We drove for about thirty minutes, Jax teasing me the entire way about where we were going, but as he pulled into a carpark, his tone got more serious. “All you need to know is that we’re going to have an amazing time and we’re far enough away from home for you not to worry about being spotted with me.”
I didn’t say anything in reply, but as ever, it was like he could read my thoughts.
“You ready?”
I nodded, climbing out of the car as he strode around the front. He didn’t touch me when I stepped into the cool night and something between us suddenly felt off.
“Hey,” I whispered, cupping his cheek, loving the feel of his beard under my fingers. “In case I’ve not been clear, I am really looking forward to spending tonight with you and I’m not just going to spend it worrying about being seen or wondering what people think about us being together.”
“You sure?” he checked.
Leaning in, I pressed my lips to his, kissing him slowly. “Come on, Prince Charming. Let’s go on a date.”
“Oh, wow, Jax. What is this place?”
“It’s a library for the university. They bring in caterers and turn the upstairs into a restaurant.” He wrapped his hand in mine, walking us to the woman who stood behind the counter where I guessed you would normally check out your books.
“We have a booking for two. Cartwright.”
“Ah, yes, Mr and Mrs Cartwright. We’re so pleased to have you join us tonight. Straight up the main stairs and someone will show you to your table.”
I opened my mouth to correct her mistake, but Jax squeezed my hand before thanking her.
“Let’s go, Mrs Cartwright.”
“You’re incorrigible.”
“I’m a delight.”Yes, he is.
We walked up the large central staircase that took us up to the next floor, where we were seated at a small table off to the side.
The place was stunning; low lights were dotted around and we were surrounded by bookshelves on all the walls that stretched up high. The middle of the floor was filled with tables for two or four and servers wandered around delivering drinks and delicious smelling food. A string quartet played out softly from the far corner and it added to the grandeur of the setting.
Jackson pulled out a chair and waited for me to take a seat before he sat across from me as our server put the menus on the table, leaving us to decide our order.
“Look up,” Jax whispered, and when I did, I gasped loudly. The multiple floors above us were balcony style, the middle of them open, giving the perfect view of the glass-domed roof that sat high above us, showcasing the dark sky full of stars.
“This place is beautiful.”
“Nowhere near as beautiful as my view.”
I dropped my head to find Jax staring at me with a wide smile. “See, incorrigible,” I confirmed with a grin.
“Honest, now let’s order some food. I’m starving.”
Jax
“Well, that was the most delicious thing I’ve ever eaten,” Helen announced, placing her knife and fork on her near-empty plate. “I can’t manage another thing.”
“Not even dessert? This place does the best chocolate bomb.”
“Have you been here before?” She sounded hurt, as if I'd brought other dates here, so I reached for her hand, entwining our fingers.
“No. Tor’s cousin is the chef. I thought you might like it and it has one feature I can’t say no to.”
She pinched her brows. “Oh?”
“All will be revealed.”
