His eyes hold mine, emotion pouring out of them. “I forgive you. And I’m sorry for making you feel like you couldn’t come to me. Like you couldn’t tell me about Chase.” He leans forward, grabbing my hands in his. “You’re my best friend, Alina May. I love you. And even though I wish like hell you were mine, I’ll live the rest of my life happy as long as you’re in it.”
Relief floods through me, dousing the burning ache in my gut. I squeeze his hands. “You deserve the everything kind of love, Teeth.”
He chuckles, pulling back, but I grip his hands tighter. “You’ll find it someday. Mark my words, it’s gonna knock you on your booty, and I’ll be right there, front row. Cheerin’ for it the hardest. You just wait and see.”
A tear trails down his face and my heart twists. I’ve never seen Jax cry before.
“Damn, you’re a bitch. I can’t stay mad at you to save my life.” He laughs.
I want to grab his laughter and hold on for dear life because what I’m about to say might steal it away.
I cringe. “There is somethin’ you should know.”
He groans, throwing his body against the couch and running his hands over his face. “Don’t tell me, Lee.”
“I have to.”
“You’re back with him, aren’t you?” He peeks at me from between his fingers.
“I am, and I love you, Jax, but I won’t apologize for it.”
His hands drop into his lap, a sigh leaving his lips. “You don’t need to apologize to me, sweetheart. I just hope you know what the hell you’re doing. He doesn’t deserve you.”
I nod, knowing this was the way he’d feel. “The boy he was didn’t deserve me. But he’s changed, Jax. Truly. You should talk to him and you’ll see it, too.”
“Yeah, well… I’ll be at Sam’s retirement party next weekend, so I’m sure I’ll get my chance.” He grimaces. Clearly, he isn’t ready to forgive.
If I was a smart woman, I’d take this heavy moment between us and spill all my secrets. Tell him how Daddy’s a sea of struggle and I’m drowning in his wake.
But I don’t.
I’ve already seen the grief in his eyes tonight, I don’t want to see pity there, too. So instead, I press play on my remote, and we spend the rest of the night getting lost in tales with happy endings.
39
Alina
I’m fixing to snap on Regina. It’s not a good look as her employee, but if she doesn’t take a step away from Chase and put away that hoochie-mama cleavage, I may just lose it. I’ve been standing in the corner of the dance studio, watching them have a “meeting” for the past twenty minutes. Regina told me I could leave for the day, but fat chance of that with the way she’s been eyeing my man since she walked in.
I look her up and down. She’s attractive in a cougarish type of way. I thought she was married, but she isn’t wearing a wedding ring. I bet she just took it off.
Chase is taking me back to his place tonight for dinner, and instead of going home to freshen up like I originally planned, I’m here watching them like a jealous girlfriend.
I’m too far away to hear the conversation, but it doesn’t matter. I know he’s going over everything they’ve completed for the week. Regina wanted brand new floor-to-ceiling windows installed in the main dance studio. She said it would help drum up business if people on the street could look right in and see the classes. He installed them today, and of course, she just had to come in and see them. It makes sense, seeing as how this is her place. But did she really need to undo those extra buttons on her blouse beforehand?
I watch her giggle and preen for what feels like hours, until she finally leaves. But not before giving Chase her personal cell number just “in case he thinks of anything else he might need.” Please.
She breezes by, giving me a funny look and walking out the door. Chase stops in front of me, smiling like the cat that got the cream.
I cross my arms and scowl. “What are you lookin’ so pleased about?”
He glances at the front door. Once he sees the coast is clear, his hands go straight to my hips. He squeezes, leaning in and stealing a kiss. “Can’t I be pleased to see my woman?”
Butterflies go crazy in my stomach, but I maintain my glare. “I just don’t think you should encourage her, is all.”
“Who, Regina?” He laughs, backing up a step. “That woman’s been out to get me since day one, Goldi. Hate to break it to you. There’s no encouragement necessary.”
Huh. I guess I was so busy trying to ignore Chase that I missed the signs. Probably for the best. If I had noticed her salivating over him, it would have made me green with envy.
“Are you ready to go?” I don’t want to think about Regina anymore.
He leans against the wall. “What’s the rush?”
I shrug, my hands out to my sides. “Aren’t you hungry?”
“Starving.” His eyes darken as he straightens.
He stalks toward me.
I take a step back.
He takes another step forward.
I stumble back another step.
I’m against the windows now, my hands pushing against his chest. “You’re gonna smudge the new windows.”
His head lowers and he nips my neck. “Don’t care.”
“Well, maybe I do,” I say, leaning my head to the side so he has better access.
“Mmm… seems like it.” He presses against me, flattening my back to the glass.
His palms move down my sides, his body following their trek. He drops to his knees, running the back of his hand up the inside of my leg. All the way up. My skirt bunches around my hips. The cool air blows through the red lace of my panties. Glad I wore my good underwear.
“What are you doin’?” I push on his shoulders halfheartedly.
“Eating.” He
