“She’s coming with us.”
“She can stay behind.” She can, but I hate to leave her. She’s a security blanket as much as she’s my protector.
Jackson shakes his head. “Nope. She’s welcome where we're going. I’ve worked it all out.”
Jackson takes my hand in his, whistling sharply in order for Honey to follow us. Like the absolute good girl she is, she promptly listens, shaking her service vest out as she walks. A pleased grin warms Jackson’s face, but per usual, he doesn’t even acknowledge Honey except to open the car door for her. Then of course he opens mine. This time he settles me into the seat and carefully reaches across me to fasten my seat belt. I tightly close my eyes as his forearm grazes across my stomach. Breathing in the smell of him, I hold it in my lungs until I’ve memorized the scent. No man has ever smelled so effortlessly sexy. The scent isn’t strong, but the way it blends with his skin makes me decidedly insane. It’s sweet, but rich, like how I’d imagine a businessman that runs a multimillion-dollar business would smell. Lovely.
Once we’re on the road, Jackson turns on the station I liked from the other day. Pure romance ballads. A flush creeps up my neck at the thought of being known. I try to ignore it, instead focusing on the music wafting from the speakers. The sky turns black as we drive away from Clay Springs and towards downtown. This time of year the sun sets later, until November when the time finally changes. Then the damn sun disappears before most people have even gotten home.
Time changes are stupid.
Give me the sun early, and keep it late.
“How was your week?” Jackson asks, mindlessly making conversation.
“Some guy sent me flowers. It was the highlight of my week.”
A smirk trembles at the corners of Jackson’s lips. “Oh, really?”
I nod slowly. “Mhmm. They smell wonderful.”
Jackson reaches over with his right hand to tangle his fingers with my own. God, his hand is so large. The width and breadth of his hand dwarfs my own small hand, fingers woefully thinin comparison. But instead of making me feel weak or small, Jackson’s hand makes me feel safe. I know for a fact he’d never hurt me, but maybe his hands can chase away all the pain that tries to constantly pour over me.
The car turns down a dark road downtown and he pulls into an empty parking lot. Curiously, I notice Colby’s Jeep and Beau’s work truck parked outside. Odd.
“Where are we? Why is my family here?”
Jackson promptly ignores me by climbing out of the car. He lets Honey out first, as is tradition, then opens the passenger side door for me. With a firm hand on my forearm, he assists me out of the car. My mind races as he guides me towards the dark building. Obviously, he can’t kill me if my family is here. So where the hell has he brought me?
After one single knock on a heavy metal door, it pushes open.
A tall guy covered in tattoos slaps hands with Jackson. “All yours for the night, bro. Text me when you leave so I can lock up.”
“Thanks, Trent. I owe you one.”
The guy shakes his shaved head. “Nah.” With a smirk towards me, the guy disappears out the door.
The inside is pitch black, with dark red walls and graffiti art all over the place. The only light emanates from the bar signs scattered around the hallway. Playful sayings are lit up in rainbows of colors.Tequila makes my clothes fall off. Whiskey is cheap, compared to me.The place is obviously a bar of some sort. Jackson leads me deeper until the hallway ends, and a large dance floor fills the room. A balcony wraps around above us, but we’re on the bottom floor.
Oh God. He rented out a nightclub to make one of my wishes come true.
This motherfucker.
“Jackson…” I trail off, suddenly overwhelmed at his thoughtfulness.
Jackson drops my hand to wrap his palm around the back of my neck. He squeezes once, hard, then releases me with a teasing wink. He gathers my hand back in his, and I let him, for once not pulling away. At the other end of the dance floor stands my family. This is such a huge step that my heart does a funny little flip in my chest.
“We’re all here,” Trevor tells Jackson with a raised eyebrow. “Care to share details?”
Jackson stands up as straight as possible. Either to look threatening or to show off to Colby and Beau. I’ve no clue. But I oddly like it.
“We’re having a nightclub night without the flashing lights or crowds. Perfect, huh?”
I shrink a little under everyone’s attention. Jackson tugs his hand out of mine, only to wrap his thick arm around my shoulders. The grin on Eli’s lips could power nuclear fission. Fuck.
“Well, we brought soda as requested, along with cupcakes from Bee’s.” Colby gestures towards the table littered with drinks and far too many cupcakes to count.
Beau wraps an arm around Trevor’s waist, tugging him closer, before pressing a kiss to the side of Trevor’s head. The warm smile on Trevor’s face is sweet, almost innocent. Gross. They’re all so besotted with each other. If I ever look at someone like that, take me out back and shoot me.
