Chapter Eleven
Theo
Jaxon chewed his lip and ran a hand through his hair. Was he nervous? I’d never imagined Jaxon Polaris to be anything less than supremely confident.
“I’ll be your fake boyfriend.”
Things I never thought I’d say, for five hundred.
I expected Jaxon to be happy, but he released a big whoosh of breath, as if he’d doubted my answer.
“I don’t want you to think I’m forcing you. This has to be your decision.”
“I had my reservations,” I admitted. “I still kind of do, but from what I know about you, the good you could accomplish as a judge would far exceed the negative of us pretending we’re dating for a few months.”
A smile broke across Jaxon’s face, and he shocked me by reaching out and grabbing my hands.
“I do like you, Theo. And at the end of all this, I’m hoping we can be friends. Good friends. Maybe you’ll end up with a boyfriend.”
“Let’s not go that far. If you get elected—and even if you don’t—I’ll be happy to call you a friend. I don’t think we can ever have enough of those.”
I could count on one hand the people I felt comfortable with. Was that friendship? I wouldn’t know. I’d been alone all my life.
“So.” Jaxon grinned. “Pick your poison.” He swept a hand over the sandwiches. “You get first choice.”
I chose the roast beef, and Jaxon took the turkey. I munched several bites, watching the dancing flames.
“This is nice. You’re right. I rarely light a fire, but it makes everything so much cozier. When I renovate, I’m going to make sure they don’t mess with it.”
“What are you planning to do here?” Stretched out on the plaid blanket, Jaxon was much less intimidating than the times I’d seen him at press conferences after a trial or even at our dinner at The Cutting Edge.
“I’ve already done the bathrooms, and they took up a good chunk of change, so I needed to give my bank account a break. In the spring, I’ll start again.”
“The house has good bones and some nice elements.” Jaxon scanned the large family room.
It had been years since a paintbrush had touched the walls, but there was beadboard in each room, original oak floors, and several large rooms that remained unused, gathering dust. My father and I ate in the kitchen at the round Formica table and used the formal dining room for storage, but it had pretty French doors that had been neglected.
“I think you could really make something nice out of it.”
Surprised he noticed, I stared into the fire. “I guess. It’ll keep me busy. It’s certainly big enough. I don’t use half the rooms.”
“Not too busy, I hope. You’re going to have to spend some time with me.”
“That won’t be an issue. If you need me, I’ll be around.”
We finished the food and collected the garbage before Jaxon rose to his feet.
“I’d better get going. How about dinner tomorrow night? I have a meeting in Overlook but should be free at about seven. I’ll come to Sweeny’s and eat.”
I made a face. “I’m sure you’re used to something better than wings or burgers.”
He stepped into my personal space, and my heart revved into overdrive. Something in his normally twinkling blue eyes startled me. Darkness had replaced the normal sparkle.
“Don’t be too sure about that.” Jaxon trailed his knuckles across my cheek, his fingertips resting for a brief moment on my lips before he withdrew. “I had fun tonight.”
He grabbed his coat and left, giving me no chance to recover. Touching my mouth, I found myself smiling. Shaking my head, I put out the fire and, with a loopy grin, took a shower, brushed my teeth, and went to bed.
**
“Looking good, Theo.” Tony eyed me from head to toe as he said it, and I immediately deflected.
“It’s just a sweater and jeans. No big deal.”
“Dude, don’t think I haven’t noticed you’ve stopped wearing those crummy hoodies and sweats. Glad to see you’ve upped your style.”
“I just needed some new clothes and figured I should stop dressing like a college kid.”
With Jaxon showing up tonight, I could admit I’d taken greater care with my appearance, picking a blue, green, and white checked shirt tucked into black jeans with a fisherman-knit green sweater over it to ward off the chill from the door opening and closing.
I’d never been vain, but I had changed shirts a few times prior to choosing this one. I thought it made my eyes brighter.
“No one would ever accuse you of being anything but a grown man.”
Jaxon’s husky voice sent thrills up my spine. Viewing him, I almost whimpered. He wore a navy suit with the top two buttons of a crisp blue button-down undone, allowing me a glimpse of a swirl of chest hair.
“H-hi. You’re early.” The clock behind the register read only a little past six thirty. “I thought you said seven.”
He swung himself up on a barstool. “I didn’t stop to change. I was looking forward to seeing you.”
“Me too.” I allowed a tentative smile. Even though I knew the words were mainly for show, I could pretend it was real. And it was still nice to hear. “A Grey Goose? And you must be hungry. Do you still want the burger?”
“Yes, please. With tomato and fries. And a pickle.” He winked. “Can’t forget the pickle.”
After putting the order in, I hurried to the opposite side of the bar to make him his drink. When I returned, Jaxon was deep in conversation with someone who looked familiar.
My heart sank.
It was the man Jaxon had been kissing that night in the hotel elevator. He was dressed in a sharp suit and tie with a corporate haircut and that enviable, self-confident air I wished for. Exactly who I’d expect someone like Jaxon to date.
The drink slipped from my hand and spilled all over the bar.
“Dammit,” I swore and grabbed a washcloth to mop up the liquid just as Jaxon’s attention switched to me.
“Theo, what happened? Everything okay?”
“Yes. It’s fine. I’ll make you another drink.” I forced myself to address Jaxon’s friend, who watched me with a curious expression. “Can I get you something?”
“Yes, please. Jameson on the rocks.”
I nodded. “Be right back.” Breathing steadily, I poured their drinks and returned to them. “Here you are. Your food should be here soon,” I mentioned to Jaxon.
“Thanks. Theo, this is Craig Millman. Craig—Theo Sweeny. He owns the bar. Excuse me.”
I watched Jaxon as he greeted several people on the way to the men’s room.
“Busy place you have here,” Craig said offhandedly. It was obvious to me he didn’t frequent bars like Sweeny’s.
“Yeah, it gets crazy sometimes. D-do you live nearby?”
“No. A couple of miles outside of Harmony Rock.”
Almost thirty miles away, so I had to wonder why he was here in my bar, but I didn’t have to wait long.
“Jaxon tells me you two are dating. How’d you cage the tiger?” He chuckled, but my smile was thin.
“I guess I didn’t think of being together as caging him.”
Craig’s expression turned thoughtful. “You were with Dan Thomas the evening of Jaxon’s speech.”
I bit the inside of my cheek, hoping my face didn’t turn bright red.
“Not exactly ‘with’ him. And that was an unfortunate mistake. Would you like something to eat? I can give you a menu.”
“No, thanks.” Elbows on the bar, he leaned in close. “How long have you and Jax been going out? I was with him at the lecture, and he sure as hell didn’t act like he had a boyfriend. And neither did you.”
“What gives you the right to poke your nose into my life or Jaxon’s?” My anger rose, and the words spilled from my lips. “Were you two in some kind of relationship?”
“No, but—”
“Even if you were, why should I be speaking to you about his private life or mine? I know about the men he’s dated.”
“Theo’s right.” Frowning, Jaxon appeared behind Craig. “He and I don’t have secrets.”
Red-cheeked, Craig ducked his head. “I’m not trying to be an ass. I’ve heard rumors of you possibly being on the ballot for Rodriguez’s spot, and I know how gossip travels. I’m looking out for you, Jax. That’s all.”
Funny enough, I believed him. Jax met my eyes before answering, “Appreciated, but this thing between Theo and me is pretty new. I…I’ve been interested in him for a while. That night of the lecture, when I saw he was about to make a big mistake with Dan, I decided I didn’t want to let him get away.”
I couldn’t fault him for lying. I also couldn’t fault myself for wanting it to be true.
We were interrupted by Tony bringing Jaxon’s order out.
“Here you go.” Tony slid the plate in front of him. “Nice to see you again, Jaxon.”
“Thanks. Same.” Jaxon doused his burger with ketchup and took a bite. “Ahh.” He chewed with gusto. “Nothing like a pub burger. I lived on these in college,” he added and washed it down with the Grey Goose.
I couldn’t stand around and talk all evening. “Excuse me. I have to tend to the customers.”
Jaxon had hinted at eating burgers and bar food as something he was used to, and now with this college comment…I hadn’t a clue about his past, and I realized he’d done all the talking up to this point. Tonight, it would be my turn to ask him some questions.
With a wary face, Craig approached me. “I’m sorry if I was rude. Just…Jax is a great guy and—”
“And you thought you had a shot.” Shocked at my outspokenness, I bit my tongue, but Craig’s lips curved in a smile of agreement.
“Well, yeah. Look at him. He’s the total package. I can admit it. But Jax told me he’s with you, and I don’t go where I’m not wanted. Take it easy.”
He walked away, leaving me speechless. I should get used to things like this, especially if we were going to be out in public, but it would take some time.
The rest of the evening passed in somewhat of a blur.
Busy as usual, Tony, Freddy, and I worked seamlessly, and by closing, all the tables had been cleared and cleaned, the garbage taken care of, and the floors swept.
I finished counting the cash and came out of my office after having locked it in the safe, but Jaxon was nowhere to be found. Even his empty plate was gone.
Had he left?