“Anyway, I’m glad to hear you’re doing better, Lo. Can you give me a call every now and then, so I don’t have to hear all about your life from Jax?”
“Yeah, I can do that. Talk later.”
I hang up, brushing aside the little bit of sadness thathas come over me and putting on my game face as I storm into the barn.
“You tattled to my brother?”
Jax straightens up, sticking his hands out in defense as I barrel toward him. “I didn’t tattle. I just thought someone close to you needed to know what was going on. I figured he was better than your parents.”
I press my finger into his chest and step so close that the toes of our boots touch. My pulse is pounding faster and faster, and I can’t decipher whether I’m angrier than I thought or if it’s just being this close to Jax that’s causing it.
“You don’t have any business going to Charlie about things. I’m almost twenty-four years old. I run the largest ranch in the county. I can handle myself.”
“I’m sorry. I was only looking out for you.”
I soften a bit at his words, dropping my finger from his chest and taking a step back. “I know. I guess I’ve forgotten over the last couple weeks that you’reCharlie’sfriend. You’ve almost felt like—” I shake my head. “Never mind. It’s stupid.”
“What?”
“You’ve been there for me lately, but this was a wake-up call. Your loyalty obviously lies with Charlie.”
“That doesn’t mean I don’t care about you too.” He reaches out to me, pulling me into a hug, and I allow it. He’s covered in dirt and smells like a mixture of hay and manure, but I still don’t think there’s a better feeling than being in Jax’s arms.
“Can we talk about last night yet?” he whispers.
“What about it?” I glance up at him as nerves bundle in my stomach.
“Well, for starters, you clearly need a dog.”
I laugh to cover the flash of pain his words bring. “I’d love a dog, but that’s not in the cards for me right now. Life is too hectic. I do miss Poker though, more than Austin apparently.”
His chest vibrates against me, and the rich laughter that pours from his lungs sends shivers down my spine.What is happening to me? This is my brother’s best friend. I shouldn’t be looking at him like this.But I can’t help the way his presence simultaneously calms me and ignites me.
“That’s my girl. I like hearing you laugh and seeing you look less…beaten down.”
His blue eyes shimmer as he gazes down at me. I stiffen, but inside I’m melting.That’s my girl.I love the sound of that.
He must sense my hesitation because he clears his throat and releases me, backing away. “You said you were ready to check another item off your list. Are you still going to dinner alone tonight?”
The nerves are back, swirling in my stomach. Now that the excitement of last night has worn off, I’m not feeling so brave anymore. I shake my head. “No, I changed my mind.”
He bends down, wrapping his arms around the lower half of my knees and throwing me over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.
I gasp. “What are you doing?”
“I’m just doing what you asked: dragging you kicking and screaming. If you couldnotkick and scream though I’d really appreciate it.
Chapter Nine
Jax
Lauren
I managed to order my food without dying of embarrassment
Me
Look at you go!
