As we make our way to the bar, I can’t help but notice the way people are looking at me. My mind takes off running with all the bad things they must be thinking. My new look probably seems like a cry for help. I’m sure they think I’m having some sort of breakup crisis. I start to shrink back, my shoulders caving in as I keep my head down.
“Hey, gorgeous, you better keep your head up or people won’t be able to see your beautiful face.” Callie tilts my chin.
“People are staring. I already know what they’re thinking.”
“They’re only staring because you’reglowing.You are crushing the single life right now, and it shows.” She links her arm in mine. “Come on. Let’s go find Jax.”
As we approach the bar, my eyes immediately fall on Jax. He’s already looking at me, despite the chaos of the other bartenders scrambling to serve their demanding customers.
He meets us at the bar with a wide smile on his face. “You did it. You look…”
“Doesn’t she look stunning?” Callie clings on to me, beaming with pride.
Jax just nods, swallowing thickly. I tuck my hair behind my ear and draw my eyes down to the ground as heat rises to my cheeks. When my eyes bounce back up to him, he’s still looking.
“Earth to Jax.” Callie waves her hand in front of his face. “Can we get some drinks?”
Jax nods his head. “Ranch water for Miss Callie. What about you, Freckles. Not whiskey this time, I hope?”
“Definitely not whiskey. How about a Lonestar?”
He barrels off, and I watch him go. Callie spins to me, her eyes wide. “Oh my god! Did you see his face? He couldn’t stop staring! Itoldyou you’re glowing.”
I wave her off. “That doesn’t mean a thing. You know Jax is a flirt.”
“Has he ever flirted with you before?”
I pause. “I don’t think so. That’d be kind of wrong considering Charlie’s his best friend.”
“Ooh, forbidden romance. I like it.” Callie wiggles her brows.
I roll my eyes and shoot her a glare as if to sayzip itat the same time Jax returns with our drinks.
Chapter Six
Lauren
I thinkevery man in the bar has asked me to dance tonight, and I’ve said yes because I can. Callie has been incredibly supportive, dancing with the guy’s friend or happily standing off to the side, giving me a cheesy two-thumbs-up whenever I glance over at her.
Jax has not been so supportive. He’s been watching me closely, his brows pinched and arms crossed.
“Maybe we misjudged Jax earlier,” I say to Callie as we walk back toward the bar to close out our tab after last call. “He’s been glaring at me all night like a protective older brother. He probably saw what I was wearing and had an internal crisis, thinking he was going to have to watch me all night. He’s already punched a guy for me once.”
“A protective older brother wouldn’t look at you like he was. Trust me.”
Jax sees us coming and grabs my card, printing the receipt. When we meet him at the bar, he slides them over to me, gritting out, “Did you ladies have a nice time?”
“The best. I like single Lauren. She’s fun.” Callie beams.
“Where’s Olivia tonight?”
I sign the bottom of the receipt, sliding it back to Jax. “She’s out of town with Rhett.”
“Who’s going to keep you two out of trouble?”
“Nobody.” Callie bites back a devilish smile. “You ready to go, Lo?”
I glance between Callie and Jax, who still looks angry. I give him my best innocent shrug and follow behind her, but Jax grabs hold of me.
