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But you're not in a relationship like that.
My mind spun as the angel on one shoulder argued with the devil on the other.
"You don't give up, do you? Wasn't our phone conversation answer enough?"
Shrugging, he said, "I guess not." He lifted his eyebrows at me and leaned closer. "Go ahead and check my report cards. It always said, 'needs improvement' next to 'listening skills' and 'follows directions.'"
"Next to ‘plays well with others’ as well, I imagine," I added dryly.
"You'd be wrong about that," he said. "I played very nicely with others. Still do." He winked at me.
I smacked him on the arm. "Dork."
"So, I'm forgiven?"
"Yes, you're forgiven. That was a pretty amazing apology, by the way."
"So, you'll let me take you to dinner?"
I wanted to say yes. It turned out I enjoyed his company when he wasn't behaving like a jerk. He was funny and willing to admit mistakes. But his earlier statement about how he usually spent time with women had left its mark. I was sure Jax didn't do relationships, and I didn't do casual sex. One of us would have to change to be together, but neither of us was likely to do that.
I stared at my lap, so he couldn't see the truth in my eyes about wanting him. "I don't think that would be a good idea. I think we want different things. In fact, you don't need to accept my mother's invitation. I'll make excuses for you."
"I think it's one of the best ideas I've had. And trust me, I've had some good ones. And, I'll be there for dinner." He bent his head, trying to get a direct look at me when I wouldn't lift mine. His action put us close enough I could feel his warmth and smell the subtle but spicy cologne he wore. Instinctively, I looked into his eyes.
Big mistake.
He was staring at me the way a dieter might longingly stare at cheesecake, wanting it, but knowing they shouldn't. I couldn't move, not even as his head grew larger in my vision. My eyes closed right as his mouth breathed a kiss on my cheek. Just a tiny navigation of my head was all it would take. My brain was rapidly firing 'abort' messages, but my body had other ideas. On a sigh, I turned ever so slightly.
Only instead of the warmth I sought, I met air. I opened my eyes to discover Jax had retreated a few inches.
Oh, my God! How had I read that so wrong?
Embarrassed, I jerked back and yanked the keys from the ignition. "This was fun. Thanks for the check. It will do a lot of good, I promise. I'll
make sure you get a good table at the dinner party."
"Grace—"
I tossed him a quick glance and slight smile. "I should get going. I've got to get ready for dinner tonight, and I know you have things to do, too. Thanks for all the help and the pizza today. You were a big hit with the kids, and I know that Shane appreciated your skills. He's terrible when it comes to building things."
It took a couple of attempts, but I found the door handle behind my back and jerked on it. Why wouldn't the damn thing open?
Jax's hands settled on my thigh. "Grace."
I stared at my lap.
"Grace?"
I hesitated, then slowly looked up. He was staring back at me with an intensity that nearly took my breath away. Neither of us moved. I was afraid to break the moment. I had no idea what he was thinking behind those dark eyes.
My phone suddenly lit up and started playing the 'Amen' chorus from Hosier's Take Me to Church.
"Hi, Daddy."
Jax groaned and retreated to his side of the car, leaning against his door.
"Yes, everything's fine...okay, I'll see you soon."
