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On the bus, I pace back and forth, unsure of where it’s safe to step or sit. Then my phone rings. It’s Jax. “Cailin, are you okay? We were riding behind you and just pulled over. I’m coming to you. Don’t move.”
“I’m all right,” I manage to stutter. I want to break down and cry at the sound of his voice. “Ken is okay, too.”
Sirens blaze as cops and an ambulance arrive. I walk outside, where Jax and his driver meet me at my door. His driver goes to attend to Ken and speak with the cops. While Ken is getting examined by the first responders, Jax pulls me in tight and kisses my forehead.
“I was scared as hell when I saw this was your bus. I don’t know what I would have done if this had been worse. I was the one who demanded we drive on buses instead of flying between shows. I didn’t consider our safety, or the higher risk of accidents. I was just thinking of myself.”
Jax regretfully drops his head and stares at the ground.
I lift his chin. “It’s not your fault. No one could have predicted this.”
As we lock eyes, I break down. I don’t want to cry in front of Jax, but I’m overwhelmed with emotion right now. I almost died. One minute, I was lying down to go to sleep, and the next, something totally unexpected put my life at risk. Something I couldn’t prepare for if I tried. And it had the potential to impact my life forever. Not just my life, but the lives of everyone who cares about me. I’m reminded that our time here is so precious.
And on top of that, now the man I am falling for is telling me he was worried about me, which means I’m already important to him. If this incident has shown me anything, it’s that I’m not going to run from anything good. I need to see where this goes with Jax, even if that means risking my career.
Rain drenches us as Jax runs his fingers through my tangled hair and I ugly cry into his chest. After a few moments, I pull myself back and look up at Jax. He wipes the tears that have been streaming down my cheeks with his wet hands. Then he tenderly kisses my lips. I don’t know if anyone saw and I don’t care.
“Let’s go get you checked out just to be safe. Then we’ll get your things. You’re staying on my bus the rest of the tour.” He takes my hand and we begin to carefully walk along the side of the road.
“I don’t want to invade your personal space. I can stay with Hayley. Or Harry.”
“Hayley’s bus is maxed out. Harry would drive you insane, and you’re not going to bunk with a man you hardly know. Besides, I want you with me.”
My chest swells. “I want to be with you, too.”
Jax continues to hold my hand, not caring who sees, as we reach the paramedics. Ken is cleared, but because of his age, they are extra cautious and want to transport him to a local hospital to get fully examined by a doctor. From there, it’s decided that the bus is totaled, thanks to broken mirrors and windows, and that Ken will fly home. Jax and I both wish him well and tell him to call us after he finishes at the hospital. Jax texts Harry so he can call Ken’s wife and let her know what’s going on.
After I give my statement to the police and everyone agrees I am in good physical condition with no injuries, Jax and I gather my belongings. His driver, whose name I learn is Diego, helps us load my stuff onto Jax’s bus. By this time, the rain has let down a lot and it’s safe for Diego to get back on the road.
Jax and I are both soaked and water is dripping off our bodies, forming puddles on the floor of the bus. His gray sweatpants and white T-shirt cling to him. I can’t help but think of an old music video from another boy band. When the video begins, the group members are each shot on camera dancing in the street as they tell the girl they are singing to that she needs to stop playing games. Then, as that group’s bad boy begins his solo verse, rain starts to pour down on them. Magically, their outfits change into open button-down shirts so you can see their slick chests. Every inch of their bodies is soaked and they push water off their faces to continue singing.
Now, I’m in my own traumatic version of a boy band video. Except we’re out of the rain. My teeth are chattering and I’m not sure if it’s from the cold or my nerves. Jax grabs a towel and uses it to squeeze water out of my hair.
“Thanks,” I tell him through shivers of all sorts. “Where can I change out of these clothes?”
Jax points to the bedroom. “Are you sure? You need to get changed too?”
“Ladies first.” Jax pulls my suitcase into the bedroom area and then grabs his own change of clothes.
I get changed, detangle my hair, and open up the door. At this point, I am way past the anxiety of Jax seeing me in any state but my best. I’m just grateful to be alive and here with him. Jax quickly changes in the bathroom and then joins me. He takes my hand and walks me over to the bed, pulling me next to him as he sits down.
“How are you feeling?”
“Honestly, I’m fine. Just shaken up. I’m really glad you were near. My hero,” I say. I take initiative and kiss him for the first time. Remnants of my vanilla lip balm transfer between us as our mouths move in symphony for a few passionate minutes.
When we come up for air, we nestle into each other’s arms. Jax pulls the covers over us and holds me. The touch of his hands on my body lets me know that he’s here for me. He’s saying nothing at all, yet it’s all loud and clear. Just like another song that one of my favorite Irish boy band members sang on the soundtrack from a rom-com movie that I adore. I fall asleep as the little spoon.
Trash the Dress Online Chat
Alexandra:My vow of celibacy is going to go out the window if I keep scrolling dating apps.
Tori:Swipe right.
26
AFTER BUS ACCIDENT JAX SLATER BEGS PLEASE, DON’T GO GIRL
JAX
