Page 17 of Fighting Temptation (Men of Honor 1)
His expression softens a bit, “Hi Julia.”
I give him a big smile, appreciating I got words this time and not just a nod. He stares at me confused, as if trying to figure something out.
Jaxson comes back with our drinks and when I take a sip I realize it’s only soda. I smile at him showing my appreciation when he gives me a wink.
Conversation flows well and as the night goes on I start feeling more relaxed. I get a lot of glares from the girls every time one of the guys asks me a question but I just ignore them and am as nice as I can be about it. Lots of the guys were ribbing Jaxson on his special recognition, which pissed him off, but I knew it was because he was uncomfortable about it. I tried not to laugh but a few giggles slipped out here and there which, in return, just moved his glare in my direction. When he gets up to use the bathroom Sawyer leans over to me.
“So what is it with you two?” he asks nodding over in Jaxson’s direction.
I look at him curiously, “What do you mean?”
“I’m trying to figure you guys out. Are you friends or more? I’ve tried asking Jaxson but he’s closed mouth when it comes to you.”
I shift in my seat feeling uncomfortable. “There’s nothing to figure out, we’re just friends. Actually he’s my best friend,” I say the last part softly.
“I didn’t know best friends carry pictures of each other with them,” he says with a smirk. At first I wonder why he thinks I have a picture of Jaxson when I realize he’s talking about Jaxson.
“Jaxson has a picture of me?” I ask in surprise.
“You didn’t know? I thought you gave it to him.” Now it was Sawyer’s turn to be surprised. “Unbelievable,” he says chuckling, shaking his head.
“Leave her alone man and shut up.” Sawyer snaps his gaze to Cade looking shocked by his little outburst.
“What? I’m just asking about the picture. You’re my best friend and I don’t carry a picture of you,” Sawyer jokes, but shuts up fast when Jaxson returns.
I look back at Cade giving him a kind smile, to thank him for sticking up for me, even though he didn’t need to. I know Sawyer didn’t mean anything bad by asking and was just curious. Heck, I’m curious now about this picture. I wonder what picture it is?
I’m brought out of my thoughts when Jaxson leans in close to me: “You wanna get going soon?”
“Sure,” I say easily, acting as if I don’t care either way. When I actually want to say ‘hell yes’.
“I didn’t even ask, what hotel are you staying at?”
“At the Delta. It was just a few minute cab ride from the base.”
Jaxson nods, “I know which one.”
We are just about to say goodbye when I see a girl stumbling towards us. Clearly she’s had too much to drink and her dress leaves nothing to the imagination; it makes me wonder why she even bothered with clothes at all. I quickly realize she’s walking up to Jaxson. I feel him tense when she runs her finger along his arm.
“Hi Jaxson baby, I didn’t know you were going to be here tonight. Lucky me.”
I immediately stiffen and feel like I’ve been slapped. I know I shouldn’t, but I do.
Jaxson quickly stands, pulling me with him.
“Kat. We were just leaving,” he says easily, when I know he’s feeling anything but.
We turn to say goodbye to the group when she yells: “Who the fuck is this whore?”
I whip my head and glare at her. Who is she to call me a whore? I hear the other girls at the table laugh then both Sawyer and Cade tell them to shut up. Before I can say anything to stand up for myself Jaxson steps in front of me, getting in her face.
“Back the fuck off Kat! You don’t know anything about her. You gotta problem with me fine, but you fucking leave her out of it,” his voice is low and dangerous. I can tell she’s scared by the big swallow she takes.
“I’m sorry Jax, I’ve just missed you. I was hoping you would come home with me tonight.”
Did she just call him Jax? That’s it, now I’m pissed. I’m mad that I’m caught up in this embarrassing scene and everyone is staring. I’m mad that she called him Jax because no one calls him that but me. I’m mad that I’m jealous and most of all I’m mad that Jaxson is nothing but a big man-whore.
I turn to the table of guys: “Well it’s been fun, nice meeting y’all and good luck with your new career,” then I quickly get the hell out of there.
As soon as I make it outside I breathe in the fresh air and try to calm my pounding heart. When Jaxson comes bolting out the door I quickly pick a direction and start walking as fast as I can.
“Julia wait!”
I keep my pace, ignoring him.
“Goddammit Julia. Get your sweet little ass back here.”
Oh, if he thinks by calling my ass sweet that I’m gonna come strolling back he’s got another thing coming.
When he catches up to me he grabs my arm and swings me around to face him, “Where the hell are you going?”
I rip my arm out of his grip: “To my hotel!” I snap and start walking again.
“You’re not even going the right way dammit!”
Darn! I stop and turn back around then start walking in the opposite direction.
“Why the hell are you mad at me?”
He’s so oblivious it makes me wanna hit him. Instead I stop and turn on him fast, “Did you screw her?” Ugh, why did I have to say that. I put my hand up at his stunned expression: “Never mind, don’t answer that. I already know the answer because you’re a stupid man-whore! I’m glad to see how easy it’s been for you to start a new life.” I know that isn’t fair to say and I’m acting ridiculous but I can’t seem to stop.
