“Uncle Kaden!” Jake calls out, as he leaps out of the jumping castle, almost tripping over his own costume in his excitement. Kaden crouches down, scooping him into a one-arm hug before ruffling his hair. “Happy birthday, mate. This is for you,” he says, handing over the gift.
Not a second later, Jake tears into the box, flinging shreds of wrapping paper in every direction. He lets out a loud gasp when he sees what’s inside—an ultimate kids’ baking kit, complete with miniature cooking utensils, a baker’s hat, and a tiny apron. It’s perfect for someone currently obsessed with baking bread and pastries. As much as I hate to admit it, Kaden—shitty husband that he is—is a damn good godfather, and I have no doubt he’ll be an even better dad.
The birthday boy throws his arms around Kaden’s neck, thanking him just as Elena swoops in to take the gift set from his hands. “What a thoughtful gift, Kaden. And that’s why you’re his favourite,” she purrs, flashing him a seductive smile. Just the sight makes me want to gag. It’s no wonder that my sister never liked her.
The moment Jake runs off to rejoin his friends, the three of them slip into a friendly conversation. I shift my attention to Sofia, though not before locking eyes with Kaden. He offers me a tight-lipped smile, but I just look away. I’m not giving him even the slightest reason to speak to me today.
“I’m going to get another drink. You want one too?” I ask Sofia.
“Lemon sparkling water, please.”
I nod and head into the kitchen. While grabbing two cans of sparkling water from the bucket on the kitchen island, I notice the ice has completely melted. With a sigh, I decide to fetch a fresh bag from the freezer in the garage.
Just as I reach for the garage door, strong arms wrap around my waist and spin me around. I find myself face to face with Jason, a devious smile curling at the corners of his mouth. Without a word, he takes my hand and leads us into the laundry room, away from prying eyes, and quietly locks the door behind us.
“Jason—” I barely get his name out before he cups my face and crashes his lips onto mine, hungry, tender, like he’s been holding back all day to do this. The world fades, and all I can feel is his warm mouth on mine.
“You have no idea how long I’ve been dying to do that,” he whispers, his voice low and rough. “I’ve been watching you all afternoon, looking like the sexiest little butterfly with your bright orange wings, just teasing me. I can’t wait for everyone to leave so I can have you all to myself.” He leans his forehead against mine, breathing me in.
“I know, what a day it has been. But geez, Jason. It’s nearly impossible to steal a moment alone with you, with your ex-wife practically glued to your side.” The last words slip out so easily before I can stop them, and suddenly I realise how bitter and jealous I sound.
A flicker of guilt crosses his face for just a moment. “I’m sorry about her by the way.
She always pulls this kind of act at family events. That whole ‘supportive wife’ routine? Nobody’s buying it. But that’s Elena for ya. Image is everything. If it weren’t Jake’s birthday, I’d probably shove her in the pool for daring to touch me.”
I snort out a laugh, and I’m suddenly feeling a million times better.
Jason leans down, pressing a soft kiss into the crook of my neck. “You have nothing to worry about, my sweet girl,” he murmurs, his lips trailing up to my jaw. “Even at a party full of people, it’s only you I see.” He captures my lips once more, his kisses so deep and disorienting. Instinctively, I hook my arms around his neck, letting out a soft moans of pleasure.
His hands slide down to cup my arse, and in one swift move he lifts me onto the washing machine. I start unzipping his spider suit, desperate to feel his skin against mine, until the sound of the doorknob rattling and Elena’s voice calling Jason’s name from the other side shatters the moment, yanking us apart instantly.Oh, for crying out loud! Can’t this woman just take a hike?
Jason drags a hand down his face, clearly frustrated, then adjusts his suit. I quickly hop down from the washing machine, smoothing out my costume and fussing with my hair, trying to look at least somewhat presentable.
Before he opens the door, he turns to face me, eyes burning with heat. “Tonight, you’re all mine.” Then he kisses me hard, like a promise sealed on my lips.
When Jason whips the door open, Elena is standing there, her eyes widening in shock at the sight of the two of us in the room together.
“What is it?” Jason snaps, his tone short and edged with irritation.
“I was looking everywhere for you, Jason. Our son is asking for you,” she says, her eyes raking over me with open contempt.
I can practically feel the fury rolling off her, and I’d bet good money she’s already running through a thousand different ways to make me disappear.
I rest my hand on Jason’s bicep, our eyes locking once more as I deliberately ignore Elena’s heated glare. “I’m just going to grab some ice from the garage. I’ll see you out there.”
He nods silently, and without sparing his ex-wife a glance, I brush past them and make my way to the garage.
I’m about to pull out a bag of ice from the freezer when the garage door creaks open and slams shut behind me.
“Couldn’t wait for tonight, huh?” I call out, expecting Jason.
When there’s no answer, I spin around, and to my surprise it’s not Jason I see. It’s Elena. Arms crossed over her chest, as she shoots me a glare sharp enough to kill.
“Is there something you need?” I ask, my voice calm but laced with steel.
She scoffs bitterly. “Oh, little girl. You have no idea what you’re getting yourself into, messing around with someone like Jason.”
“Elena, not that it’s any of your business, but I think I know exactly what I’m getting myself into.”
