Page 43 of Flawless Aria

ARIA

Goingto Jaxon’s house is bittersweet, knowing we don’t have much time. He’ll be leaving soon and since I haven’t heard from him today, I’m going to assume that he struck out again. In truth, I thought it would be so easy to find a venue, but I wasn’t considering the time of year and all the red tape involved. Not only that, most venues aren’t equipped for a nontraditional wedding like we want so they flat out said no. Maybe they thought we were pranking them but that’s the furthest thing from the truth. If we don’t hear from someone soon, I’ll need to go to plan B.

Pulling into his drive, I put on my happy face. Jax feels terrible and hates the thought of letting me down. There’s no point in being upset. For now, I want to spend all of our time making love and being close to him. There’s plenty of time to have a pity party once he leaves.

Nowadays, I just knock and walk right in. He told me it was stupid to knock and wait until he answered the door.

“Honey, I’m home.” It’s how I greet him every time I come over.

“In the kitchen, baby.” Not his usual but he likes switching things up.

“Someone felt like cooking. Smells delicious.” I’m not only going to miss his culinary skills, but I’m also going to miss his amazing bedroom skills too.

Walking around the counter, he meets me halfway. Leaning in, with his hands on my hips, he gives me a kiss that instantly curls my toes. “Mm, you taste good enough to eat,” I purr.

“That’s dessert. I’ve made you chicken marsala for dinner.” What? My favorite. The rockstar-slash-chef walks to the stove and stirs the sauce.

“Aw, you’re so sweet, Jax. Thank you.” I try not to get teary eyed because God knows how long it will be before he cooks it for me again.

“How did work go today?” It’s a running joke between us since I’m still working from home. I’ve learned to go with the flow instead of complaining. I’m sure when Silas is ready, he’ll call me back. I just miss chatting with him about baking, too.

“Good. I finished my article and sent it over. Oh my god. Did you pierce your eyebrow? When did you do that and why would you do that?” He’s laughing as he looks over his shoulder, wiggling his eyebrows at me.

“Do you think it makes me look sexy?” Fuck yes and now I’m more worried about the damn groupies than ever before.

“You were hot before but you’re even hotter now. If that’s even possible. I like it. Gives you that bad boy drummer vibe to match your tats.”

He doesn’t have a ton like Ace and Zander, but I love the ones he does have. He has the Rebel Riot logo on his right arm which begins at the shoulder and ends at the elbow. Wicked cool with all the colors and the skull and chains. On his left forearm he has a quote,“The goal isn’t to live forever, the goal is to create something that will.”The last one is between his shoulder blades. It’s a beautiful, intricate cross outlined in black with shades of blue that has the birth date and date of death of his stepbrother Ezra. Who was killed by a drunk driver around three years ago. He’s Jim’s son and was the drummer for Reckless Melody.

“Today. It was a bet that I made with Ace. As you can see, I lost.” I can’t help it, but I just start laughing. When will he ever learn? You don’t make a bet unless it’s a done deal.

“I’m afraid to ask what the bet was all about. Never mind, I don’t want to know.”

“Nah, this time it was legit. We bet who was going to pull into the parking lot next, is all. No biggie. This bet was harmless, baby. Besides, I kinda like the piercing.”

“It’s hot as fuck. Maybe you should have a lip piercing like Zander.” Taking the pan off the stove, he crooks his finger, beckoning me to come to him. What’s his deal?

Standing toe to toe, he wraps his hand around my nape, pulling me in. His warm breath, sending shivers down my spine.

“Have I ever mentioned, when you drop the F bomb, my cock gets hard?” Oh my. Nope, can’t say I do.

His smoldering gaze is locked on mine, and I have the sudden urge to check just to be sure. Licking my lips, I whisper, “No, I didn’t know.”

“Well, you do now. I had so many plans for us tonight, baby. But all I want to do now is sink deep inside of your sweet pussy and stay there until it’s time for me to leave.” Just the reminder that we’re on borrowed time terrifies me.

“I’m not opposed to that. There’s no place else I’d rather be than in your bed.” He struggles to breathe as he leans his head against mine.

“Fuck, Aria. This is the first time ever that I don’t want to go on tour. Being with you these last six months is the happiest I’ve ever been. Please, I’m begging you. Come on tour with me, please. I don’t think I can do this without you.” I’ve never seen him so distraught before. Not even when Stephanie broke up with him.

“Jax, you know I’d love to…” His lips crash down on mine before I have a chance to use the word ‘but’. I understand that’s not what he needs to hear right now. He was vulnerable and transparent, and I just can’t give him what he wants.

Not right now.

When he hastily breaks the kiss, I feel his pain deep down inside my soul. I’m hurting, too, but he’s the one that’s leaving, and I’ll still be surrounded by my family and friends.

Other than the band, he’ll be alone.

“Let’s eat before it gets cold.” I’m at a loss for words because no matter what I say at this point in time, it will never be enough.

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