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Chapter 1

"You're not serious, beautiful?" He's leaning against the door to my studio, his hands tucked neatly into the pocket of his jeans The growth of hair on his facethan he usually does I'll never get over how absolutely handsome he is

"I'm dead serious, Jax" I just need hioing to be so much easier

He taps his shoe against the floor as he studies his fingernails "You think you have thathard to cover the a

I try to suppress a wide grin I've got hio in for the kill and this nightmare will finally be over and done with "I know that I do You're wasting my time"

"I' your time?" The question accoh It's so smooth and natural It means he's comfortable and happy This is hoant hi utterly content

"Yes" I nod and look down at the silver earring I' on "I have a lot to do today You can pack up your things and leave" I can't e my mind

"Just like that? You're going to throw me out on the street?"

"I called Leonard He's waiting downstairs to drive you home" I know the reference to his driver will hit a nerve within hi with the car downstairs means that as soon as Jax leaves the shop he'll be on his way home, not on his way back up here to persuade me to reconsider

"You have this all worked out" His voice deepens "You were planning on firingand you were screa my name"

I feel an ache rush throughlove topulled froht nipple was the perfect way to begin any day Living with Jax was heaven, but working with hi my own personal hell

"You can't take it personally," I say curtly "You're the one who taught me that business is business That’s all this is"

"You don't think I've done a good job?" His voice is clipped "You're firing me because I fucked up?"

"I'o because you stalk the custo the showcases" I suck in athe anything It's bad for business"

"It doesn't make sense to me"

"What doesn't make sense to you?"

"None of thisto ether and decipher what he means on my own

"Jax, I love you" I pat the e on

He leans against the table "I love you endlessly, Ivy Endlessly" His hand reaches to cradlefor you"

"Then leave" I plead with my eyes "Let me do this alone, please"

"You don't think I'ht frown skirts over the corners of his lips

I stand and wrap my arms around his neck "This is my store I want to make it a success"

"We've been doing that together" I shiver at the touch of his hands on h the heavy , Jax's touch still makes me weak and desirous