It felt like I was listening to a really bad reality show. This kind of talk wasn’t new, especially with public figures who looked like him. Attention came with the job description. But hearing them gossip about him so carelessly made my stomach turn.
Footsteps approached from behind. “Ladies,” Jax drawled. “Maybe keep your voices down, yeah? I don’t think everyone needs to hear your play-by-play.”
The blonde blinked. “We weren’t that loud.”
“You were loud enough for me to hear.” He smiled, but there was an edge to it. “This isn’t the time or place for that.”
She rolled her eyes dramatically. She was about to open her mouth and give him a little pushback, but her friend nudged her in the arm. They both exchanged a look and grabbed their drinks from the bar. “Whatever.”
I watched them both stalk off, huffing under their breath.
“You good?” Jax asked. His tone was much gentler this time.
I turned around to face him. “Why wouldn’t I be?”
Jax glanced at me, eyes flickering across my face. “Do you know the one thing I know better than football?”
“I’m almost afraid to ask.”
He stroked his chin. “It’s my ability to read women.”
I had no idea where he was going with this. All I knew was that I didn’t like it.
“I’m happy for you,” I said, not taking the bait.
Jax, being Jax, looked thrilled with my response.
He leaned in and tapped my nose like I was five. “Dance with me.”
My head jerked back. “Why?”
He shrugged, playing it off, but he was up to something. “There’s good music playing and space for us on the floor.”
I laughed nervously. “I’m all set, but thank you.”
“Come on.” He reached for my hand, trying to coax me off my stool.
“Jax, I don’t want to dance.”
He grinned. “Why not? I’m bored. Let’s go cause some trouble.”
“I’m a terrible dancer. Go pick someone else. Besides, I’m here for work.”
“It’s just one dance.” He took my drink out of my hand and set it down on the bar. “Come on, the floor is still open.”
“What in the world do you think you’re doing?” I yelped as he dragged me out of my seat.
“Giving my buddy a little nudge.”
I gave him an evil stare. “You have me really concerned right now.”
A chuckle rumbled out of him. “I appreciate your concern, but you’re not giving me enough credit. One of the reasons why I’m so good at playing my position is that I know how to read my quarterback. We both need to be on the same page to make the magic plays happen.”
“Congratulations. What does that have to do with me?”
He pulled on my hand, leading me across the room as we passed a few familiar faces. “Because nothing will make him grind his teeth harder than seeing you give me all your attention.”
Jax was such an instigator. He was always the one smirking at press conferences and stirring shit up in the locker room.
