The table watched.
Every single one of them.
“Last night was really good,” he said, leaning in further.My eyes finally left the roses to meet his, and I noticed when his gaze dipped to my lips.Then there was a smirk on his lips when he added, “Loved that thing you did with your tongue.”
The table went still and my cheeks burned.
“Jaxon—”
My protest was swallowed up when he pressed his lips to mine.It wasn’t rushed; it wasn't shy.It was sweet in the most ravaging sort of way.There was no hesitation when he moved his lips against mine, and that confidence alone sent a throbbing between my thighs.
The room disappeared.
For one breathless second, all I could feel was him—his hand on the back of my neck, his mouth warm against mine, the quiet promise in the way he held me like he meant it.
When he finally pulled back, his forehead rested lightly against mine.I could already feel every pair of eyes burning holes through us.
God help me.
He had just turned brunch into a battlefield.
Someone cleared their throat, and the grip Jaxon had on my neck softened.
“Apologies, ladies.I can't keep my hands to myself when it comes to her.”He straightened and winked at the women gawking at him.Then his eyes locked on mine again as he asked, “Mind if I steal her away for a bit?”
I was sure somewhere deep inside, he thought it was a question.But the way he said it didn't translate that way.
He laid the bouquet on the table before linking my fingers with his, and the next thing I knew, I was being led to the washrooms, and he shut the door behind him.
The bathroom felt smaller with him in it.He leaned back against the locked door with his arms crossed like he owned the exit, while I braced myself against the marble counter, pretending my pulse wasn't racing.
We stared at each other for a beat too long.
“What are you doing here?”I finally asked.
“Do I need a reason to see my girl?”
I rolled my eyes at the teasing tone and the smirk on his face.“You’re ridiculous.”
“Maybe.I just wanted to make sure you were okay.Last night, you said you were dreading this brunch.”
The words landed warmer than they had any right to.
My expression softened before I could stop it, something fragile flickering across my face.I hated how easily he could do that—how easily he could make me feel seen.
His gaze dipped to my lips.
I moistened them, then deflected, “Didn’t you have a client this morning?”
“Maddox canceled,” he said with a shrug.
“Freed up my schedule.”Then, rolling his eyes with a faint grin, “And I needed a break from the studio.Ari’s been bouncing off the walls because Skai’s coming today.”
I laughed softly.“He’s fangirling way too hard.”
“Tell me about it.”
A pause.
