Chapter Thirteen
Theo
“Theo. Twice in a month?” Edward greeted me, and I blushed.
“Y-yes. I need a suit and tie. And…yeah, some dress shoes. It’s for a dinner engagement,” I explained, although I didn’t understand why I felt the need to tell him.
“Ahh.” His eyes lit up, and he stood and contemplated me for a moment. “I’m thinking charcoal gray and white-and-green pinstripe shirt with a muted print tie. What do you think?”
I lifted a shoulder. “I don’t know. Whatever you think is best.”
“Come.” He beckoned me, and I dutifully followed him to the rear of the store.
I’d always hated clothes shopping—it made me feel like I was playing dress-up, since I mostly wore sweats, jeans, and hoodies.
Now that I had an occasion, I still hated it, but only because I was afraid of looking foolish and out of place.
Within minutes, Arthur had me standing in my T-shirt while he dressed me in a smooth wool jacket. When he draped a tie around my neck, he beamed with satisfaction.
“Perfect. Here are the pants. There’s a shirt hanging in the fitting room. Try it all on with these loafers.”
I did as I was told, sighing with comfort as the soft leather shoes slid on easily. Staring in the full-length mirror, I almost didn’t recognize myself.
“Theo, come on out so we can see.”
I gave my reflection a slight smile, touching my lips.
Could they still be tingling from that incredible kiss?
I’d spent half the night going over every delicious second of Jaxon’s mouth on mine.
It was as intense as I’d always imagined, but I knew I had to stop it, or I’d let him do whatever he wanted. Because it would be what I wanted too.
“Theo,” Edward called, and I opened the small wooden door and passed through the curtain.
Then I stopped.
Jaxon was waiting with Edward, looking effortlessly perfect in a suit and tie he hadn’t had to run out and buy on the fly.
“That looks great,” he said, but instead of pleasure, all I felt was irritation. I’d told him I didn’t need him to come, so why was he here?
“What’re you doing here?” I blurted out.
“It’s my lunchtime, and I was hoping to find you to see if you wanted to get something to eat.”
Dammit. I was coming off as ungrateful. He’d taken time out of his day to see me and I should be happier to see him.
“I’m kind of in the middle of this.” I waved a hand in front of myself.
“So I see.” His gaze traveled over me, intense and devouring, until I could barely breathe. “I think it looks wonderful. The green in the shirt and tie matches your eyes perfectly.”
“I think so too,” Edward agreed, his voice bright with enjoyment. “Just a tick of alterations at the length of the pants and sleeves.”
“Oh.” I glanced downward. “I need it for next Tuesday night, so I guess you wouldn’t be able to have it done in time. It’s pretty short notice.”
I might’ve acted as though I wasn’t interested, but I was curious to get a glimpse of Jaxon’s world, and I wanted to be there for him too.
“Don’t be silly. No problem at all. The tailor can begin today, and you’ll have it by Sunday at the latest.”
“Then it works out perfectly,” Jaxon stated as I touched the tie. The smooth, thick silk slipped through my fingers.
“Th-thank you. I don’t want to be trouble.”
“It’s no trouble at all. Now, why don’t you let me get Joe out here, and he’ll take your measurements so you can get dressed and have your lunch?”
Without waiting for my answer, he disappeared to the back, leaving me alone with Jaxon.
“The suit is nice,” Jaxon admired me. “Will you have lunch with me?”
I couldn’t deny that it made me feel good that he’d come into town to find me. It might be a fake relationship, but he was doing what he said he would, and if I was planning on helping him, I should keep up with my end of the bargain.
I returned his smile with one of my own. “Okay. I’d like that.”
“It’s Theo, right?”
My attention was drawn to the large tawny-haired man at the door. He looked familiar, but I couldn’t place him.
“Y-yeah.”
“Phoenix Young. We met the other day at your bar. Simon introduced us.”
“Oh, right. The football player. There are so many of you here now.” Jaxon waited, and I realized they didn’t know each other. “Th-this is Jaxon Polaris, the district attorney.”
“Are you getting arrested?” Phoenix joked, and Jaxon chuckled.
“No. Nothing so nefarious. I came to take Theo to lunch after he finishes with the tailor.”
“Oh, I didn’t know you two were together.” Phoenix glanced between us. “I saw Theo through the window and thought maybe we could grab a bite, but if you’re busy…”
“Well—”
“Sorry,” Jaxon said, cutting me off. “It’s just that I have limited time, and Theo and I don’t get to see each other as much as I’d like.” Then, to my shock, Jaxon put his arm around my waist and pressed a kiss to my cheek. “I’ve got to return a call, babe. Be right back.”
My face hot, I nodded, and thank God Edward returned with the tailor. I didn’t intend to have an audience, but Phoenix stayed, waiting until they left with my measurements.
“How long have you and he been going out?” He jerked his head toward Jaxon, who was still busy on his phone.
“A-about a month.”
“And you’re exclusive?” His eyes searched mine. “You don’t see anyone else?”
Was this happening? I agree to pretend-date someone, and suddenly a real potential boyfriend appears? Where was he six months ago?
“Yeah. I mean, I don’t—”
“Hey, I get it.” His smile was warm, but I sensed disappointment. “It looks like I’m going to be moving to the East Coast next season with the Lancaster Legends. So we’re gonna be neighbors.” His phone buzzed, and he grimaced. “It’s my agent. I gotta take this. I’ll see you.”
He hurried out of the store, and Jaxon, finished with his call, returned to me.
“What’d he want?”
At his growly tone, I stared at him, noticing his tense jaw.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. Did he ask you out?”
“It doesn’t matter.” I brushed him off. “I have to get out of these clothes so Edward can ring me up.”
“Okay. Then we can go. What would you like to eat?”
“Anything’s fine.”
Edward stood by the register, and I didn’t want to keep him waiting, so without another word to Jaxon, I hurried to him.
“Sorry. Here’s my credit card.” I dug it out of my wallet and touched it to the pad. “Can you hold everything until I come pick up the suit?”
“Of course. I’ll give you a call when it’s finished. Now go have fun at lunch.” He winked, and I gave him a faint smile in return. It seemed like Jaxon and I were doing a pretty good job of faking it.
Dominic Starr walked in with Mr. Ackerman from the hardware store, who beamed at me. They greeted Jaxon and chatted for a moment before heading my way.
“Theo. So nice to see you. Dominic is taking me shopping for some new clothes.”
The big deputy hovered protectively by the elderly man. Their relationship was sweet.
“We discovered the moths got into his sweaters, and it’s too cold for him to wear only a button-down shirt.” He gave the man an affectionate look. “We need to make sure you’re warm at home and at the store.”
“Enjoy. They have a good selection. I bought a few here not too long ago.”
Edward hurried over to them as I moved toward the entrance, where Jaxon was waiting and holding the door open for me.
“Ready? Did you decide where you want to eat?”
“It’s only lunch. The diner is fine.”
“I thought we’d go there after you finish tonight. How about we take a drive to Angelo’s? I wouldn’t mind Italian. Is that okay with you?”
“Sure.” I shrugged. “Whatever.”
Shooting looks at me, he stopped by his Range Rover. I was parked two cars away.
“Is everything all right?” He moved closer, and my heart pounded even more when his voice dropped to a murmur. “Are you still upset about last night?”
“N-no. I just…promise it won’t happen again?”
His lips tight, he slid his sunglasses on and gave me a curt nod.
“You have my word. I’ll meet you at Angelo’s.”
His coat flapped around his long legs as he strode to the driver’s side and slammed the car door shut. I stepped away as he put the car into reverse.
“Why’s he so mad?” I muttered to myself, getting into my car. “We said this was only for show. He knows I’m not going to sleep with him.”
I pulled out of the lot and onto Main Street for the seven-minute drive to the strip mall where Appleton Falls’ best and only Italian restaurant was located.
Did I want to climb into bed with him? Hell, yeah.
Even now, I ached to feel his big, warm hands on my face.
Last night I’d been moments away from sucking his tongue, and that was what had prompted me to push him away.
We would’ve ended up in my bed, and I knew, from one kiss, being with Jaxon would ruin me for anyone else.
A horn beeped, startling me, and I checked the rearview mirror to see a deputy sheriff car with a grinning Jet at the wheel. I raised a hand and drove off.
Jaxon was already inside the restaurant when I got there, chatting with Angelo behind the counter.
“There he is. Do you want pizza or food?”
“I’m good with pizza.” I returned Angelo’s smile. “I’ve been coming here since high school, and I know there’s none better around.”
After classes were finished for the day, I’d ride my bike here and get a slice and a soda before going home.
I knew my father would have me doing chores he couldn’t be bothered to do for the rest of the afternoon until dinnertime, and I was hungry.
The peanut butter and jelly sandwich I made every day for lunch never filled me up.
“Just for that, I’m giving you extra cheese.” Angelo dumped another handful of shredded mozzarella onto the pie in front of him.
“Soda or water?” Jaxon asked.
“Gotta have soda with pizza,” I answered. “Diet. From the fountain.”
“Make that two,” Jaxon called out as he moved toward a booth near the back and removed his coat.
“Some things never change, eh?” Angelo said with a grin as he filled up two large cups. “Go sit. I’ll bring it to your table when it’s ready.”
“Thanks.”
I had hoped to wait with him, but now I had to join Jaxon.
“It shouldn’t take long,” I told him, trying to make conversation.
“It’s fine. I don’t have a meeting until three.” Jaxon peered at me and leaned in. “Are you really that mad about what happened?”
“No, I’m not. I was as much a willing participant as you.”
His eyes danced. “Yes, you were.”
I huffed in exasperation, using it as a cover for my jumbled nerves.
“But we agreed that sex wouldn’t be part of our arrangement and that it would only complicate things.” From Jaxon’s dubious expression, I grew annoyed. “Or was this all a plot—”
“I do not need subterfuge to get someone in my bed,” he growled, and that husky rasp had me tingling. “I kissed you because you’re attractive and sexy. I lost my focus for a moment.”
The combative argument I had planned died on my tongue at hearing Jaxon say those words about me.
Attractive? Sexy?
Me?
I cast my gaze to the gray speckled table.
“That’s nice to hear, but you don’t have to say it to make me feel better.”
“I’m not that altruistic, and I’m not lying. But I also don’t force myself on people. And you’re absolutely right. This was our agreement, and you’re doing me a favor. I need to abide by your rules.”
The pizza arrived, and we each took a slice, Jaxon putting red pepper flakes on his.
“So, what’s this dinner going to be like? Are there speeches and stuff like that?” I blew on the triangle of hot cheese and bit off the crispy end.
“Unfortunately, yes. It’s the midwinter meeting where we go over the important case law that’s been enacted. Plus, of course there are awards—too many to mention. It promises to be a long and boring evening.”
“Sounds like fun,” I joked as he took a bite of his pizza.
“Well, there’s dinner, drinks, and dancing.”
“One out of three isn’t bad.”
He quirked a dark brow. “I know you don’t drink. You’re not into dancing?”
I ate some more and wiped my lips before replying, “Wouldn’t know. I was one of those kids in high school who came to the dances to watch everyone else have fun.”
As light as I attempted to keep the conversation, something must’ve alerted Jaxon that this was a touchy subject for me.
“Dancing is highly overrated. Unless you want to try a slow dance with me. You know, for show.”
“I guess we’ll take it as it comes. But I hope you won’t be disappointed with me. I’m not that sociable. I’m more of a homebody.”
“Then it’s a good thing these don’t come around too often. Don’t worry. Nothing ever happens at these dinners. Maybe you’ll want to come to my apartment afterward?”
“Uh, sure.”
After finishing our pizza, we walked out together and once again stood by our cars, parked side by side.
“See you tonight? I’ll be by about eight or so.”
“Okay.”
He leaned in, and even though I knew I shouldn’t, I closed my eyes. But he only kissed my cheek.
That’s what you asked for, right?
As chaste as it was, I still remained standing where he’d left me as he drove away, the scent of his aftershave lingering in the air.