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I pull my head back and stare into Andrew’s eyes. Andrew may be a joker, but when it comes down to it, he can throw in some heavy stuff as well. I ache for him because we both know his “one” is someone who will never return his feelings. The thing about Andrew is, he’s completely selfless. If he can’t have Jaxon for himself, he would still want to see him happy with someone else. He really is something special, and I hope that he finds someone who can make him happy.
I leave Andrew behind the bar with a peck on the cheek, a heartfelt thank-you, and make my way to the kitchen. Once I reach the hallway, I notice Jaxon’s door is closed. I wonder again who is on the phone and if he’s okay.
When I walk into the kitchen, I greet Hoot and grab a bottle of water out of the industrial-sized fridge. Hoot is a big burly man in his sixties with a head and face full of gray hair. He may look intimidating because of his size, but he’s really just a teddy bear in disguise.
“Hey, there, Bailey. How’s your night?” he asks, while I pull up a stool to the island in the middle of the kitchen.
“I’m alright. How has your night been so far?”
“Not bad, not bad. Been working on a new appetizer. I’m thinking chicken balls wrapped in jalapeño cheese, fried in a special batch of flour I’m creating.”
“Mmm… that sounds wonderful!” And it does. At the mention of food, I’m reminded that I haven’t eaten since this morning. My stomach is empty, but I don’t want to eat yet. I’ve got my leftover lasagna that I’m looking forward to warming up when I get off work.
Jaxon walks into the kitchen a few minutes later and looks around until his eyes land on me. I immediately know something is wrong. It’s in his eyes. They look devastated and haunted.
He walks to me and grabs my hand, pulling me to my feet. “Take a ride with me.” His voice is raw and filled with emotion.
There’s no way I can say no to him. Not when he’s in this state. I know he needs me right now. He’s done so much for me and been there when I needed him from almost day one. I not only want to be here for him right now, I need to be.
I wave goodbye to Hoot before Jaxon drags me out the door. We walk back to the front just long enough for Jaxon to yell at Andrew and Mia, “Bailey’s done. I’ll be back later.” We make a pit stop in his office to grab a helmet.
Back in the kitchen when he asked me to take a ride with him my only concern was taking care of Jaxon. Now, though, as we make our way to his bike, I feel a hint of trepidation. I’ve never been on a bike before, and the thought of getting on one now frightens me. I pull myself together and force my feet forward. Of course, forcing my feet forward is unnecessary since Jaxon is still pulling me along.
We reach his bike and Jaxon turns to me and places the helmet on my head. He must sense my nervousness, because in his deep voice he asks me, “Ever been on a bike before?”
“No.”
“Nothing to worry about, angel. I would never let anything happen to you.” He finishes snapping the strap underneath my chin.
I know he wouldn’t. It’s the crazies who are going to be around us that worry me. I don’t tell him that though. I merely nod.
After he gets on his bike, Jaxon turns his head and tells me to get on behind him.
“What about your helmet?” I ask.
“Don’t need one.”
“Umm… and what if we get into a wreck? Your head will be splattered all over the road.”
His lips twitch at my dramatics. I don’t find it funny. I shoot daggers at him from my eyes and cross my arms over my chest.
“What part of your brains becoming part of the cement do you find funny?”
His gaze softens, losing the glint of humor. “Nothin’, angel. I never wear a helmet while riding. I’m careful. Now, grab my shoulders and hop on.”
Instead of arguing with him, which is something I want to do, because regardless of how careful he is, accidents still happen, I do as he says.
“Make sure you keep your feet on the pegs at all times. And lean with me, not against me. Got it?”
“Yes,” I answer anxiously.
“Wrap your arms tight around me and hang on.”
Again, I do as he says and wrap my arms around his middle and latch on to his shirt. He grabs the outside of my thighs and pulls me forward, so I’m flush against his back. The sensation I get between my legs and in my chest are intense. Jaxon is warm and hard and feels so nice. My face flames with the knowledge that my girly bits are smashed against his butt and back.
Jaxon starts the bike and off we go on my very first bike ride. It’s exhilarating and terrifying all at once, and I love every minute of it. Anyone could see this by the huge grin on my face.
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