"We have time. I want to hear more."
"We've talked enough about my life. And you've been urging me to get to know my neighbors, so let's do that."
Disappointment but also understanding ran through her gaze. "Okay. Thank you for telling me that much. And I hope we can keep talking. I haven't changed my mind about wanting to get to know your messy, complicated life." She held up a hand as he started to interrupt. "And I can take care of myself." She paused. "There is just one thing that I do have to know."
"What's that?"
"Are you still involved romantically with Wren or with someone else"
If he told her he was, she'd back off. That would make things easier, but he'd also be lying, and he didn't want to do that with her. He might not want to share every detail of his life, but he didn't want to make anything up.
At his hesitation, wariness sharpened her gaze. "That's a long pause, Jax."
"I haven't been romantically involved with Wren since we were eighteen years old. That was one alcohol-fueled night that was a huge mistake for both of us, and we never went there again. We've been friends and partners ever since. As for anyone else, no. I'm completely free of that kind of entanglement."
"Okay, good," she said slowly. "Why did you need a minute to answer that question?"
"Because I don't want you to get the wrong idea. And I need you to know that I'm being completely honest with you about my relationship with Wren. Because I want to do this."
"Do what?" she asked.
He cupped her striking face with his hands, giving her plenty of time to pull away if she wanted to. Her lips parted as sparks of desire flashed in her gaze, and when she didn't move, he lowered his head and kissed her.
She tasted better than he'd imagined, and as he pulled her closer, threading his hands through her silky hair, he wondered how he'd waited this long. Or that this moment would ever have to end. But, of course, it did…
As he lifted his head, she gazed at him with desire in her eyes, and then she put her arms around his neck and pulled him down for another long, passion-filled kiss that made him want to forget about everything but her. She tasted sweet and spicy, which pretty much described her, and he loved how there was nothing awkward or out of sync between them. It felt so easy, and easy hadn't described any part of his life in the last several months.
Unfortunately, the music was getting louder, and there were people talking loudly just outside the door. Reluctantly, they broke apart.
"I guess we should go outside," she said breathlessly.
"I like it better in here."
"So do I. But we should go. It's your first Ocean Shores party."
"I can think of some other firsts that might be more interesting."
She laughed and shook her head. "I like this teasing, playful side of you. But?—"
"But? I thought you hated that word."
"I kind of hate it now, but I think tonight is important. I want you to meet people, enjoy yourself, forget about your past and your secrets. Enjoy the moment."
"You're asking a lot out of a barbecue to celebrate your friends."
She gave him a saucy look. "I always ask a lot. It's the only way to get what I want."
He smiled back at her. He didn't think he'd ever enjoyed talking to a woman as much as he did with her. But she was opening the door now, and it was time to meet everyone, something he'd been desperately trying not to do. Hopefully, he wouldn't regret it.
When she walked out of Jax's apartment, Kaia's lips were still tingling, her pulse pounding, her breath coming too short and too fast. The kiss had been unexpected but really, really good, probably because she'd been thinking about kissing Jax for the past few days. She hadn't been sure it would ever happen, or if he would even stay in town long enough for it to happen. But he was still here, and like she'd just told him, she was going to enjoy the moment.
As they joined the party, they were immediately welcomed into conversations. No one questioned why Jax was there or did anything but give him a warm greeting, which seemed to ease his tension. It also helped that Brad and Serena's baby daughter, Amanda, was the focus of attention.
After picking up margaritas from Ava and Liam, she saw Emmalyn sitting at one of the tables, so they took their drinks over to join her. "I don't know if you've officially met Jax."
"We've said hello a few times," Emmalyn said with a smile at Jax and a glance in her direction that suggested questions were coming later. "It's nice to see you."
"Where's Hunter?" Kaia asked.
