I feel tears pricking the corners of my eyes. Am I ready for this? I start going back and forth in my mind and yes, I’m ready. No wait, I’m so not. Shit.

  The restaurant gets eerily quiet and I suddenly feel every eye on us. On me.

  “When I first saw you in Miami, I knew I had to meet you. To get to know you. To touch you. Little did I know that you would touch me in a way I was not prepared for, but your feistiness, your stre
ngth and determination as well as your profound beauty touches my heart. You know what you want in life and you know how to go get it. You’re the strongest woman I know and my heart melts for you every time I look at you. Alexandra Louise Sanders, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife? Will you marry me?”

  I hear a collective gasp throughout the entire room, other patrons waiting with bated breath to hear my answer. I flash back over the last few months and my heart starts racing. I love this man, I really do, but am I ready to get married? I’m twenty eight years old and never really been in a real relationship. This thing Jackson and I have, well it hasn’t exactly been normal either. Kidnapping, stalkers and being nearly killed. But this man saved my life. Can I really deny him his dream? I want him and he wants me, so what’s the problem? Why am I reeling from his proposal?

  It’s too soon, I know this. But as I look deep in to those emerald orbs I see my future. I see a man who loves me, despite all of my faults. I see a man who has been through hell himself, and I know right then I cannot deny him anything. That damned tear that has been burning behind my eyelids squeezes out and takes a lazy path down my cheek. I slowly nod my head, taking in a deep breath at the same time.

  “Yes, Jackson. I will marry you.”

  I hear the entire restaurant exhale the deep breaths they were holding as well, and applause rings out. People cheering and spoons clinking against their glasses. Shit, I’ve never been put on the spot like this before and I suddenly feel like I’m going to pass out.

  Jackson stands up and pulls me into his arms, holding me tight so I don’t fall. “I love you so much, Alexandra. Thank you. Thank you for making me the happiest man in the world. I promise to be a good husband and treat you like the princess that you are,” he says in my ear, as he picks me up and spins me around. After he sets me back on the floor, his hands come up to cup my cheek. “You’re my soul mate and I can’t wait for you to be Alexandra Bentley.”