I rubbed my hands together and licked my lips. “If it’s as kinky as it sounds I’m all in.”

  She snickered and smiled before disappearing into the bathroom. Reluctantly, I squished my poor genitals into the form fitting shorts, and actually enjoyed the way they made everything feel so close. I did a couple jumping jacks noticing that they didn’t budge. Instead of making the situation worse, I decided to leave off the pink shirt. Nothing against guys that wear the color, it just wasn’t for me. When the water stopped running, I made my way over to the couch and positioned myself to look sexy as she came out. My objective was to give her a first glimpse that she wouldn’t be able to refuse. I tightened my stomach muscles and held my breath, making my abs as pronounced as I could get them.

  Amber came out of the steaming bathroom and headed into her room, without even looking in my direction. After releasing the passage of air, I was disappointed. She took forever in the room, and I honestly thought she was getting ready to get freaky. Had our one night together been enough for me to get into those panties? Was she giving into temptation already? Was I that irresistible?

  Feeling like I was on my game, I watched as she emerged from the bedroom. Her hair was in a messy bun and she had on a bathrobe that revealed a t-shirt and shorts underneath of it. In her hand was a small bag. She came over and sat down beside me. “Are you ready to get started?”

  Did she have to ask? “Um, yeah.”

  “Good.” She smiled and unzipped the bag, taking out two bottles of something and a pumice stone. Then she pulled out the polish and looked toward me. “Have you ever done this before? A pedicure?”

  This was a joke. It had to be a fucking joke. She wanted me to rub her feet and paint her toenails? “You’ve got to be shitting me.”

  “Fair is fair. You said you’d do anything. If you weren’t here I’d be at the salon. I figure that if you want to hang out this afternoon, you can help me out.”

  She put her leg on top of mine, and it may not have been what I had in mind, but I liked the way it felt to have her close to me.

  I stuck out my hand. “Give me the first lotion.”

  “It’s a scrub first. You rub it on my feet and my calves for about five to ten minutes. It’s like a massage, but less sexy.”

  I gave an annoyed look. “Are you trying to make this seem better?”

  “You said you wanted to touch me. This is how friends touch. I can go to the salon if you want.”

  I squirted the contents into my hand and smacked it against her leg. As I ran my hand up her smooth skin I suddenly forgot all about how embarrassing this was. Amber was allowing me to massage her. Sure, it was only her lower legs and feet, but if I did a good job she’d want me to do it again. Then, after some time, maybe she’d let me go further. I’d play this little game for as long as it took, because I knew the treasure she kept locked up was well worth the struggle.

  Chapter 12

  Amber

  Did Jax really think I wanted to have sex with him? He was such a scheming pervert that it made me laugh. No matter what was said he was determined to take it sexual. I played mind games with him for that reason. I could tell how excited he was at the thought of me coming out of that bathroom and rocking his world. It was difficult to contain how funny it was to scheme against him.

  I think when he realized just what I wanted him to do it reminded me of a little puppy dog, whose best friend left for a whole day at school. His sad little face begged for attention, but I wouldn’t give him any. If Jax wanted to be my friend he had to learn how to act the part.

  After spreading my robe down to catch any dripping cream, I watched Jax get to work on my first leg. He scrunched up his face. “What is this shit? It feels like sand.”

  “It’s a scrub. It cleans off the dry skin and makes my skin smooth.”

  “Well right now it feels like you rolled on a beach. Now as much as that would seem sexy, it’s pretty filthy. Most beaches are made up of tiny shells. Shells are the homes for creatures, and when they die they smell rancid. The idea of rubbing rotten shells all over your skin is disturbing.”

  “Jax.” I giggled. “You’re so funny.”

  “I just tell it like it is.”

  I leaned back and relaxed as he worked his strong fingers against my skin. “Are you sure you haven’t done this before?”

  “Never. To be honest I think feet are disgusting.”

  I pulled my leg away quickly and sat up. “Why didn’t you say something?”

  He took ahold of it. “Not your feet. They’re cute. I like them.”

  Right then he began massaging my heel. The sheer pleasure it gave me was almost better than anything I’d felt before. I closed my eyes and savored the feel until it started to tickle. As I retracted he held it tighter.

  “Is someone ticklish?”

  “Maybe a little,” I replied.

  Jax smiled and kept working, rubbing hard enough that it was bearable. “If you tell anyone I did this I may have to hogtie you and force you to eat sardines until you throw up.”

  She curled her lips and retorted. “Sick.”

  “Seriously, don’t you dare tell anyone I lost a bet, or I rubbed your damn feet. I’ll never hear the end of it.”

  “Why are you doing it then? You could have left with your dignity.”

  Jax smiled and patted my leg. “I’m really trying to earn brownie points. At some point you’ll see I’m irresistible, and I’ll be the one fending you off.” He winked after he said it. “You should go rinse this one.”

  When I stood to walk into the bathroom to clean off my leg, I turned around and saw him looking at me, but he wasn’t being perverted. For the first time Jax looked genuinely happy. Then I noticed the way the shorts fit him. I could literally see everything he had. “Oh my god! Jax.” I covered my mouth and laughed so hard tears came out of my eyes. “Your frank and beans are mixed together.”

  “It feels good. I might just have to take these home with me.” He grabbed his crotch as he said it.

  It was a good thing that I needed to rinse my leg, because being this close to him was only making the attraction harder to fight. I wasn’t denying that it was there. I just didn’t want him to know it. I wouldn’t be some rebound girl that gave him sex to clear his head. I wasn’t capable of doing it even if I wanted to. My vagina was out of commission unless it was being satisfied by a battery-operated device. It had been man free since Seth, and I wasn’t able to begin to assume I could get over that.

  Since I knew he was waiting for me I hurried back. Jax already had his hands filled with the scrub. He worked his magic on my second leg while I studied his features close up. His light brown eyes were so attractive, and I thought his slightly crooked nose was distinguished. His white teeth brightened the room, and when he grinned with his cocky-trademark half-smile, and that voice, let’s just say I imagined it whispering sweet nothings to me until I lost control.

  That’s how pathetically horny he was making me. It had been so long since I’d been touched. Having him massage my lower legs was a huge step for me. It meant I was trusting him, which to me said I was letting down my guard.

  After rinsing my second leg Jax rubbed smooth lotion on both legs and feet. He slid his fingers between each toe making sure that every crevice was attended to. Then when he was all finished he leaned down and kissed the top of each foot. “Your feet are done, madam.”

  “Thanks.” I crossed my legs and appreciated how amazing they felt. “Your turn.”

  Jax brought one leg over the other and folded his hands on top. He spoke like a female. “As much as I love getting mani’s and pedi’s, I think I’ll pass. I wouldn’t want my regular girl getting all pissy the next time I come in. She doesn’t like to share her business if you catch my drift. I mean, a girls’ gotta do what a girls’ gotta do, right?” He swung his head back like he had long hair. Then he sighed when he noticed I was in hysterics. “Are my loser duties finished, or was that only the beginning?”

  I tapped on my mouth to ponder on his question. “What if we watch movies and order a pizza? You can paint my toes when we’re done eating.”

  “Like together? On this couch? You in that outfit, and me in this one?”

  I nodded.

  “Are you sure you’re not tired of me?”

  I liked that he asked. “If you overstay your welcome I’ll make sure to kick you right out.”

  “Promise?” He asked.

  “Of course. It’s not everyday I have friends stay over.”

  “I just want to clear something up real fast. First, I’m not letting you paint my toenails. If you think for one second you’re putting that bright pink on my toes you’re mistaken. I draw the line at masculinity.”

  “I like the company. You’re funny to be around.”

  He patted my leg, and I didn’t pull away. “The company is nice, Amber. It beats hanging out with my brother.”

  I knew he couldn’t stay forever, and that this friendship was extremely dangerous, but I needed it. Aside from Christian, I didn’t have people in my life that I could trust. “What do you like on your pizza?”

  “Hot blondes that let me rub their feet.”

  “Jax.” I gave him a witty look.

  “Whatever. I’m a man. I eat anything.”

  I picked up the phone to order and it rang in my hand. I rolled my eyes when I saw the number.

  Jax peeked over. “Is it someone from my family?”

  “No, mine.” I rolled my eyes and turned to address the call. “Hi, mom.”

  “Hi, honey. Just wondering if you’ve picked a weekend? We were hoping you could come next Friday. I know it’s short notice, but your dad took off. He wants to take the boat out Saturday, and then we can go through the things in the house Sunday.”

  While she spoke I kept looking over at Jax. If things were different he’d be a great guy to take home with me. They’d hate him, which in turn would prevent them from inviting me to visit. “Mom, can you hang on second?” I covered the receiver and looked over at him. “What are you doing next weekend?”

  “Why? Is it a stripper convention? If so, I’m totally in.”

  I kicked him lightly. “This is my mother. They don’t know what I do.”

  He looked upset and mouthed that he was sorry.

  “Seriously, can you do me a huge favor?”

  “Does it require me to wear something like this?”

  I laughed and moved my head from side to side. “Not unless you want to.”

  “Sure.”

  “Mom, I’ll call you when I’m on the way Friday night.”

  “We’ll see you soon.”

  When I hung up I took a couple seconds to prepare for the conversation I was about to have. Since she’d called out of nowhere I hadn’t had time to think about what I was saying. “I’m taking you home with me next weekend, but before you read too much into it, I need you to only pretend we’re a couple.” I covered my face. “I can’t believe I’m asking you to do this. If you don’t want to it’s okay. You must think I’m a terrible friend. First I make you rub my feet and now I’m asking you to lie. I just hate visiting my parents, and you walking in with me would make it easier.”

  “I’ll go. It’s fine.” His interest was reassuring.

  “Jax, promise me that you won’t expect anything from me.”

  He crossed his heart. “Amber, I like you. Here’s the thing though. I don’t have anyone else here. If I can stay away from the ranch for a couple of days it’s worth it.”

  “You haven’t met my parents.”

  “Isn’t your dad a doctor?”

  “There’s something I should tell you.” I looked down. Just imagining the words made me feel sick. “I haven’t been close to them since my sister died. They blame me for her death.”

  Jax was focused on my face. He was trying to read me and I hated it. I looked away quickly to avoid accidental eye contact.

  “Why would they blame you?”

  I stood up and started walking into the next room. “I’m sorry. I can’t talk about this.”

  With my back turned to him I didn’t expect that he’d chase after me. When I felt his hands on my shoulders I spun around startled. He rubbed a tear from my cheek. “Do you want me to order that pizza?”

  I nodded.

  For a moment he stood there with his hands on my shoulders. I half expected him to pull me in for a hug, but he didn’t budge. With a smile, he simply turned around and looked for my phone. After finding it, he walked it over for me to pull up the number.

  I stood there in awe as he called and ordered us pizza, wings, and beverages. He even gave them his credit card information to pay for it all. When he was finished he handed me back the phone and winked again. Our eyes were fixed. “When you do want to talk about it, I’ll listen. As far as next weekend goes, well I’ll pretend to be whatever you want, so long as I get to spend time with you. I can’t tell you how great it’s been to hang out with you this morning. I mean, I could pass on the foot scrub, but it was nice being able to touch you without you freaking out. You better be careful. I might get the impression that you actually like being around me. We both know that’s dangerous.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind,” I replied with a smile.

  Jax motioned to the living room. “Come on. Let’s find something to watch.”

  When I sat down beside him I felt content. He wasn’t pushing me to let him touch my skin. He wasn’t even staring at me like men did at the club. Jax was treating me like a real person. I wondered if this was normal for him, or that maybe our friendship was something new for us both. No matter what the case, I was comfortable. My shrink would say it was progress, but I was afraid that it could end up being more than I could handle. If that happened I didn’t know what I’d do.

  Chapter 13

  Jax

  When the pizza arrived I watched a physically fit woman scarf down three whole pieces. I downed my cola and belched loudly, worrying she’d be offended. Nope. Not this chick. She followed my burp with one that made me seem like I was two years old. While covering her mouth, we both burst into laughter. Little did she know that I felt as if I’d found the ying to my yang. It wasn’t just our blooming friendship that made me drawn to her. It certainly wasn’t just for the looks like I’d originally thought. She was the whole package. She was beautiful, educated, independent, and above all witty. I loved her sense of humor, and how she accepted mine. This was no longer just a mission to get into her pants. After spending the night, and now half the day, I was in awe of this chick. The problem was that the faster I was falling for her, the more she was making it clear that we were just friends. A part of me could live with that, because I enjoyed the company, but the other part, the one that made all the decisions, wanted so much more than she was willing to give.

  We decided to watch a show about cops, well criminals really. Amber sat beside me with enough room to pull her feet up. I took her by surprise and grabbed one of them, sitting it into my lap. “Hand me the polish.”

  “Are you sure? I was sort of kidding.”

  “No you weren’t. I’ll do it. A bet is a bet.” I was only doing it to be able to touch her. That’s how desperate I’d become. Holding onto her foot for five minutes was as close to being with Amber as I would get.

  The bright fluorescent color filled the little wand as I pulled it out and stroked it over her big toe. At first she was watching my every move. Since I’d never done it before, I had no idea what I was doing. Every brush touched a part of her skin, making that pink too. “You suck at this, Jax.”

  “Shut up. I’m an artist.” While I tried to do a good job her phone started ringing again.

  She reached over on the table and picked it up. “Hey, Chris. What’s up?”

  I watched her eyes get huge. “Whoa! Slow down.” She put the call on speakerphone.

  “We’ve been calling him and leavin’ messages since last night. Now his parents are freakin’ out. They thought he’d gotten mad and gone home to avoid bein’ around Jake, but he’s not there. Will you go out ridin’ around with me while Jake and Ethan start hittin’ all the bars in the area?”

  I began to laugh. Amber shoved me with her foot.

  I was motioning to her to not tell them where I was.

  “Chris, Jax is fine. Trust me.”

  “Did you see him at the club last night? He didn’t come home.”

  “He’s safe.” She stared into my eyes as she said it.

  My cousin’s voice changed. “Is he there with you right now?”

  “Hi, cuz,” I announced with laughter.

  “What the hell? You had us worried sick. Why haven’t you answered your phone?” She asked.

  “I’m a grown man. I didn’t think it was a big deal that my phone died last night. Amber and I went out for a late bite to eat, and I crashed on her couch. Calm your puss.” I tickled her feet as I spoke out loud, not wanting to take a single second away from our time together. “Can we hang up now? We’re kind of in the middle of something.”

  “Jax, no we aren’t,” Amber corrected.

  “Yes we are!” I reiterated louder, feeling a foot shoving into my abdomen when I did it.

  “Chris, we’re watching television. I swear.”

  “Naked. We’re totally naked. I showed her my penis and she loves it. She thinks it’s cute.” I kept going, while she continued trying to get me to stop, still holding the phone.

  “I’m hangin’ up. I’ll let everyone know you’re an asshole and you’re fine. Use a phone next time, Jax. Some people care what happens to you.”

  Amber clicked the end button and sat the phone down. “I should have known you’d say something smart. Now she thinks we’re screwing each other.”

  “Who cares? Is there a boyfriend that’s going to show up and kick my ass, or try to?”

  She shook her head fast. “No! I promised her I’d steer clear of you.”

  “What?” I was shocked. “Is that why I haven’t seen you around until recently? You’ve been avoiding me?”