Page 25 of Dangerous Curves

I smile up at him. “I love it. Thank you.” Without second thought, I pull his mouth towards mine. The kiss conveys everything I can’t say out loud, but I know he can feel it. When I finally pull away we’re both left breathless and flushed.

“We need a picture,” he tells me, as he pulls his cell phone from his back pocket. We take a selfie together and then he proceeds to take far too many pictures of me with the different flowers and plants.

I eventually cover my face. “Okay, that’s enough.”

He shrugs. “I didn’t want to deny the beauty of the moment. Although, it’s a shame for the flowers.”

“Why?” I ask, as my brows pull together in confusion.

“Because I’m sure they’re used to being the most beautiful things in the garden but they can’t outshine you.” His words may be cheesy but they melt my heart.

I playfully nudge his shoulder with one of my hands. “That’s the worst pick up line I’ve ever heard.”

“I guess it’s a good thing I wasn’t trying to pick you up.” He winks at me as he drapes an arm around my shoulder and leads me out of the garden. Jaxx leads us to John Lennon, Imagine mosaic next. Both of us being fans of The Beatles I was wondering if this would be on his tour. I’m glad it is. It’s beautiful and it can easily remind you to stop and see the beauty around you. It’s so easy to forget that part. Jaxx starts to hum the song, putting my heart at ease, at least for this moment. I know that outside this magical park full of beautiful things is a reality I’m going to have to deal with eventually. That’s still sitting in the back of my mind.

“Are you going to sing for us?” I tease him. During high school Jaxx, Ace, Pierce, and another classmate, Enzo, started a rock band for a bit. Jaxx is actually a great singer, his voice is a lovely baritone and very relaxing. I used to love to hear him sing when he would help me clean or cook around the house. He smirks in my direction and it’s like I’m right back at sixteen all over again. Sneaking into JamesTown to listen to Jaxx and the band play.

****

JamesTown was owned and run by the James Brothers. It was a staple in this part of Los Angeles. It was a bar attached to their auto shop. If you needed anything fixed or modified on a vehicle this was the place to bring it. The James Brothers held a reputation on the streets for their racing skills. They rarely ever lost a race they were involved in. JamesTown was like any other bar except they made it a point to have an all-ages night however, tonight was not that night. Some of the regulars were requesting to see the band without all the kids around.

Once I managed to get through the door with a trick Kynlee had taught me, I took a seat in the back and watched as Jaxx took the stage. I ordered a soda and sipped on it while he tuned his guitar. He was so cute. I had noticed him the first day of school, as I was getting off the bus, but I knew there was no chance for a girl like me to get a guy like him so I just buried it. The only person who knew about this crush was Kynlee. She had vowed to get us together, but then her family had uprooted and moved out of the blue. So, now I was stuck facing junior year of high school on my own. Jaxx’s eyes meet mine and those butterflies take over. He winks at me and I swear, it’s like in the movies. I could already picture how this night would go in a script.

The lights dim some more and the band starts up. Jaxx on stage is mesmerizing. Enzo and Jaxx share the time singing different songs. The crowd loves them. When they finally call for a break Jaxx hops off the stage, grabs a bottle of soda from the waitress waiting for them and heads my direction. I quickly advert my gaze. “Is this seat taken?” he asks. His voice is a little hoarse probably from all the singing and cigarette smoke inside the bar. I shake my head, no, and he pulls the chair out to have a seat. “Are you enjoying the show?”

“Yeah, you guys are great.” I tuck a loose strand of hair behind my ear.

I chance a glance at Jaxx and see he’s smiling at me, watching my every move. “That’s great. I’m Jaxx.”

Laughter bubbles out of me before I can stop it. Why in the world would he think he’d need an introduction? He gives me a funny look. “I’m sorry, it’s just we go to school together and I’m pretty sure everyone knows your name.”

He actually looks bashful. It makes him look even cuter. “Well, I know you’re name, too, Kenndrix.” Shock registers in my body. I’ve always found my name to be a little too odd but the way it sounds coming from his mouth, I love it. “You looked shocked.”

“I guess I am.” Admitting that makes me embarrassed.

Jaxx gives me a curious look. “I don’t know why that would shock you.”

I shrug. “Because it’s me.”

“Exactly,” he says, like someone knowing my name makes all the sense in the world.

“I’m not the girl that someone looks at or bothers to know my name.”

Jaxx slips a finger under my chin and forces me to meet his eyes. “I find that hard to believe.”

“Well, you shouldn’t. Trust me.”

He shakes his head, his eyes show his disbelief. “Kenndrix…”

A group of girls, older, slender and beautiful girls approach the table. “Oh, Jaxx, you did so well.”

Jaxx turns around and gives them a smile. “Thanks, ladies.”

“Can we get a picture?” one of the girls asks.

“Sure,” he replies, as he stands up and stands between them.

I watch as all the beautiful girls flirt with Jaxx and I know that’s my cue to leave. Quietly and unnoticed, I slip out the door of JamesTown. Every time I have a brief moment where I feel like I’m not invisible, I’m reminded that I am. I knew falling for a guy like Jaxx was a long shot but I did it anyway. Silly me.

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