“Not too high, sweetie,” I said, but gave him another push anyway. His giggles were the best sound in the world.
After playing outside,we went home for dinner.Liam tried to “help” me cook spaghetti, mostly just getting flour everywhere while I smiled and praised him. Once dinner was done and he had his bath, we started our bedtime routine.After storytime and plenty of cuddles, he drifted off to sleep.
I gave him a soft kiss and quietly left his room. That’s when I remembered my phone had been on silent all afternoon. I picked it up to check my messages.
The pack girls’ group chat was buzzing. Ruby had asked where I’d disappeared to, and Ava had informed everyone I’d been buried in meetings all day. There was a message from Eleanor saying she was spending the night at Nate’s apartment. My parents had texted, and I quickly replied to assure them I was fine.
Then I saw a message from Jax, “Counting down the seconds until I see you again. I miss you.”
I couldn’t help but smile. Jax was always so sweet. He’d been in California helping his father, but he sent messages daily and sometimes even made video calls.Thoughtful, fun, and easygoing… that was Jax. Just as I was about to reply, my phone rang. It was Jax.
“Hi, stranger! How’s California treating you?” I answered cheerfully.
“Beautiful and sunny,” he replied, his deep voice warm. “But it’s no fun without you around.”
“Then you must be terribly bored,” I teased.
“Devastatingly so!” He laughed.”How are you doing, beautiful Caroline?”
“I’m good. Had my phone on silent all afternoon, so I just saw your message. Sorry about that.”
“No apologies needed. Are you very tired?”
“A little. Why?”
“Because I’m standing at the entrance to your building right now, hoping to say hello in person.”
My heart skipped. “Are you serious?”
“Completely serious. But if it’s not a good time, I understand.”
“No, come up! I’d love to see you,” I said, surprised by my own eagerness.
After we hung up, I rushed to change out of my pajamas, slipping into white shorts and a loose lavender tank top. I quickly checked my reflection, brushed my hair, and went to wait by the door.
When the elevator doors opened, there stood Jax, carrying several bags, dressed casually in jeans and a black t-shirt that hugged his muscular frame. His tan made his smile even more brilliant against his white teeth.
“Caroline,” he said, shaking his head slowly as he approached. “You should never wear those shorts.”
“Why not?” I asked, suddenly self-conscious.
“Because those legs are absolutely unfair to the rest of womankind.” His playful compliment made my cheeks warm.
“Don’t be ridiculous, Jax!”
“I’d be ridiculous not to notice. How do you get more beautiful every time I see you?”
I rolled my eyes but smiled as I stretched up to receive the kiss he planted on my cheek.
I led him inside.”Make yourself comfortable. Can I get you anything?”
“Two wine glasses and a corkscrew,” he replied, setting his bags down. “I brought some wine to enjoy while we catch up. I promise not to stay too late.”
While I fetched the glasses and corkscrew from the kitchen, I realized how thoughtful Jax always was-never presuming, always considerate.
When I returned, he handed me two bags before taking the glasses.
“This one’s for Liam, and this is for you,” he explained, pointing to each bag.
“Jax, you shouldn’t have,” I said, touched that he’d thought of my son. “Liam can open his tomorrow morning.”
“I hope you like yours,” he said as he worked on opening the wine.
I reached into my bag and pulled out a box. Inside was the most beautiful cocktail dress I’d ever seen-nude lining with sheer overlay decorated with delicate crystals, a tasteful V-neckline, and long sheer sleeves. It was elegant without being ostentatious, exactly my taste.
“Do you like it?” Jax asked.
“It’s stunning, but I can’t possibly accept something so expensive.”
“Of course you can. It’s a gift. And I’d love to see you wear it tomorrow night when you let me take you dancing. What do you say?”
“That sounds wonderful,” I admitted, accepting the wine glass he offered. But guilt niggled at me, and I knew I needed to be honest. “Jax, I know you’re trying to win me over, and I’ve always been straight with you.”
“And I appreciate that honesty. But unless you’ve gotten back with Draven, I’m not backing down,” he said with a confident smile.
“I haven’t gotten back with him. But there’s something you should know.”
“Tell me. You can tell me anything, Caroline.”
I took a deep breath, worried he might judge me. “How do I say this… A few days ago, something happened.”
“You had a moment of weakness with Draven?” he asked directly.
I nodded, unable to meet his eyes.
“That’s not surprising. You’ve been clear about your feelings for him. It’s natural you two would have a… connection.”
“I feel terrible about it. He’s engaged, and you deserve better. I feel cheap.”
“Caroline,” he said firmly, lifting my chin with his finger.”You’re not cheap. My opinion of you hasn’t changed one bit. Your history with Draven doesn’t affect what’s between us. You’re not mine, so I can’t expect exclusivity.” He smiled ruefully. “That doesn’t mean I’m not jealous. It’s killing me inside.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Stop apologizing. If anything, I shouldn’t have stayed away so long,” he said with a smile that made my heart flutter. “But now I’m here, and maybe I can show you that there are other men worth loving.” He traced his fingers gently across my cheek.
Setting aside his wine glass and taking mine from my hands, Jax moved toward me slowly, deliberately, and when he was close enough that I could feel his warm breath, he whispered,”Caroline, may I kiss you?”
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