Page 15 of Fighting Temptation (Men of Honor 1)
It was just over 6 months after Jaxson had left. I found out about the graduation only a few days before from Cooper. He said he’d wanted to go but couldn’t leave work.
“Jaxson has a graduation?” I asked in surprise.
“Ya, you didn’t know? It’s this Saturday. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that he never mentioned it. I only know because I read his program when he first applied.”
“I can’t believe he never told me. I just spoke to him 2 days ago.”
So with that I booked a flight to leave Saturday morning and decided to stay the night, hoping Jaxson would be able to do something after. I had exams coming up that week but I didn’t care, I would just study on the plane.
I arrived with just enough time to drop my bags off at the hotel, which wasn’t too far from the naval base. On my way to the training center, where the graduation is being held, I look down at my soft purple maxi dress and hope I’m dressed appropriately. I’m not sure how formal this is so I figured this would be a safe bet.
Walking in I see lots of people seated with their cameras, waiting proudly. It makes me sad to think if I hadn’t found out about this no one would have been here for Jaxson.
I decide to sit center middle, I want him to see me but not too easily. Cooper promised me he wouldn’t tell Jaxson I was coming. Hopefully he won’t be mad that I’m surprising him.
A few minutes later the graduates walk in and my breath seizes when I see Jaxson. It’s been six long months since I’ve got to look at him. He looks incredibly sexy in his formal Navy uniform. As he takes his seat I see him laugh at something the guy next to him says and I can’t stop from smiling with him. He looks so at ease and so… himself. My throat starts feeling tight when I realize this is what he was talking about when he said he didn’t fit in back home. The only time I ever saw him like this was when he was with Cooper or I.
A senior officer makes his way to the podium and starts his speech. He congratulates the men on their hard work and the importance of where their lives are going from here. The speech is incredibly moving and it’s very hard not to respect all the men who are seated, waiting to be awarded for their accomplishment.
When he finishes, each of the men are called up one at a time and awarded with a certificate and medal. There are so many cheers and pictures being taken from loved ones that I make sure I have my camera and lungs ready for Jaxson. I notice he hasn’t even looked into the crowd once, knowing that no one will be here for him, which makes me wanna cry. But I promised myself- no crying today. I know how uncomfortable it makes him.
I tune back into the senior officer: “Now before I call out the next name, I want to give special recognition to this new Seal. He is graduating top of this class and he might be one of the strongest men I’ve ever had come into this program. His dedication and hard work impressed, not just myself, but many other Senior Officers and fellow Seals. Every man sitting here has proven themselves but this officer made history by setting record times in his physical and mental training. So with that being said I’d like you all to congratulate Officer Jaxson Reid.”
Oh my god! Everyone claps beside me and the other graduates give a standing ovation. Snapping out of my stunned state I realize I have tears on my cheeks. Well crap, so much for not crying. But I can’t help it, I’m so darn proud of him. Standing up from my chair I cheer as loud as I can. Jaxson tenses then whips his head to the crowd, spotting me immediately. He stares at me, stunned for a moment, and I wave blowing him a kiss. When the shock wears off he shakes his head and gives me one of his sexy smirks. I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding, feeling relief he’s ok with me being here. I snap a few pictures of him receiving his award. I can tell he’s uncomfortable from the recognition which makes me roll my eyes.
After the speeches and awards are done everyone is with their families, taking pictures while I walk around looking for Jaxson. I lost him in the midst of the crowd.
“Ahh!” I yelp, startled when someone grabs me from behind, pulling me against them. I relax quickly knowing instantly whose hard body I’m up against.
“I guess I’m going to have to kill Cooper,” Jaxson whispers roughly in my ear, “what are you doing here Jules?”
My heart races from feeling his hard body behind me and his breath in my ear. Gawd he feels so good I want to whimper, but of course I don’t. Pulling myself together I spin around in his arms and stare up into his ice blue eyes that I’ve missed looking into every day. The man is too damn sexy for his own good. Finally, when I get my wits about me, I glare at him.
“I think I should kill you Jaxson! How could you not tell me about this?”
I get irritated when he shrugs, “This isn’t a big deal Julia, you have a lot going on with school. You just told me you had exams coming up this week. You should focus on that, not this.”
“Well I disagree, I think this is very important. I would have been heartbroken if I’d missed this and I’m glad I did come. Clearly you’ve been keeping a lot from me.” I was talking about his ‘special recognition’ and he knew it. Then smirking, I add: “But I guess if you don’t want to see me I’ll be on my way then.” I turn to walk away but he pulls me against him again with a growl.
