Jaxson inclines his head slightly, his expression thoughtful. “That’s what he said. At least we know that was the truth.”
He smiles, and my heart does a flip.
He holds out the palms of his hands. “Anyway, I’m here.”
I stare at him, my eyes squinting.
“Stowing away on a private plane to the Maldives?”
He shrugs, as if it’s nothing. “Not stowing away, hitching a ride on a friend’s plane.” He shrugs. “I’m here on a workingholiday. I have a large project to prepare for, and there are worse places to be. I hear the Maldives are beautiful at this time of year.
The hair stiffens at the nape of my neck.
“You can’t just turn up somewhere and hope they’ll be able to find space for you.”
“Oh, that’s all been sorted,” he grins.
I narrow my eyes, pressing my lips together.
Which sibling do I murder now?
I bite back the growl that threatens. My heart rate is elevated.
“What’s in it for you?” I ask, after getting my heart rate under control. “It’s not like you’re beholden to my board. You could just walk away.”
Jax sits back in the chair, his broad shoulders filling the back, his posture relaxed.
“That’s very true, I could. However, I’ve seen the brief and in the true spirit of transparency,” he says. “I want in.” As if it’s that simple. He inclines his head, his eyes never leaving my face. “Kat, what you’re trying to do is groundbreaking. I want Lockwood and Associates to be part of that.”
It’s my turn to sit back. I cross my arms over my chest. I search his face for anything, anything that can explain what the hell is going on here.
We sit in silence. Staring openly at each other.
Claudia takes that moment to reappear. Her face breaks out into a smile.
“Mr Lockwood. Can I get you anything?”
Great, Claudia thinks he’s a welcome guest.
“An Americano would be lovely, thank you, Claudia. And it’s Jaxson.”
The smile he offers her has my hackles rising again.
Thank you, Claudia, and it’s Jaxson. Who the hell does he think he is?
“Kathryn, can I get you anything?”
My name pulls me back into the present with a jump.
“Sorry, Claudia, I was miles away. Can I have a latte, please?”
Claudia grins at us, her eyes sparkling before turning away.
Heaven only knows what she thinks is going on here.
After Claudia leaves, I turn to Jax.
“So, I take it I have Caleb to thank for this little fiasco?”
