Obsessed

I close my eyes hoping that will stop the tears. It doesn't. "Please don't say those things. Please." I feel my clutch vibrating again.

"Ivy, your phone." Jax has obviously noticed the irritating rumble as well. "Do you need to get that?"

"No," I whisper. "We should get back."

"I want to explain more." Jax inches closer to me, his right hand pushes my hair back behind my ear. "Brighton doesn't know what I feel. The other night when we were together, you pulled back because I called you sweetheart. When I saw the pain in your eyes I knew Mark must have called you that too. I hated myself for doing that. For making you think of that bastard and for making you feel pain because of him again. I panicked."

I feel overwhelmed by everything he's saying. "Madeline will be looking for us by now."

"I want to protect you, Ivy." His breath runs across my cheek." I want to help you heal. I want to help you love again."

I look into his eyes, seeing something I hadn't before. There's a vulnerability that wasn't there before tonight. I need time to think.

"We need to get back now. You're the guest of honor."

He stares silently at me for a moment before releasing my hand. "You're right."

As he walks out of the bedroom door, my phone once again starts vibrating.

"Go to hell, Mark." I say under my breath before I follow Jax.

Chapter 12

Ninety minutes, and several dozen stolen glances at Jax later, I'm ready to leave. I search the room for Brighton and spot him delicately kissing the hand of a woman who works in the sales department at Veray. I smile realizing that Liz was right in her decision not to pursue a relationship with such an obvious playboy.

"I'm going to call it a night, Madeline." I reach to give her a quick embrace. "Thank you for including me."

"You know you're part of our family." Madeline looks past me to where Brighton is. "Are you taking him with you?"

I giggle. "No, he's all yours." I give her a quick wink before turning to leave.

As I ride the elevator to the lobby I fish in my clutch for my phone. Five missed Mark calls in total. I sigh thinking that a good night's rest will give me the emotional energy I need to deal with him.

I quickly dial Liz, hoping that I can secure some best friend time tonight. I could really use her perspective to help me sort through what I've learned about Jax and his unexpected confession about his feelings.

"Hello?" Liz screams as she answers. There's a surge of loud background noise wafting through the phone.

"Liz? It's me." I raise my voice hoping she can make out what I'm saying.

"Ivy? Hold on. I'll find a quieter spot."

I exit Madeline's building into an unpredicted rain shower. "Damn," I say as I take cover under the awning hanging over the door.

"Are you still there?" I bring my phone back to my ear.

"I'm here, sugar."

"Where are you?" I ask. "Sounds like way more fun than my night."

Liz laughs. "I'm just out grabbing a drink with a few friends. What's up?"

"I could use some best friend time."

"What happened?"

"Mark. Jax." I sigh heavily. "You know how it is."

"What about Mark?" Liz's voice is clearer now.