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That one surprised Jaxson. He wasn’t sure why. But he couldn’t see Champ trying to make amends first. He was too conceited to think of others first. Apparently, he was wrong.
Champ turned his attention to him. “Jaxson.”
He nodded, not having any polite words to say. Every time he looked at this guy, he wanted to pummel him in the face for hurting Mia the way he had. To cheat on such a beautiful, wonderful woman like her was beyond his comprehension.
Although, one good thing came out of it.
She was now his.
Forever.
Dane cleared his throat. “Well, there’s lots of food to eat. Delicious cake to enjoy. I see some pool games starting up. I should mingle a bit.”
“Of course. It’s your party. Everyone will want to chat with you.”
Champ smiled as Dane excused himself and did as he mentioned—started to mingle. Which made Jaxson want to bust out laughing.
The last thing Dane wanted to do was mingle. So, yeah. He might be on the road to making amends with his brother, but he didn’t want to stand around and chat with him for too long. At least Champ did the right thing for once: he showed up for this brother’s birthday party.
“I think I’ll go say hi to Mia.”
Jaxson stepped in front of him, blocking his path. He had to clench his fists to refrain from grabbing him by the front of his shirt and pushing him straight out of the room and out of the bar completely.
“Let’s get one thing straight. You even look at her and you’re gone. I don’t know what you think you’ll gain by talking to her. Gabby walking away with her should’ve been clue enough that you’re not going to speak to her.”
“What’s it to you? You have no say in what she does. I messed up. I want a second chance. She’s a wonderful woman.”
Mia was special. More than wonderful. Jaxson could understand how Champ was finally seeing that.
But no way in hell—even if he wasn’t with Mia—would he ever get another chance with her.
“I’m not in any way sorry to break it to you, but she’s mine now.” Jaxson leaned closer. “All. Mine. So go on your merry way and mingle. Eat, drink, but stay the hell away from Mia.”
“Look—”
“Open bar for the first hour. Grab your drink while you can,” Brick said as he slid into the conversation as if he had been there from the beginning.
Champ eyed him for a moment before deciding it was better not to mess with Brick. Not even with words.
“Relax. Cool those fists. He ain’t getting anywhere near her. Beer?” Brick asked as he held up an extra bottle he was holding.
“Thanks.”
He downed half the bottle before turning around to scan the room. He saw Mia standing with Gabby talking to a group of women. Some from Mia’s circle. Some from Gabby’s circle. All had a smile on their face and laughter in the air as whatever they talked about brightened the room.
If he had to guess, probably about the damn hickey on his neck. If the not-so-subtle glances his way now and again were any indication.
“Good party. Great turnout.”
“Great location.” Jaxson tipped his bottle toward Brick and clinked glasses with him.
“You two disappeared for a few minutes while setting up.” Brick grinned, his eyes dancing with laughter as he lifted the bottle to his lips. “You didn’t have a hickey when you arrived.”
Oh, shit.
Not a development he’d seen coming.
“No, are you sure? Why are you looking at my neck anyway?”
