“Because I would think between my best friend and myfavorite sister, one of you would remember to mention that you two were going on a trip together.”
I laugh. “I’m still your only sister.”
“And you’re still my favorite.” He sits down on his couch, propping his phone against something. “Is there something going on between you two?”
I hope.“Don’t be ridiculous, Char.”
“I don’t want you to get hurt. You just got out of a long-term relationship. I know things are tough with Dad and the ranch right now, but don’t let yourself fall for someone who isn’t going to give you all the things you want. You know Jax has never been with anyone for longer than a night.”
My stomach turns sour. He’s right. I need to squash the inklings of feelings I have for him before it’s too late. Just because he’s charming and kind and makes me feel like the most beautiful girl in the world, doesn’t mean he’s going to change his ways for me.
“Is he there? Put him on the phone.”
“He’s inside, but there’s nothing you need to worry about.”
I glance over my shoulder and find Jax standing just outside the door to the speakeasy, watching me closely. Of course he wanted to make sure I’m okay because that’s what he does. But he also keeps his relationships without strings. I don’t know what to think right now.
“What are you doing out here?” I call to him.
“You think I was going to let you stand in some shady back street all alone? Hell no.”
“Put him on,” Charlie demands.
I motion for Jax, giving him a look of exhaustion. “Charlie wants to talk with you.”
He nods and closes the distance between us. As soon as his face is in the screen, Charlie goes off. “What the hell, man? Why didn’t you tell me you were going to the conference with my sister? Have you been making passes at her?” Charlie presses his thumb and forefinger to the bridge of his nose. “Oh, god! Are you twosleepingtogether?” Charlie looks like he’s about to barf up his dinner.
Jax looks at me with a hint of betrayal on his face, and I quickly shake my head. “He’s being overprotective overnothing.” I shove my face into the view of the camera and glower at Charlie.
Memories of the way Jax held me tonight while we danced, how he made sure I had enough space in the crowds, and even the gentle way he grabbed my hand flash through my mind. None of those actions match his reputation for being a no-strings kind of guy, and now that I’m starting to really get to know him, I’m confident Jax deeply cares for me.
Shoving his free hand in his pocket, Jax quickly recovers. “Why would you think that? Don’t you have any faith in me?”
“I don’t know. It’s not like I’ve ever seen you pass up a beautiful woman before. I love you, man, but you can’t commit, and I don’t want someone like that making moves on my sister.”
I can’t believe how harsh Charlie’s words are, but as I watch his face on the screen, I wonder if there’s a reason for his unkind nature, like maybe there’s some underlying motivation. Even so, Jax looks crushed. He brushes it off, as if he’s unaffected, but I can see through it when he narrows his eyes, keeping his tone light as he asks, “Are you at home right now? Shouldn’t you be out? It’s almost nine o’clock on a Friday.”
“Work sucked. I didn’t feel like going out, and I wanted to tell my sister how proud I am of her for doing this.”
“I am too.”
My heart pounds in my chest like a stampede of horses.Jax is proud of me.
“I guess I’ll let you two go. I know you have a big day tomorrow.”
I take the phone back from Jax. “Good night, Char. Love and miss you.”
“Ditto! And Jax, you better treat my sister with respect, or I’ll whoop your ass.”
“Screw you,” Jax says back, but his tone is not as playful as Charlie’s. There’s an edge, and the pink on Jax’s face that brings him to life is evaporating by the second.
I hang up, turning back to Jax. “Should we head back inside?”
“Actually, I think we should go back to the hotel. Charlie’s right. This weekend is important to you, and I don’t want to be a bad influence.”
My heart softens for him just a little bit more, but when we take the whole trip back to our hotel room in silence, the butterflies in my gut start to feel more like termites eating away at me.
I don’t understand what shifted so quickly. I can’t help but wonder where things would’ve gone tonight if I hadn’t picked up the phone. It felt like we were on the cusp of something, and I really want to see where that could lead. I don’t just want to kiss Jax, although I’m sure it would be amazing. I want tobewith Jax because he makes me feel unlike anyone ever has, and I think he feels the same way about me.
