Page 22 of Kiss Me

“I’m not sure how Luke lives here.” Coming from LA to Fairlane must have been a culture shock.

“It’s not too bad,” Jax countered, staring at the road. His jaw ticked, and I knew I’d hurt his feelings by my remark.

“It’s notbad. It’s just so different and unexpected, but I understand its appeal.”

“Riverside is bigger and is probably more up to your speed. Lots of people go there to shop, but I wasn’t sure the condition of the roads getting there, otherwise I would have taken you.” He shrugged, and I had a feeling Jax might have been embarrassed when he shouldn’t have been.

“Next time. I definitely don’t want you to wreck your truck or be stuck in a ditch. I’ve had enough of that for a lifetime. So,” I drew out the word, smiling over at Jax. His gaze flickered over to me, but he kept his eyes on the road. “I thought today went well.”

“You mean with your friends?”

Of course, I meant with my friends. Me not leaving to go back to LA went well beyond okay. At least in my book.

Jax let out a loud sigh. “I told you, I don’t do well with new people or people in general.”

“You did great,” I assured him. “I was shocked when Luke asked you to go watch soccer, and you said yes.”

My eyes might have almost fell out of my head while I’d watched Jax follow Luke out of the kitchen.

“I was trying foryou.”

“Well, I appreciate you trying for me. Luke really is an easy-going guy.”

Jax smiled over at me. I felt a little flutter in my stomach at the sight of his devastating smile. He had no idea that his smile could make panties vanish off any woman he shined it at.

“Did you like Luke and Alex?” I desperately wanted him to like my friends so we could spend time together.

“Yeah, baby I liked them. don’t worry.” He winked at me. “I like how they look out for you like family.”

If it was possible, I would have melted into the seat right there and then.

“That’s how they feel to me, like family. I hadn’t felt that in a long time. Not until I met them. Alex doesn’t have any besides her son Mason, Luke, and her friends. She’s made a family out of those who are dear to her.”

His eyes softened as he looked at me. “Does Luke have family?”

“He does, but they live in Sweden for the most part, so he doesn’t get to see them very often.”

Reaching over, he wrapped my hand in his and placed them on his thigh. “When he took me downstairs, he threatened to kill me if I ever hurt you. Once I told him I had no intention of ever hurting you, he softened some. After I cheered for his soccer team, I was golden.”

“I’m glad he’s got someone to watch his soccer with. I know Alex watches it with him and said he can be very intense.”

“That’s one word for it,” he laughed. “I can’t imagine what he’d be like if he was actually there with all the people and charged atmosphere.”

“Thank you for going out of your comfort zone.”

I couldn’t imagine how difficult it must have been for him, but I knew the more he got out and saw that no one cared or noticed his scar the more he’d open up.

Bringing my hand to his mouth, he kissed my knuckles and smiled. That was enough for me. I looked out at the snowy landscape we passed by. Who would have thought I’d enjoy this winter wonderland?

We were quiet the rest of the way back to his house. I was lost in thought on what I was going to do with my life now that I was no longer in a band and had met Jax, who I was sure I was already in love with. I didn’t really have a life back in LA. I had a place to stay when I was in town, but that’s it. I used to have my band and the only real friends I had lived most of the year in Fairlane.

As we hopped out of the truck and took the groceries inside, I asked myself one simple question: would it be so bad to live in a small town where no one knew me or bothered me?

I took the groceries out and placed them on the counter, and Jax put them away since I had no clue where anything went. We worked together well even if it was a simple task. Once I was done, I continued to stand in the kitchen, looking around at all the work Jax had done. His house was old, but it was beautiful. Even with snow and ice covering every inch of the backyard, it was picture perfect. I could imagine spending summer days lounging by the pool and nights staring up at the stars, all with Jax by my side. I could see myself here for the long run.

Feeling a tug on my hand, I looked up into the worried eyes of the man who’d come to mean so much to me in only a matter of days. “Are you regretting your decision to stay?” His voice was quiet and laced with sadness.

My heart sank at his words. “Jax, no.” Lacing our fingers together, I led us into the living room to sit in front of the fire.

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