Page 52 of Then Came Love
AFTER A DELICIOUS dinner and a couple of fruity cocktails, Jordan was flying high. They hadn’t spent another second talking about the wedding, and that was unexpectedly and marvelously freeing. The bar had gotten crowded with all sorts of people, but bikers definitely outnumbered non-bikers. Even the men in the band that had been playing for the last hour were wearing Dark Knights patches on their vests. But after she’d observed the rough-looking guys clapping one another on the backs and listening to their humorous banter, her trepidation had given way to a night of fun. Jax was so attentive, she had a feeling he could make any place feel safe and special enough to bring out sides of her she hadn’t even known existed, as he’d done tonight.
“You’re up, Braden,” a bearded guy said as he walked by the table.
“Come on, beautiful.” Jax took her hand as he rose to his feet, pulling her up with him.
“Where are we going?” She didn’t want to leave yet.
“It’s time to give you the full Whiskey Bro’s experience.”
He led her over to the pool tables, and a handsome clean-cut guy handed her a pool cue. “Here you go, darlin’.”
“Thanks, but I don’t play pool.” She held the cue out for Jax.
“You do now.” Jax nodded at the guy. “Thanks, Court.”
As Court went to join a group of guys, Jax guided her to the head of the pool table.
“I’m happy to watch you play, but I don’t know the first thing about pool.”
He stepped closer, speaking so quietly, she had to lean in to hear him. “Observing can be fun in a more intimate setting, where we have the privacy to join in if we’re so inclined. But for tonight’s lesson, I’d like a more hands-on approach.”
Her body heated at his seductive tone.
A sexy grin appeared on his handsome face, as if he felt the heat seeping from her pores. “Stick with me, sweetheart, and your new experiences will be endless and incredibly enjoyable.”
She had a fleeting thought about asking him to adhere to their no-flirting rule, but he made her feel alive and seen and made her want so much more than she’d ever wanted out of life. More butterfly-inducing experiences, more laughter, more spontaneity. When she was with Jax, she felt like she was finally living, and she was going with it.
Hold on to your handkerchief, Jax. Two can play at this game.
“Okay, Mr. Braden. I’ll be your willing pupil. Show me what to do with this big stick.”
“Careful what you ask for.”
“I could say the same to you.” Did I really just say that?
“Unless you’re about to hustle me out of a few bucks, I’m more than prepared for anything you have to give.” He took her hand. “Let’s get familiar with the cue.” He touched her fingers to the tip. “This is the tip. You’ll want to treat it delicately. Nobody likes a bruised tip.”
The glimmer of wickedness in his eyes spurred her on. “You should probably show me the rest, because nobody likes just the tip, either.” Ohmygod! Flirting with Jax was addicting.
“I can see I need to show you how to slow down and savor every moment of every experience. Preparing for your shot will lead to a more satisfying outcome.”
Lord, he was good at flirting.
“First you need to chalk the tip.” He picked up a small cube of chalk from the edge of the pool table. “Angle the cue, so you can see the tip, and then use deliberate movements, like this, to paint it.” He put his hand over hers again, showing her how. “Don’t twist it. You don’t want to miss any spots.”
“What exactly does it do?”
“The chalk provides friction, so the tip doesn’t slide off the ball prematurely.”
She couldn’t resist saying, “We wouldn’t want premature slippage.”
“An experienced player knows how to avoid that.” He set the chalk down and curled her fingers around the cue just below the tip. “This is the shaft. Get comfortable with it. Take a few slow strokes.” He moved her hand up and down along the shaft. “Mm. You’re good at that.”
He was standing so close, he got her all hot and flustered. She could barely think straight. His hand tightened around hers, lifting the cue higher while simultaneously sliding her hand down to the thicker end.
“You’ll grab the butt nice and tight. How does that feel?”
“Good” came out soft and breathy.
“Then let’s get this show on the road.”
He stood behind her, showing her how to line up her shot and helping her position her hand on the table. He took her by the hips, turning her slightly away from the table. His hands felt so good on her, her breathing became shallow.
“Now practice your stroke.” His warm breath coasted over her cheek and his hips cradled her butt as they moved the pool cue forward and back. “That’s it, nice and slow.”
His body heat seeped through the thin material of her dress as he guided the tip of the cue toward the ball.
“You’re a natural.” He ran his hand down her arm. “When you’re ready to strike the ball, don’t slow down, and keep your follow-through straight and relaxed. A longer stroke will give you more momentum and will lead to a better outcome.”
She turned her head and his face was right there, his eyes brimming with so much emotion she felt it clawing at her, reeling her in.
“Jax Braden!”
