Page 86 of Middle Ground

“You’re going to have to fuck me a lot harder than that to break me, Hotshot.”

I grin. I lean forward, letting my lips brush the shell of her ear again. “Is that a challenge?”

“If that’s what it takes to get you tomove.”

I oblige. I draw back, only to thrust forward again. I brace my hands on her hips, giving myself leverage to bury myself inside her, over and over again.

“Jackson.”

I reach around again, finding Meyer’s clit. Adding pressure, I keep thrusting. My other hand stays anchored to her hip, holding her in place.

“Let go, baby. Come for me.”

With my words and the increased pressure, she does. Meyer slumps against the island, her orgasm overwhelming her. Her pussy pulses around my cock, and the feeling spurs on my own release. I pump into her a couple more times and then come with a groan.

“Holy shit,” she breathes.

I place a gentle kiss on her shoulder, and then I pull out of her. I dispose of the condom and then tuck myself back into my pants as she spins around to face me. Her cheeks are beautifully flushed and her eyes are bright. I could look at her all goddamn night.

Meyer holds the ripped shreds of her dress against herchest. “I’m going to shower,” she says with a grin. “Want to join me?”

I’m already unbuttoning my shirt. “Right behind you, baby.”

In the shower, we take our time getting clean, and then I fall asleep in Meyer’s bed, my legs tangled with hers.

CHAPTER 30

MEYER

After the nightof the charity dinner, things have been different between me and Jackson. I’m not entirely sure what to call it—what Iwantus to call it—but I do know that I don’t want it to end.

Maybe starting up a sexual relationship with my business partner will still come around to bite me in the ass, but I’m willing to take that risk.

While things with Jackson seem to be going well, other things…not so much. I finally got the air conditioning fixed in my car, only for the vehicle to choose this moment to completely crap out on me.

“Ugh.”

After my tenth attempt, I give up on trying to get the engine to turn over.

I was supposed to be well on my way to Calderville by now. My mother finally wore me down and convinced me to join her and her bookclub for their meeting this week. Ihaven’t managed to read the book, but something tells me that doesn’t matter.

It really doesn’t matter now that my car won’t start.

With a sigh, I text Mom and tell her that I probably won’t be making it after all, unless some vehicular guardian angel makes their appearance and helps me out. Then I drop my forehead to the steering wheel with a groan as I think about how much this car repair will cost me.

I make a decent salary, but I’m not exactly swimming in piles of money, especially considering how much I spend to keep my mom in her apartment. Unexpected expenses like this usually hurt a little.

When I lift my head up, I spot Jackson across the parking lot. He’s speaking to our maintenance guy, but when he glances my way and notices my car sitting here, he claps Hank on the back and then makes his way toward me.

“You’re still here,” he says, bracing his forearms on the car and leaning through my open window.

My glare is withering. “You’re really observant, Hotshot.”

He chuckles, earning him another glare. “And why are you still here? What’s up?"

“My stupid car won’t start!” When he opens his mouth to speak, I hold up a hand. “Yes, I’ve tried whatever you’re about to suggest, and just about everything else, and now I’m over it.”

“I was going to suggest you take my car.”