I grab his hand and drag him to keep up with me. A waterfall would be the most amazing find. I could do so many different shoots with it. The closer we get, the louder it gets. When we come to a clearing and look left, I'm speechless. I drop Jax's hand and make my way over to the lake that does, in fact, have the most stunning waterfall. It's running down moss-covered rocks, and there are wooden beams covered in graffiti that just make it that much more interesting. I grab my camera and begin snapping pictures of everything. I am totally in the zone, focusing on nothing else but the beautiful sight in front of me. I take down my camera, smile, and look around.

"Kallie?" Jax says.

I spin around to find Jax grinning. It's not that I forgot he was here. I just got so caught up in the photos.

"I'm sorry. I just can't help myself. I see so much beauty here, and I have to capture it," I explain.

He walks over and puts his arm around my shoulder. Holy s.h.i.t, just a simple touch like this, and I can feel my knees going weak.

"Don't you ever be sorry for that. I look at you, how pa.s.sionate you are, and it amazes me. You are someone people envy with your talent and dedication. Your tattoo is perfect for you...you do capture the moment," he says.

It's feeling too intimate, and I can't have that. I lift my arm and elbow him right in the stomach. He leans forward with a humph.'

"Stop bringing that up," I hiss. He catches his breath, stands up, and looks at me. "Sorry."

"No, you're not," he says with a chuckle and we both fall into a fit a laughter.

"You're right, I'm not, but maybe now you'll stop talking about it," I say once my laughter is under control.

"Yeah, probably not," he says and winks at me before moving closer to the water. Even though I'm embarra.s.sed he's brought it up again, I can't help but just let it go. I hold my camera up and begin snapping pictures of him standing with his back to me. Even from the back, he's hot as h.e.l.l. I snap a few more before I make my way down to him. He wraps his arm around me again, and this time, I don't elbow him. I just stand there and take it all in with him.

After about fifteen minutes of complete silence, he squeezes my shoulder, drawing my attention from the waterfall.

"Blake told you about having some people over tonight. Would you like to come hang out for a while? We haven't eaten since breakfast, and I know between him and Max, there will be good food," he asks with a small, hopeful grin.

How the h.e.l.l can I say no? He's gone out of his way for me multiple times last night and today. Plus, I really do want to hang out and get to know him around his friends.

"Sounds good. You ready to get out of here?" I say.

He lets go of my shoulder but grabs my hand. "I'm ready when you are. I'll wait as long as it takes," he utters.

f.u.c.k, I don't think he's just talking about being here. I don't acknowledge what he says. I just smile and take one last photo of the sun dipping down behind the waterfall.

"I'm ready."

He nods his head, and we silently make our way back to his car.

Chapter Eight.

Jax The trip to the park was a success. Kallie loved it, and I can see why. It was definitely a great place, full of perfect settings for a photo shoot. It was the first time since I've met her that I wanted to grab her and kiss the s.h.i.t out of her. Watching her when she takes pictures is such a d.a.m.n turn on. She looks so f.u.c.king s.e.xy, but after the elbow to the stomach, I figured I had better not push my luck. I did, however, mean what I said about waiting as long as it takes. I know if she would just let her guard down, we could have something great. I see little breaks in her resolve every once in a while, but she fixes that quickly. For now, I'll take this friendship because I f.u.c.king love being around her.

"Jax, do you think we could just stop at my place real quick so I can change? I'd rather not meet your friends dressed like a b.u.m," she asks.

I glance at her and grin. If being dressed in a tight black tank top and jean shorts is her idea of b.u.mming it, I can't wait to see what she puts on.

"You got it," I say.

We're almost home, and the ride wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. The ride up may have been full of laughs and singing, but the ride home was a bit more serious. We've been talking about our brothers and family. I feel an overwhelming need to thank her brother for pushing her to photograph people. If he hadn't, who knows if we would have met? I also can't wait for her to meet Brody. I know they'll get along great; they're so much alike with their goals.

"Jax, who exactly is going to be at this party?" she asks, pulling me out of my thoughts.

"I'm not totally sure. I know Max will be there, my brother is supposed to stop by, and I could be wrong, but I think Blake mentioned Brinley coming too. There'll be a few more models and guys from work, I'm sure," I say. When I glance over, she's biting her lip and nods her head. I get the feeling she's nervous, and it makes me wonder why. "What's up? We don't need to go if you don't want to." I stop at a light and grab her hand. I can't f.u.c.king help it. I feel compelled to touch her in some way.

"No, no, I want to go. It will be fun," she says.

I squeeze her hand and focus back on the road when the light changes. It's only a few minutes before I'm parking in a spot at her place. We get out of the car and head inside. I go to the stairs and she laughs.

"Why do you always take the stairs? Elevators scare you?" she asks, smiling.

I lightly laugh and push through the door. "No, elevators don't scare me. I just feel like they're the lazy way. I'd rather use the stairs."

She rolls her eyes and starts running up the stairs. "I'll show you lazy," she says and laughs as she rushes up.

I take the stairs two at a time and catch up to her, grab her by the waist, lift her up, and carry her the rest of the way. She laughs and holds on tight to my arms. When we make it to her floor, I kick open the door and run down to hers. I put her down and she turns around, still laughing.

"What? Just showing you how fun taking the stairs can be," I say with a grin.

She shakes her head and slips the key in, unlocking the door. We go inside and she flips on the lights.

"Okay, you proved your point. Stairs can be fun," she says as I smile and lean against the wall. "I'm going to get changed. Sit, I won't be long."

I sit down on the couch and pull out my cell phone. I text Blake and let him know we'll be heading over soon. He doesn't reply, which doesn't surprise me. He's probably busy entertaining.' I laugh to myself and pull up my Facebook page, checking to see what I've missed. I posted a picture earlier. It's so flattering, the comments I get from all these women. They definitely know how to inflate your ego. I've gotten some off the wall private messages that are flattering, but nothing I'd ever act on. I usually just reply with a thank you.

After being on for about twenty minutes, I close it down and wait on Kallie. Thoughts of last night and seeing her in just her bra and panties flash through my mind. What I wouldn't give to have her squirming under me, her soft skin glistening with sweat, and her wet p.u.s.s.y wrapped around my c.o.c.k.

"Sorry, I'm ready," she says.

I snap my head over to her and try to clear it of s.e.xual thoughts before I attempt to make good on them. My hard c.o.c.k may take a bit longer to convince, though. It doesn't help that she's wearing a tight dress that makes her t.i.ts pop out. She looks f.u.c.king stunning. Her hair is down and curled, her makeup is on, and f.u.c.k, those t.i.ts. s.h.i.t, I said that, but it's like they're begging for my attention.

"Kallie, you are hot as h.e.l.l. I'll need to keep an eye on those a.s.sholes tonight," I say, shoving my hands in my pockets.

She laughs and shakes her head, but I'm serious. They'll be climbing all over her, much like I would if she f.u.c.king let me.

We pull up to my house, and as usual, the street is flooded with cars.

"Holy s.h.i.t. There are a lot of people here," Kallie says, twisting her head around.

I get out and she meets me in front of the car. "Yeah, but you'll have fun, believe me. Come on; let me introduce you to some people," I say, nodding toward the house. I take her hand, and we walk into the house. Most everyone is outside, but there are a few hanging around inside as well. As soon as she sees them, she drops my hand like it's on fire. I just sigh and move into the kitchen. "Looks like more people are outside, come on."

She follows me out, and people bombard me right away. Monica runs over and I catch her. We laugh and she gives me a kiss h.e.l.lo. She introduces me to some new friends she brought. Blake comes over and slaps me on the back.

"Brother, holy f.u.c.k, there are some hot chicks here tonight. Glad you decided to come home alone; you need to get your d.i.c.k wet instead of ignored," Blake says excitedly. I hear a throat clear behind me and close my eyes. "She's behind us, isn't she?" I nod my head, and he turns around, smiling. "Kallie, I'm so f.u.c.king glad you made it. What can I get you? A drink? Food? You want to go for a swim?"

"Shut up, Blake," I growl and turn to see her staring at him with her eyebrows raised. She doesn't look happy. "Come on, Kallie, let's eat, then we'll hang out."

She glares at Blake, but smiles at me. "Sounds good. I'm starving," she sweetly says.

I lead her over to the grill and glance behind me at Blake. He lifts his shoulders and mouths sorry.' I flip him off before grabbing two plates off the table. I get us both a burger and my favorite potato salad. Most people are in the pool and hot tub or by the fire, so we have plenty of room at the table. I put our plates down and sit.

"I'll go grab us drinks. What do you want?" I ask.

She cringes and cover her mouth. "No alcohol...anything else is fine."

I nod and go over to the cooler. I grab myself a beer and a soda for her. We sit and eat, just taking in everything going on. A few people come over, and I introduce them to Kallie. I watch as she talks and laughs with all of them, happy that she seems to like them. She's busy talking to Max when Brody walks over to me.

"Well, look who finally decided to come out of the house. What's up, Brody?" I say and when I say his name, Kallie turns her head.

"Shut the f.u.c.k up, Jax. I thought I'd stop by for a beer," he says.

I smile and stand up, wrapping my arm around him. I'm excited for Kallie and Brody to meet. I know we aren't anything but friends, but I really want them to get along.

"Brody, this is my friend, Kallie. Kallie, this is my brother, Brody," I introduce them, smiling.

Brody stares at me with a grin on his face. He knows I'm attracted to her, but I can see on his face that he's impressed. He moves away from me and shakes her hand.

"Hi, Kallie, it's a pleasure to meet you. Jax has spoken very highly of you," he says.

She narrows her eyes and I hold up my hands laughing. She glances back at Brody and laughs.

"Nice to meet you, Brody. Jax has told me so much about you, I feel like I know you," she says.

He sits down in my seat and they begin talking. I stand there with my arms crossed and watch them. He asks about her photography, and her face lights up.

"Hey, Jax, instead of standing there ogling, go grab me a beer, will you?" Brody saying smiling.

They both laugh, and I grin as I head over to get it for him. I grab one out of the cooler and turn around, nearly b.u.mping into this beautiful woman.

"s.h.i.t, sorry," I say.

She smiles at me and moves even closer-so close that her t.i.ts are pressed up against my chest. "Don't be. I've been waiting for you to move away from your photographer all night," she coos.

I dip my eyebrows in confusion, p.i.s.sed by her statement. I take a step back, getting her t.i.ts off me. "First of all, she's my friend, not my photographer. Secondly, I'm not interested, so excuse me," I say a bit harshly.

I go to move around her but she steps in front of me. She reaches out and drags her fingers down my chest, stopping at the top of my jeans. She keeps her hand there and gazes at me with l.u.s.t clear on her face.

"Oh, I think you are interested. As a matter of fact, I know you are. If you weren't, you wouldn't allow me to be this close to you, touching you." She glances behind her before facing me again. "Your friend looks well entertained...why don't we go entertain each other? You look like you could use a release," she purrs.

It's tempting, so f.u.c.king tempting. She has a point; if I wanted to get away from her, I easily could. I watch Kallie and Brody talking and turn back to this half-dressed woman in front of me.

"What do you say, Jax?" she questions with a seductive grin on her face.

She moves her hand the slightest bit down, closer to my c.o.c.k, and pushes herself up against me again. f.u.c.k, the idea of actually having her legs wrapped around me is becoming more inviting. I look at Kallie again, and she throws her head back laughing, just like the first time I ever laid eyes on her. What the f.u.c.k. I step around this woman, who would be in my bed in a heartbeat, and head back over to the one I don't stand a chance with.

A few hours later, when the party has dwindled down, the remainder of us are hanging around the fire pit. I've turned down woman after woman tonight. Never have I done that before, and it makes me question exactly what I'm feeling here. I'm starting to think it's more than just physical attraction. I haven't taken my eyes off her all night. She is having a great time, talking with my friends and Brinley, who finally showed up. It has kept a constant smile on my face. I take a sip of my beer, and it hits me, son of a b.i.t.c.h, I think I'm starting to have feelings for her.

"Well, look who went to bed alone last night," Blake says, grinning. I shake my head at him as I pour myself a cup of coffee. "Why are you doing this, brother? You're holding on to this fantasy that you're going to be able to get her? She's made it clear that will never happen." He hops up on the counter and shoves the rest of his egg sandwich in his mouth.

"Blake, it's not that simple," I say, still trying to figure out my feelings myself. I'm not about to tell him. He rides my a.s.s enough as it is.

"Brother, it is that simple. You're attracted to her, but that s.h.i.t isn't going to happen. There are a sea of women who are more than willing to spend a night with you. Let it go, be friends if you want, but leave it at that. You don't need to keep looking like a p.u.s.s.y," he says.

He's p.i.s.sing me off more and more with every word. "You think I don't know that? You think I haven't been telling myself the same f.u.c.king thing? I have, but d.a.m.n it, I can't help myself," I yell, scrubbing my face.

He shakes his head and sips on his coffee. I'm usually the one giving the advice, the levelheaded one. I don't like when roles are reversed.

"You need to get laid, my friend. That's what will help you. If there is one thing I know about, it's s.e.x. f.u.c.k her out of your thoughts," he suggests.

It's f.u.c.ked up, it's a horrible idea, but maybe that is exactly what I need to do. Maybe the only way to stop these feelings is to be with a woman, to think about someone else, even if it's only for a few hours.

"Don't you f.u.c.king dare," Brody hisses. I spin around and see him standing there. What the h.e.l.l? It's like some stupid a.s.s, low budget movie.

"You stayed last night? What did I miss?" I ask.

He gets a bottle of water out of the fridge and sits down at the table. "You didn't miss anything. I had a few too many beers, so I slept on the couch. I got up this morning and went for a run. I came in on the brilliant advice Blake here is trying to give you," he says, raising his eyebrows.

Blake looks at him with shock on his face. "Hey, I'm just trying to do what's right for my friend. She's leading him on, and that's f.u.c.ked up," he says, offended.

Brody finishes off his water and throws the empty bottle at him. "You're a f.u.c.king idiot. She's not leading him on. She told him from the get-go she wasn't going to be with him. He knew that when he decided to do the friend thing. After talking to her last night, I can tell she's confused. She didn't say that, but it was the way she talked about him. If he f.u.c.ks another girl to get Kallie out of his system, he'll never stand a chance with her," Brody says.

Blake stands up and goes over to him. "I'm not the f.u.c.king idiot here. He's letting her string him along. He's one of the most popular models out there; he can have anyone he wants. Why should he sit around waiting on something that may never happen?" Blake yells.

"Shut. The. f.u.c.k. Up!" They both turn and look at me. "You're both talking like I'm not standing right here. I don't need either of you deciding what's right for me. I'm perfectly capable of doing that myself. You both need to mind your own f.u.c.king business," I roar and throw my cup in the sink.

I head into the bathroom for a long overdue shower. After I'm done, I get dressed, grab my keys, and go for a drive. I need to clear my head. Both of them are right, and it's confusing as f.u.c.k. I know that if Kallie gave us a chance, she'd see how great it could be, but will that ever happen? Is there even a chance of it happening? I punch the steering wheel a few times before heading to the beach.

I get out and go sit on the rocks. Why the f.u.c.k am I being such a d.a.m.n p.u.s.s.y here? It's like I'm turning into someone I don't even know. Never have I chased after a girl, not even in high school. What is it about Kallie that makes her so different? She's beautiful, smart, funny, talented, and committed to her work. She loves her family and her friends. She understands this world we're both a part of. Plus, she drunk dialed me, telling me she was attracted to me. But is that it? Is that why I feel so connected or attracted to her? Or is it the idea of the chase, the challenge?

I sit for hours, just watching the waves crash onto the sh.o.r.e, no closer to figuring out what the h.e.l.l I'm doing. I pull out my cell phone and text Blake. I ask him if he wants to go grab a drink, and he's more than willing. I'm done trying to figure s.h.i.t out, so I'll go get drunk.

Chapter Nine.

Kallie I am so d.a.m.n excited for my shoot today. I'm finally doing one with Jax. It took a while for our schedules to allow it, but today is the day. It's been two weeks since the party at his place, and we've hung out a few times. Jax seemed a bit different the first time I talked to him after the party, and when I asked him what was up, he just told me it was nothing. I wanted to push, but he changed the subject and seemed perfectly fine after that, so I didn't see the point. Things between us have been fun and relaxed, and that's exactly how I want it.