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He reaches over and runs the tip of his finger down my cheek against the tinted area. “I love it when you blush.” He pauses, then adds, laughing. “Although it’s hard to see right now with the redness of your skin.”
“Yeah, yeah. My turn.” I ignore the zing that races up my spine with his touch. “What’s the longest relationship you’ve ever had?” He opens and closes his mouth, nervous. “Truthfully.” I remind him with a sly smile that there’re no fibs allowed.
“Well… I ended it about a year ago, but we’ve been on and off again as recently as a two weeks ago.” He continues when he sees the cringe on my face. “We were together for about two years and our lives were going in different directions.” It’s easy to see he’s uncomfortable with our current line of conversation. “How about you, any serious relationships?”
“Nowhere near two years. Probably about six months. No attachment, unfortunately. Most men are afraid of commitment and I’m looking for the long-haul. I want the white picket fence, and if the guy isn’t on the same path, then there’s not much else to hold a relationship together.” The intensity in his gaze replaces the unspoken words of devotion. “What’s your middle name?”
The corner of his lips quirk, “James.”
“Jaxton James Knight.”
“That’s me, baby.” He cups the back of my head and leans in for a quick kiss. His eyes searching mine before he asks his next question. “You enjoying what we got going on, Kitten? You want to keep seeing me?”
My breath catches at the unexpected inquiry. “Yes.” The huskiness in that one word is unrecognizable.
“I’m liking that answer.” He tugs my hand until I’m settled in his lap.
“You’re lucky I like you enough to allow you to cheat with two questions.” I mock offense. “You want to settle in for a movie after a couple more questions?” I enjoy teasing him and the opportunity of getting him to stay longer. A movie guarantees two hours.
“Works for me. My turn.” He squeezes me closer.
His antics cause laughter to rumble between us. “What! I don’t think so.” I complain. “You did two in a row.”
“You allowed it, but that doesn’t mean I have to. My turn.” He nuzzles into my neck and breathes deeply, before muttering against my skin on a groan. “You want to make this official?”
His question knocks me stupid for a moment. No brain functions what-so-ever—until it reboots and begins contemplating on rapid fire.How wouldthatwork? He’s only here for a short time. Would we do long distance? No. Long distance never works.
As if he hears my internal ramblings, he rebuffs the objections plaguing me with doubt. “Before you say anything, I know what you’re thinking. I’m only here temporarily. But I thought if things go well while I’m here, you could come with me when I leave.” His suggestion is mind blowing, but he continues. “We barely know each other, but there’s this connection I’ve never experienced… and if I’m not mistaken, you feel it, too. I don’t want to ignore it and always wonder what could have been. When I think of leaving, my chest aches. This is all new, but I want to see what we have together.” He softly cups the side of my face, pulling me closer. I’m completely straddling him when he brushes his words against my lips. “Please say you’ll consider it.”
A shuttering breath leaves my body. His proximity alone sucks the oxygen away. Going with him would mean forgetting my own dreams, business plans, my job,my dad… but he’s right, I’ve never felt this way before. Being as open and honest as he’s being is the first step. “Wow… honestly, I’m not sure where to start. You’re asking me to leave everything and everyone I love to be with you.” Defeat reflects in his eyes, gearing up to block my rejection. “I agree, we’re on an entirely new level, and it’s worth exploring, but to go with you and forget all my own plans, I’m just not sure. Can I agree to the official part and think about the rest?” A dull ache radiates behind my sternum, as if we’re planning our breakup before our relationship even begins.
He senses the discomfort and pulls me flush to his chest, wrapping me tightly in his arms, careful not to bother my burn. “Of course. The rest can wait. And who knows, maybe I’ll stay here with you if that’s what it takes.” He pulls away to gauge my reaction. I’m elated and scared as hell. I can count the days I’ve known him on one hand, not long enough to alter an entire life’s plan. The little devil on my shoulder bitches, telling me to shut the fuck up, and not to ruin this for her.
“This is… intense.” The warning is as much for me as it is for him. We’re living on a razor’s edge of insanity, even considering uprooting our lives for one another.
“You drive me crazy enough to do anything.” His smirk is devilish, eliciting a round of shivers.
“Take me to bed, Jax.”
Chapter Five
Avery
When my eyes flutter the next morning, the sun shines through my bedroom window, celebrating a new day. Jaxton’s arms band around me while he’s sound asleep. I don’t move, wanting to enjoy his warmth a little longer, but he stirs a moment later.
“Hi,” I say, nuzzling into his muscular chest.
“Hey, baby.” His eyes are heavy with sleep when he rolls on top of me, bracketing his elbows on either side of my head, and kissing me senseless. When he’s had his fill, he pecks my nose and leans back to observe my skin. “Your burn looks better. How’re you feeling?”
“Couldn’t be better.” And I’m not talking about the burn. “You want breakfast? What time do you have to be to work?”
“Shit!” he jumps up after seeing the time like his ass is on fire. “I’m late. I’ve got to get going.” He stops just as quickly, kissing my lips softly. “Raincheck?”
“Absolutely.” I agree, chasing his lips for another kiss.
He chuckles. “You should try to sleep a little more. The sun takes a lot out of you. Not to mention, I kept you up most of the night.” The proud smirk says it all. He’s smug as shit.
“I will.”
