When things went south with my parents’ marriage, I focused on my art, channeling all my emotions I held inside when my father left to the canvas.
Boy would I love to rub it in his face that my “so-called hobby,” as he called it, not only earned me a scholarship to art school, but in college, I sold quite a few pieces that allowed me to continue this as my dream and make a career out of it. One day, I want to have my own gallery, but right now, I work off my website and word of mouth.
“Well, you’re extremely talented.” He points to the one hanging just beside the window. “I think that one’s my favorite.”
I follow his gaze to the framed canvas I have hanging on the wall beside the window. Inspired by the beach house that Finn had rented for his and Lauren’s wedding, one side of the canvas is the stormy seas and rough waves before they transition into calm waters after the storm. Their relationship weathered the storm, and even though they faced many rough seas during their ten years apart, their love was strong enough to survive and reach the shore of happiness.
“That’s my favorite, too.”
Andy yawns loudly, pulling our gaze from the piece. Turning around, we find Andy sitting on my stool, his eyes heavy.
“All right, mister, let’s get you home and into the bath.” Jax walks over to him and scoops him up. I can tell he’s tired because he didn’t put up any fight and instead settles against his dad. I follow him out of the room and down to the front door.
“Same time tomorrow?” he asks as I hand him Andy’s backpack.
“You bet.” We linger in the doorway, neither of us ready to end the evening but knowing we have to for Andy. I stand there for a moment, unsure of what happens next.
Is he going to kiss me?
Are we at that point where we are more than just sneaking touches and glances in front of Andy?
Does he want to do that in front of his son? We haven’t actually discussed how to handle that. Now definitely isn’t the time for that, so I decide on a simple kiss on the cheek like I would on other guys’ cheeks like Finn or my brother. The stubble along his face tickles my lips as I pull back.
“Good night,” I say, leaning against the front door.
“Good night.” He smiles before walking out the door.
I’m pretty exhausted myself, so I head straight upstairs after locking up and turning the lights off. I go through my normal bedtime routine of brushing my teeth and washing my face. By the time I climb into bed, I see there is a text notification waiting for me on my phone.
Jaxon: Thank you for dinner.
Me: Of course. Anytime. It was a nice evening.
Jaxon: Yeah, it was, but one thing could have made it better.
I take the bait.
Me: Oh yeah? My cooking and company that bad? Maybe next time you do it.
Jaxon: I’ll cook anytime although I can’t guarantee it will be as good as that scampi.
I’ve had his cooking before, and he’s a fantastic cook. I can’t believe I ever thought to compare him to Haylee, who could probably figure out how to burn water.
Jaxon: But I was thinking had I been able to give you a proper kiss good night.
My fingers graze over my lips, imagining his lips on mine.
Me: Yeah, that would have been nice.
Jaxon: Oh baby, it would have been a lot more than nice. :)
I can feel my cheeks flush at his insinuation. I’m feeling suddenly awake, wondering where this conversation might be leading.
Me: Don’t start something you can’t finish.
No further messages appear, so I set the phone back on my nightstand and slump my shoulders, a little disappointed. I reach for my remote and bring up Netflix. As the home screen appears, there is a loud knock at the door.
Who the fuck is that?
My phone buzzes as I slide off the bed to peek out the blinds to see if there is a car outside.
Jaxon: Open your door. I forgot something.
I rush down the stairs and look toward the living room to see if there’s anything obvious that he left before opening the front door.
“What did you forget,” I huff, slightly out of breath and regretting running down the stairs.
He closes the distance and threads his fingers in my hair, holding my mouth to his. He holds nothing back, tugging slightly on the strands before pulling my bottom lip between his teeth, earning a moan from deep within me.
When he pulls back, we’re both panting. “Told you it would be better than nice.”
He winks and quickly rushes down the steps and across the street. I am left utterly speechless.
Did that seriously just happen? Maybe I should borrow one of my sister’s books the next time I’m over for some pointers because I definitely feel like I’m getting in over my head with this, but I would gladly drown in Jaxon’s blue eyes, especially if he can revive me back to life with kisses like that.