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I put the bathroom episode out of my head and enjoyed the meal until it was time to move things along.
"If you don't mind, I need to go make sure we're set up for the guest of honor's speech."
"Hurry."
I promised I would and hurried off to remind the mayor he was up in a few minutes to introduce the speaker. Then I found Dr. Carlin at his table to make sure he was ready.
"You've done an excellent job, Grace. You outdid any expectation I had for this." He introduced me to his guests, and I confirmed everything was on schedule.
As soon as I sat back at my seat, Jax's hand slid up to my shoulder where his thumb rubbed little circles on my bare skin. He must have felt the little shiver that went through me. He leaned close and whispered in my ear, "I can't wait to peel this dress from you. And even more, I can't wait to lick your cream."
I shot Jade an irritated look, even as his words sent a flurry of desire throughout me.
"Don't be mad at her. She told me what happened, even though I wished you'd been honest with me about it."
I turned to face him. "Is that what it's like to be you, Jax? That people want to use you for what you can give them?"
He shrugged. "Not everyone, but I'm used to it. It comes with success."
"But don't they see how much more you have to give than money? How funny you are? How you defend those who are younger or weaker than you? How freaking smart you are?" How could they not see how warm and kind he was, how he liked to take care of anyone he cared about?
His eyes grew warm, not with the lust I was growing used to seeing, but something different; something more. His gaze grew closer. I closed my eyes as his lips brushed across mine. "Grace, I..." he whispered.
No other words, yet they said everything—happiness, fulfillment, wonder. It was what my heart yearned to hear, even if we weren’t ready to say it out loud.
A throat cleared across the table breaking us apart, but when we looked simultaneously across the table, my dad was grinning. We drew apart, but Jax's arm stayed around my shoulder.
The talking died down as the mayor of Passion walked to the podium. "Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to be here with you tonight. I know you're not happy about my interruption because the coordinators for tonight's dinner did such an amazing job. Please, let's thank Grace Hart of 'Graceful Eventures' and her colleague, Jade Whitfield." He gestured for us to stand, and the room broke out in applause and a few whistles, the loudest of which came from Jax.
"Tonight's dinner continues with our guest of honor, who is the brains behind the new teen center for which you are here tonight supporting with your money. But I hope you'll listen carefully and do more than just give financial support. Our hope is to offer not only a place for teens to find a safe place to spend their time, but to also provide real-life leadership opportunities. Additionally, we know that not every teen comes from a supportive home. Or maybe they do, but they encounter problems somewhere else, such as school. As a community, we don't want to close our eyes to these problems. We want to give our youth the tools to deal with any issue they have through counseling and mentorship. Our guest of honor tonight is no stranger to childhood issues. Dr. Gene Carlin is our leading clinical psychologist at the hospital. Through his efforts..."
The mayor's voice faded as I felt a tightening of Jax's entire body. He withdrew his arm, and I turned to face him. I was stunned to see how pale he looked. Beads of sweat dotted his brow and upper lip.
"What's wrong? Are you sick?"
He wouldn't look at me.
"Jax? Honey, answer me."
"I'll be fine. Dinner suddenly isn't sitting well with me. I'll be right back." He lifted my hand for a kiss, but it was an empty gesture. Then he sprang from his chair and bolted from the room. I started to get up, but Noah gently restrained me.
"Let him go," he said.
Reluctantly, I settled back in my seat. I didn't hear much of Dr. Carlin's speech. I was distracted by constantly looking over my shoulder for Jax to return. I laughed and clapped on cue when everyone else did, but that was about all. Noah was typing furiously on his cell phone. At one point, he looked at me and frowned, and went back to typing. When Dr. Carlin's speech was over, I slid over to the chair next to Noah. "What's going on, Noah? The truth."
Just then my phone chimed.
Cocky Guy: Not feeling well. Noah will
take you home.
Me: I'll have him bring me to you.
Cocky Guy: No. Go on home. I'll talk to you later.
Me: What's going on?
Me: Don't ignore me, Jax.
