Page 12 of First in Line

“As for the kissing… I’m trying to take it slow,” he explains.

“Why?”

“Have you ever kissed anyone before?”

Heat creeps up my cheeks as I shake my head. No, never. Not even in the cute, innocent way some preschoolers do sometimes.

Jax’s gaze lowers to my lips, and I can’t help but lick them, as if preparing myself for what’s about to happen. When he meets my gaze again, something mischievous sparkles in his.

“Do you want me to kiss you, princess?”

“If we’re boyfriend and girlfriend, maybe we should. To officialize it or something…”

His smile releases more of those butterflies fluttering in my lower stomach. Yes, I really want him to kiss me. I’ve wanted it for three weeks—since the first evening he dropped me at the trailer park after work. I was ready for it then, but he never made a move. And he hasn’t since, which is why I assumed—

When Jax slowly but confidently lowers to bring his lips to mine, I suck in a breath, both excited and anxious. What if I’m a bad kisser? Will he still want to be my boyfriend?

Before my thoughts can ruin the moment, his soft, plump lips meet mine, and the entire world around us fades.

The last thing that runs through my head before it completely short-circuits is,I can’t believe I’m Jackson Reyes’s girlfriend…

“Fu—udge!” I curse, slamming my hands on the steering wheel. “Why aren’t you starting?!” I mutter at my car.

I press the clutch and twist the key, but all it does is struggle for several seconds before I give up. Crap, crap, crap. Today is not the day.

Frustrated, I take my phone out of my bag and dial the one person who can help me right now. At the third tone, Nathan picks up with a, “Hey, honey. Is everything okay?”

“No,” I whimper. “My car won’t start, and I’m going to be late for a meeting with my biggest clients. Can you pick me up on your way to work?”

“Oh, I’m so sorry. I came in early. I’m already there.”

My head dramatically falls back on the headrest.Just my luck…

“I guess I could leave and come get you,” he offers, probably sensing my distress. “I’m sure my boss won’t mind.”

“No, don’t worry, I’ll find a way. But thank you so much for suggesting that. You really are the best fiancé a girl could ask for.”

“I’m trying my hardest.”

“And that’s why I’m marrying you.”

“Can’t wait for that.”

“Me neither. Okay, I have to try to call someone else to pick me up. Have a good day at work, honey.”

“You too, honey. I love you.”

“I love you.”

As soon as we hang up, I look into my contacts to call Cynthia, my boss, but also my closest friend. She picks up quickly, and I say, “Hey, can you come get me on your way to work?”

“Sorry, I’m pulling into my parking spot just now.”

“Already?”

“Yes, I had to drive Yasmine to work.”

“Crap.”