Untouchable: Kohl Family: Johannah & Jaxon Read online

  For the next week, Johannah is trapped on a private island off the Florida Keys with them. The island is unlike any she has ever been on before. There is a luxury resort hotel, exclusively amongst several private homes, but that's it. It's secluded, like she wanted it to be. She had expressed her vision of how she wished to spend their annual girls' getaway this year. Although she notices the very single looking crowd surrounding them. Immediately Johannah becomes suspicious about it.

  "Why do I get the impression I'm being displayed like a piece of meat in front of a bunch of hungry lions?" Johannah asked her friend, Paige, as she takes a seat at one of the high-tops. She'd asked Kendra, her wilder free-spirited friend. Right now, however, she is actively flirting with two gentlemen. They caught her eye when the three of them passed a few moments ago.

  Paige McGraw and Kendra Garris have known Johannah since their freshman year of college. They met in English 101 and have been friends ever since. Each brings something different to the table. Making this friendship one of the strongest she has ever been a part of.

  Paige is a quiet woman. She never approaches guys on her own. She doesn't casually date. Paige gets attached sooner than most and finally came to realize how hard that was on her.

  Paige is also the only one of them that has ever been engaged. She ended it only weeks from the big day when she caught her fiancé with another woman. That was a few years ago and lately has expressed how she believes she may be ready to get back in the game.

  All that being said, don't let her quiet demeanor fool you. As a friend, Paige isn't afraid to voice what's on her mind or tell you what she believes you need to hear. She is the friend you want to have around in every situation.

  Kendra is the opposite of Paige. That woman is not afraid to make the first move. Goes through men like they are M&M's when the urge strikes. The rest of the time she takes things more seriously. Generally speaking, she is the one to end it when the guy decides he wants to be exclusive. She isn't a firm believer in the kind of love that lasts forever. Blames that on her parents and the examples they set for her when she was growing up.

  Kendra never holds back either. Unlike Paige, who is better with her delivery about her opinion. She just blurts it out and doesn't care if you want to hear it or not. If she thinks it, she speaks it, and that has caused problems for her in the past. She is a true and loyal friend. She never gives up on you and stands by her friends' side even through the toughest of times. Kendra has proven that many times throughout the years.

  Johannah is a combination of both. She's not afraid of men and can make a move if she wants to. Has approached men occasionally, but as a rule, waits for them to make the first move. Casual dating is what she finds herself most involved in. Not because she doesn't believe in everlasting love. More because her job is demanding, and she finds it difficult to discover enough time to put into one. So, after a few sporadic dates with a man, over several months, things die or the guy meets someone else.

  She has had one serious relationship; it ended when she accepted her current job. The guy couldn't compete with her devotion to her job, so he decided it was best for both of them if he ended it. After three years of what she presumed was her happily ever after, it ended just like that. That's when Johannah realized that relationship had been more about her being comfortable than it was about love. While she got upset when it was over, she wasn't devastated and accepted it too easily. Not quite the reaction she expected to have over the guy she thought was it for her.

  Johanna's personality is also a good mix of her friends. She enjoys having fun and can be the life of a party when she wants to be. Or she can sit back and blend in. It depends on her mood or the mood of those around her on how she acts. She also knows how to deliver advice, without noticeably allowing you to know she is giving it. It's a talent her friends appreciate and count on.

  Paige giggles as she takes her seat. Her eyes survey the large open space. "Kendra booked it."

  "Why did we leave the details to her? I'm guessing this is some singles weekend event, or at least I'm praying it's only a weekend event. I hope we don't have to put up with this all week." Johannah can't believe the number of people in the hotel bar/nightclub.

  After a few minutes, Kendra joins her friends. "This is great. Look at all the fresh meat, ladies."

  "Seriously, Kendra. Tell me this is only a weekend affair."

  Kendra throws both her friends a full-on smile. "Four-day event. I figured you'd kill me if I booked us at the one that ran longer. It's why I insisted on us arriving Friday night instead of Saturday morning. Tuesday through Sunday will be your typical crowd that vacations at a resort like this. We good?"

  Paige and Johannah look at each other and then nod.

  "Good, because I just met these two guys on my way over. They are going to join us in a few minutes. They're waiting on their friend. The one said his friend is hiding out and not thrilled about the crowd. Using every excuse in the book to avoid joining them. They are going to use the line, three ladies hit on us so we need you, man, to get him down here." Kendra spots a larger table that is unoccupied and motions for her friends to move so there is room for the guys.

  Paige sits between the other two women. "Why do you always put us on the spot like this?"

  "Cause someone's got to get you two to mingle. Plus, I really..." Kendra ceases talking when her mouth drops to the floor. "Holy Moly."

  Johanna swivels her head and soon understands her friend's reaction.

  Three men are heading their way. All are very sharp looking guys. Three gentlemen like that shouldn't be allowed to stand next to each other. It's rather unfair to all the rest of the more average-looking fellows. But what essentially makes them stand out, is the man in the middle who happens to towers over the other two. That man alone would draw a crowd. Then you include him with the other two men flanking his side, and it's like... WOW.

  "Geez. Do we get to draw straws?" Paige whispers as she sips on her cocktail, enjoying the show. "Even I wouldn't mind getting my hands on him."

  "Down girl." Johannah laughs unexpectedly. "God must have sent me an angel from heaven for my birthday present."

  All three chortle as they watch the men work their way towards them. Women all around seem to be drooling and losing interest in the guys near them. Even though the three men aren't paying any of those women any attention. Especially Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome.

  Kendra slaps Johannah's arm. "Only because I'm attracted to Geoff, am I willing to pass blue eyes off to you tonight. However, I am going to warn you, if you don't close that deal then he becomes free game. That is, if I don't hit it off with Geoff."

  Johannah twists her head, "I don't seal deals."

  "You know what I mean, Jo. If you tell me you're interested, I'll agree to keep my hands off, but if not." She wiggles her fingers and eyebrows.

  "So, you're saying I'm once again stuck with the leftovers?" Paige sighs in disgust. "Although I believe I'm fine with the leftovers this time. Blondie seems like the lesser of three evils, more my style."

  The leader of the pack addresses the ladies as he approaches Kendra and places a kiss on her cheek. "Would it be okay if we head upstairs?"

  Kendra glances at her friends, and they seem to be fine with that. "Sure. What's upstairs?"

  Mr. Tall, Dark and Handsome doesn't even stop when he passes their table. He heads straight for the staircase that is being safeguarded by a bouncer. The bouncer doesn't prevent him from proceeding. He only nods when the man utters something as he struts past him.

  Geoff explains as he helps the ladies up. "Jaxon isn't much of a crowd person. Too many bodies make him edgy. Plus, we have a better view up there and it should also be quieter. Ladies, I'm Geoff and this is Austin. We'll do formal introductions once we get settled upstairs." He motions for them to follow Austin, who has been patiently waiting off to the side.

  Austin leads the way when the ladies are ready. Once upstairs the sound is noticeably subdued an
d the atmosphere much more relaxed. Conversation up here will be so much easier.

  Jaxon is already seated in one of the eight tops overlooking the floor, his back against the wall. He doesn't appear pleased to be here. It's the first thing Johannah notices as he stares down at the crowded floor below them. He seems to be analyzing the scene in much the same way she might from above like this.

  Johannah stops short of the table and does her own quick inspection. Knowing she is perceiving more than most. With a glance, she identifies all types of behaviors. Those who are staking claims on the person they are interested in. Those who are doing their best to avoid being claimed. Both are the easiest behaviors to spot by body language alone. Then there are the trickier ones, and if she had time she would love to stand here and just watch. But tonight, she isn't here to work or analyze behavior; instead, she is here to have fun with her friends.

  Kendra snags her arm, towing her toward the table. "Stop it."

  "Sorry. It's a hard habit to break, as you well know." Johannah notices everyone else has already chosen his or her seat.

  Kendra and Geoff are seated to the left of Jaxon, leaving one seat between them open. Austin and Paige are on his right, also leaving one seat free. Which leaves only three seats available for her.

  Since the man who walked past them downstairs hasn't bothered to even glance up. Johannah selects the chair in front of him, obscuring his view. And at first, she isn't even sure he notices. That is until he blinks several times, lowers his chin, and stares straight at her. His persistent stare should be disturbing. Except for some strange reason, it is anything but.

  Without taking his eyes off hers, Jaxon speaks in the smoothest, deepest voice Johannah has ever heard. "Hope you ladies are fine with us relocating up here. I'm not comfortable in crowds. Get a little claustrophobic about being so close to total strangers. I'm Jaxon Cristiano.

  "The Jaxon Cristiano?" Paige squeals and her eyes don't disguise her infatuation. "Pictures don't do you a bit of justice."

  "Thank you. Yes, I guess I am the Jaxon Cristiano. The man you're seated next to is the Austin Boyd, and my other friend is the Geoff Taff." Jaxon makes a point to provide his friends with the same repute as if they should be as well recognized as him. And since he is spotted in public mostly with those two by his side, they probably are.

  Not surprisingly, Kendra doesn't let him get away with it. "Wow. So, when they report you are an arrogant ass, they weren't kidding."

  Jaxon slides his eyes off Johannah only long enough to address the other woman. "And if they wrote about you, what would they report?"

  Kendra bites, "That I'm the bitchy Kendra Garris, who goes after what she wants and doesn't let arrogant men stop her. Flamboyant, fun, and with just enough charisma you can't help but notice me.

  "I believe they also report you're a mystery. That most women can't figure out how to breakthrough, which is why you are still single. Many have attempted and failed."

  A small sneer spreads across Jaxon's face. "And what about you?" He is now addressing the woman to his left.

  "Oh. They wouldn't even bother. I'm just the background that always gets lost in the wake of Kendra. By the time they got finished with her, they'd take one look at me and in no time moves onto Jo. I'm Paige." Her voice cracks as if she is very star struck right now.

  "You are by all means not background material, Paige." Austin points out. "Give yourself more credit than that."

  "He's right, Paige." Jaxon agrees as he drags his eyes back to the woman in front of him. "And what about you? Jo, is it?"

  "Johannah actually, although most people call me Jo. What would they report about me?" Johannah rests her elbow on the table supporting her chin with her fist, all while staring back at the man in front of her. "That I'm not an open book. Hard to read at first, because I'm good at what I do. But most likely they wouldn't notice me at all, because I'm not the one they would be watching."

  "Oh, I doubt they could miss you." Jaxon's words slide across the table and seep inside, sending a shiver down her spine.

  Johannah snickers as she inclines forward, determined to make her point. "I bet you don't even realize how many times over the last eight years you have seen me. It's my job to blend in and not be seen. If I'm doing my job right, that is."

  Johannah can't help get the sense she just challenged a man she shouldn't have. There is something about him that cautions her he could be very dangerous if he wanted to be. Although she gets this impression he wants people to believe that about him. The reason he comes across the way he does.

  No one could overlook those eyes of his. They are the color the sky is during the summer, and she even detects a few clouds hiding amongst them. She's pretty certain he doesn't even realize how exposed he is right now. Johannah has a premonition he's the kind of man who doesn't let others perceive much.

  Then there is his hair. It is as black as coal and brushes against his shoulders. It's all one length and has this sheen to it that makes it appear silky, she can only imagine how it would feel. Definitely not the visual icon one might conjure up for a man who runs a multimillion-dollar company.

  Even the pigment of his skin, which is the color most women strive to achieve. Sun-kissed just enough to give him the appearance of a perfect tan. She is pretty confident he isn't the kind of man who tans in a bed or out on a beach. Making this is his natural tone and one he wears very well.

  The combination of it all makes those eyes of his pop even more. It's very rare to meet a man with his complexion who possesses eyes like his. Plus, the man is tall, well over six feet, but not quite six and a half. She herself is close to six, only shy by a few inches. Meaning that when she wears heels, she is as tall as most of the men she works with. An advantage she likes, because it puts her on the same playing field as them. Something very important in the type of job she holds.

  And last but not the least, you have his physique. The man is well put together. It's obvious he spends time in the gym working out. His arms alone display that. The bands on his white, cotton knit shirtsleeves are stretched to the limit. As is the rest of the shirt which is hugging his torso much like she imagines a few women would like to be. It's a wonder he even fits inside it at all. Good thing they make those shirts more flexible than they used to.

  If she went by his appearance alone, Johannah's first impression would be a thug. And maybe she isn't wrong, maybe he is a thug in the business world. Although from what she has read about him, he is anything but that. He may be a challenge to get a read on and difficult to decipher. It has been said by those who work for him that Jaxon Cristiano is a generous man. He treats all his employees fairly and offers great benefits. Even his business contracts are handled with care, never undermined by him or his staff. His word is gold, and if he tells you something, then you can be sure he means it.

  "What is it you do, Johannah?" Jaxon adjusts in his chair so he can also slant toward her.

  Johannah flashes him her most cunning expression as she reveals her go-to response. "I'm not at liberty to disclose that. Let's just say that if you knew Kendra or me, even Paige, because of our jobs, it would be because you'd be in a lot of trouble."

  The other two women snicker and nod in agreement. The expressions on all three men's faces, has them laughing even harder.

  "All this talk is making me thirsty. Why don't we order a few drinks before we hit the dance floor?" Kendra suggests.

  "I'm game with that," Paige agrees.

  Austin waves the server down. "Me too."

  "Yep, I'm in," Geoff chuckles.

  "Me as well. What about you, Jaxon? Is it still too crowded down there for you?" Johannah asks, but not in a way that makes it sound as if she is thwarting him, just asking. "I mean, if you are going to stay here, then we don't need to haul all our crap with us, right? It is pretty packed down there." She states as she glances over her shoulder.

  "I'll pass. Thanks for asking," and he meant that. He could tell she wasn't judging him fo
r not wanting to be in the sea of people.

  "Great. Then it's settled. For now, Jaxon is the official table saver, drink watcher, and purse holder. We can trust you, right? I mean, you wouldn't steal from us or slip something in our drinks." She witnesses a flash of surprise wash over his face that fades almost as quickly.

  "You can trust me. No stealing. No Roofies." A hint of a smile seems to try and sneak past the mask Jaxon has on.

  Johannah is now wondering what it would look like if the man sincerely smiled.

  Chapter Three

  Jaxon has assiduously been keeping an eye on Johanna all night. From the moment she sat down in front of him and obstructed his view, he hasn't been able to take his eyes off of her. The woman is by far the most attractive of the three, and in his mind, the most beautiful woman he has ever laid eyes on.

  The first detail that caught his attention was the way she looked at him. No one had ever captured his attention like she seems to be doing. Only one other person in his life had eyes that could pierce through him like hers, and that person died when he was six.

  His mother's eyes were able to penetrate that shield deep inside of him, even when he did his best to mask his emotions. And he has perfected his mask since her death, which made it almost impossible for others to get a read on him.

  Johanna Kohl has eyes that warn him she saw more than he wanted her to. And while that should disturb him, send him running, he finds it does quite the opposite. Her eyes are green with a ring of blue encircling them. He has never come across eyes like hers before. The contrast of the two colors draws him in even more.

  Typically, he would never make direct eye contact like he has been in a social setting. Especially with a woman, since that always sends them the wrong message. Invites them to believe he is interested, causing them to react to him like they would any other man. Suggesting that he may be searching for companionship later. Giving them the idea that they should do their best to entice him. This leads to touching, and Jaxon never, ever invites others to touch him.