thirty-one
When we pullinto Jax’s driveway, I let out a thankful sigh. I had an amazing weekend—more than amazing, actually—but I’m still happy to be home so I can get back to work.
He looks over at me and grins. “I had fun.”
“Me too,” I say, reaching for my purse. “Thanks for inviting me. It was really special being able to see that part of your life.”
“My pleasure.” He kills the engine and turns to face me fully. “So when are you going to show me your special place?”
A laugh bursts out unexpectedly. “You dirtied that up on purpose didn’t you?”
“Maybe,” he says with a wink. “But seriously. Fair’s fair.”
“First of all, I technically already showed you my special place, thank you very much.” He huffs out a laugh, scrubbing a hand over his face. “Not to mention, I don’t own anything as special as a big ass ranch with horses and cabins with retractable ceilings.”
“No, but you’ve got the yoga studio opening soon. I bet you could show me some… interesting positions.” His eyes darken as he leans in a little closer. “After hours.”
Heat rushes to my core. Is this guy for real? I’ve always had this fantasy of doing naked yoga in my studio, only to have someone come in and do dirty things to me while I’m in downward dog. It’s almost like he can see inside my head, for fuck’s sake.
Feeling a little overwhelmed, I ignore his proposition. “Speaking of Summit, I should probably get home and check on things. This whole blackmail situation has me on edge,” I quip, pushing open the passenger door before his magnetism pulls me in. Again.
Jax shrugs and climbs out, grabbing our bags. “Let me walk you home.”
Too tired to argue, I just nod.
The whole drive back, I couldn’t stop thinking about the video and who might have sent that text. Obviously Ryan is involved, but to what extent? The thought makes my stomach turn.
“Thanks for everything,” I say when we reach my front door. “Not just the weekend, but for helping with...” I hold up my powered-down phone.
“That’s what friends are for.” He sets my bag down by the door. “Speaking of which...”
“What?”
“You know what other things friends do? They hang out. Play video games, have sleepovers, meet up for drinks.”
Crossing my arms, I lean against the doorframe, shaking my head with a smile. “Sounds more like dating to me.”
Jax lets out a mock gasp, hand flying to his chest. “How dare you! Ryder comes over to play video games all the time, and we’re not dating.”
“Yeah. And I highly doubt you pound him into the mattress within an inch of his life, either.”
Jax sputters out a laugh, shaking his head. “Damn, sweetcheeks. My dick is struggling with whether it wants to get hard, or shrink up into my body at that visual.” He shudders. “It’s actually kind of disturbing.”
“Come on.” His eyes flick down to focus on my mouth. “It’ll be a fun way to work on the whole friend dynamic of this unique thing we’ve got going.”
I tap my chin, pretending to think it over. “Alright. Then I propose anytime we ‘hang out’ as friends, there’s no sex involved.”
His eyebrows shoot up. “Kinda beats the point of FWB, but okay.” He leans against the side of the house and blows out a breath. “I’ll accept your offer and raise you with one of my own. If either of us needs help scratching an itch, we booty text.”
“Booty text?” I repeat, trying not to laugh. “What are we, college freshmen?”
“You got a better idea?”
I think for a moment. “No, actually. That works.” I unlock my door and push it open. “So what happens next?”
“With the blackmail or with us?” he asks, shifting to lean against the open doorframe.
“Both, I guess.”
