Chapter Seventeen
Theo
I didn’t have time to be nervous, but I also didn’t need to be.
With the amazing Fallon at the helm, the benefit went off without a hitch.
People who’d been coming to Sweeny’s since my father had worked behind the bar approached me to shake my hand and congratulate me on a job well done.
And Jet was right when he’d said the sports stars were the nicest guys.
All of them spent the evening mingling with the public, taking pictures, and signing autographs.
At the end of the night, I stood behind the bar as Devlin Summers took a microphone and announced that more than a hundred thousand dollars had been raised for queer youth and programs and that he and his husband were matching the amount.
“Wow, that’s amazing. I can’t believe it,” I exclaimed, clapping along with everyone else.
Fallon beamed a bright smile. “Isn’t it great? Patrick and I are doing the same, so it’s even more money. Thanks so much for allowing us to use your space. Can I have a glass of water, please?”
I poured it for him. “I should be thanking you. This brought in a ton of money and publicity for the bar as well. Especially with it being Valentine’s Day weekend.”
“Yeah. Lovey-dovey couples are free with their money. What are you and Jaxon doing to celebrate?”
I blinked. Having never needed to think about a day for lovers, it wasn’t on my radar. Valentine’s Day had always been a holiday for other people. Never me.
“Uh, nothing, I guess? He hasn’t mentioned it, and I’ve been so busy with all this…” I waved a hand and figured since Jaxon hadn’t said anything, he wasn’t going to bother either.
And why should he? It was a fake relationship—why would he pretend Valentine’s Day meant anything to us?
“Your first Valentine’s Day together? C’mon, you have to do something.”
I shrugged. “It’s still pretty new. I-I wouldn’t want to push.”
Drumming his fingers on the bar, Fallon narrowed his eyes as he continued to gaze at me with a thoughtful expression.
“What does he like…to do or eat? Anything special?”
I thought for a second and smiled, mostly to myself. “Corn muffins. Not exactly something that could be made into a Valentine’s Day present.”
“Don’t kid yourself. I have an idea.”
He took out his phone and wrote a few things, then showed it to me. I felt myself grow warm.
“That’s kind of…intimate, don’t you think? Won’t it be too much?”
Fallon’s eyes sparkled. “When it comes to love, it can never be enough to say how you feel.”
“Whoa, wait.” I put my hands up. “Love? Who mentioned that word? We’ve only been dating a month or so.” A month of yearning and vivid nightly dreams that left me panting and my sheets sticky every morning. My washer and dryer had never been so active. “It’s not that serious.”
“You’re kidding, aren’t you? The way you look at each other, even if you pretend you’re not? Jaxon hasn’t paid attention to any of the speeches—he was too busy watching you.” Fallon leaned in close. “The man is crazy about you.”
Even as Fallon said it, my nerves tingled at the thrill of possibilities, while my lips denied it. “N-no. We’re getting to know each other.”
He huffed out a frustrated sigh. “Okay. I’m going to send you my idea. I think Jaxon should like it. It’s cute and fun. I’ve got to go. Patrick was sorry he couldn’t come, but he had a commitment in the city he couldn’t get out of.”
“Go, go. You need your sleep.”
He winked. “I haven’t seen him in a few days, so I won’t be getting much of that, but I’m not complaining. See you soon.” He took my hand and squeezed it. “You’ll see what I’m saying is true.”
With Fallon leaving and other people trickling out, I started to clean the bar area, but Tony stopped me.
“There’s a cleaning crew coming in, and Fallon told me specifically to make sure you don’t waste your time with dirty plates and glasses.”
I rolled my eyes. “He thought of everything, didn’t he?”
“That’s what friends are for,” Tony said, tipping his chin. “Besides, it looks like you’ve got something better to do with your time.”
I followed his direction and watched Jaxon approach.
“What a great turnout and event. You must be thrilled.” He slid into a seat at the bar, and I automatically made him a Grey Goose. “Thanks.”
“I didn’t do much. It was all Fallon. He arranged everything and made sure it went off smoothly.”
“You don’t always have to dim your light.
I know Fallon did a tremendous job, but that’s his business.
This was a first for you.” Jaxon’s face was soft and tender.
“Everyone had a wonderful time, and that’s because you make Sweeny’s a warm and inclusive environment.
And now you have the special gifts the teams gave you. ”
After the auction, the Kings and Blades players gave me jerseys signed by the teams. Dev and Brody each gave me their own gifts—a signed football and photographs—and Rip Tremaine and Denis Bouvier gave me autographed pucks and sticks, and we took photos.
I planned to put them all up on a dedicated wall where the customers could see.
“Yeah, that was so nice of them and unexpected. And Phoenix sent some things directly to me.”
“Phoenix Young?” Jaxon’s tone grew sharp. “Like what? And how did he know your address?”
I shrugged. “I guess Simon told him? A signed team jersey and a football.”
Jaxon’s blue eyes remained narrowed, but he merely nodded and took a sip of his drink.
“So, uh, about tomorrow…Valentine’s Day.
I have a reservation at a new place I think you’ll like.
I hope that’s okay. But I wanted to ask if you were planning on coming to the conference with me in Florida.
It’s just Friday and Saturday night, but…
I was thinking maybe we could extend it.
Take a little time away alone. That would be my present to you. ”
“Just the two of us? What for?”
“Don’t sound so thrilled to be with me. Jesus.” Jaxon’s lips thinned. “Obviously for appearances only. I thought it would look good.”
Alone time with Jaxon might prove fatal to my self-control, but it made sense. But I still hesitated.
“I’d have to check if someone can cover the bar. I’ve never taken that much time off.”
“Just let me know,” he said with that same stiffness. “Did you manage to eat anything tonight?”
“N-not really. Just tasted some appetizers. I was too nervous.”
My confession softened Jaxon’s hard edginess, and he drained his glass.
“Looks like the cleaning crew is here and everyone else is gone. The staff was paid, and we’re the last ones left. How about we grab a bite at the diner?”
“You don’t ha-have to. I’m sure you’re tired.”
He smiled. “From doing what? Making small talk? You’re the one who must be exhausted. Come on. You’ll eat a turkey sandwich, and I’ll bring you home and give you a foot massage. You know you want to.”
“It would be nice,” I relented. “I’ll get my coat.”
Watching Jaxon’s strong, competent hands on the wheel was a huge turn-on. I recalled them moving over my body, touching and pressing, bringing me to the heights of pleasure, and the quick ride left me short of breath and a bit flustered. Jaxon waited for me as I exited the car, and he took my hand.
“You okay? You’re all red.”
And getting redder. “I’m fine. Guess I’m hungrier than I thought.”
We sat in what I was beginning to think of as our booth but I dismissed the thought.
How high school of me.
Then again, I’d never had that experience. It seemed like my teenage years were finally catching up with me.
“Theo?” Jaxon asked, and I jerked my gaze up to meet the server. “Oh, sorry. Can I have a water and a turkey club deluxe, please?”
“Corn muffin for me, please. And coffee.”
“Sure thing.” She walked away, and I played with my napkin.
“So, what do you think?” Jaxon pressed me, and I had to meet his eyes.
“About what?”
“The conference…Florida.” He sounded a bit exasperated. “I know you mentioned someone needs to cover the bar, but I’d really love for you to come. It’s next month, so you’ll have time to prepare.”
Tony had been itching for more responsibility at Sweeny’s, and I knew he could use the money. And I’d never been out of the state or on a plane. Yet something still held me back.
Julie returned quickly with my water and Jaxon’s coffee and muffin, so I didn’t have to answer. “I heated it up for you. Hope that’s okay. Your food’ll be here in a few minutes.”
“Thanks.”
My sandwich came, and I watched Jaxon spread the butter on his muffin. He finished one side in three bites, and I pointed at my plate. “Have some fries. There are tons.”
“Maybe after I finish this.”
I ate a few bites of my sandwich and sipped the water.
“Tell me about this conference and why you think it’s important I go.”
Life sparked in Jaxon’s eyes. “It’s a meeting of lawyers, judges, and legal voices coming together to speak about up-and-coming important cases, new issues in criminal law…
that kind of stuff.” I must’ve made a face since Jaxon laughed.
“See? That’s why you’ll have a great time.
You can go to the spa, attend lectures you might be interested in, or you can simply lie in a chair on the beach and have a cocktail with an umbrella. ”
“You make it sound so easy.”
“It is. And it’s only two days, so after, I thought maybe we’d drive to Miami, maybe the Keys…”
“Maybe an amusement park?” I said, only half joking.
I’d never been and used to listen to other kids talking about how awesome the rides were.
My father had thought they were stupid and a waste of money, and once I was an adult, I no longer had the time.
Still, I yearned to ride on a roller coaster and feel the wind on my face. “That would be fun.”
Jaxon grew thoughtful. “Really?”
I realized how childish and silly it sounded and backtracked. “Nah, I’m kidding. I’m sure you’re not into that.”
He didn’t respond, swiping the last of my fries instead. “Let’s get the check. I believe I owe you a foot rub.”
He waved Julie over and handed her his credit card without even looking at the bill.
My cheeks fired. “You don’t—”
“Shush,” he stated, scribbled on the slip, and handed Julie her tip. “Ready?”
At this point in our so-called relationship, I knew it was futile to say no, so I tagged along.
He parked in front of my house, and as it had begun to snow again, we made a run for it.
The flakes were falling thick and fast, coating the trees in white velvet.
This time of night, few people were out in Appleton Falls.
The air was hushed, and when I locked the door, I saw a sheriff’s car silently pass by, but I couldn’t see who was inside.
I knew it wasn’t Jet, as he’d had the night off for the benefit.
“Theo?” Jaxon stood in the open hallway by the stairs. “Can I hang my coat up here?” he asked, indicating the wooden banister.
“Yeah, sure. I’ll go start a fire.”
“Great idea.”
He kicked off his shoes, and I did the same. While I tended to the wood kindling and the starter, he pulled off his sweater, revealing a black Henley that clung to his muscular arms and chest.
Give me strength.
“Fire’s set.” All too cheerful, I rose to my feet and brushed my hands together. “I’m just gonna wash my hands. Be right back.”
I couldn’t get away quickly enough and set the taps in the kitchen sink running.
There had to be something else I could concentrate on instead of Jaxon’s physical appearance.
His latest court case, his run for judgeship—anything to get my mind off how perfect his mouth had felt on mine and the warmth of his hands on my body.
I soaped my hands until the skin shriveled, and I had to stop. When I couldn’t hide anymore, I returned and found Jaxon sitting by the fire. His smile was tentative.
“Everything all right? You were gone for a while.”
“Yeah. Sure. What can I get you?”
“Nothing.” He extended his hand. “Come. Sit.”
I scowled. “I told you I hate you treating me like a puppy.”
Blue eyes glimmered with amusement. “I’m not. But I promised you a foot rub, and it’s awfully hard to do it if you’re halfway across the room.”
There was nothing I’d like more, but I feared if I let him touch me, we’d end up in bed, and I couldn’t allow that. I was already in too deep.
“I didn’t think you were serious.”
“I don’t say things I don’t mean. You were on your feet all night—I saw.” I made no movement toward him and Jaxon’s face grew taut. “Don’t worry. This isn’t a plan to seduce you. I know you don’t want that. We both agreed it wasn’t going to happen again.”
With that reassurance, I joined him on the rug, and he took my right foot in his hand. His fingers probed my arch and dug into the curve hard, eliciting a sigh of pleasure from me I couldn’t contain. He moved to the ankle and manipulated it, then switched to my left foot and repeated his actions.
Normally chatty, Jaxon stayed silent. After a few minutes, he finished, and we remained seated before the fire. I stared into the jumping flames and chewed on my lip.
“I-I’ve never been on a plane. How long is the flight to Florida?”
If I thought my words would bring a smile to his face, I was mistaken.
“Don’t think you have to come. I’m not pressuring you.”
“I didn’t say you were.” I shifted on the rug and faced him. “Does that mean I’m no longer invited?”
“No. I have the room whether you come or not. But if you do, it’s only one bed. I’m not changing the reservation.”
My face heated. “I understand. I’m sure it won’t be a problem. If…if I can get Tony to watch the bar, I’d like to go, if you still want me to.”
“Sure. Just realize I’ll be tied up during the day with lectures and panels. I won’t have that much time to spend with you, but there’s the beach, and they’ll have events scheduled for you.”
I nodded. “I remember the judge’s wife said so. It’ll be fine. I’ve never been to the ocean. I-I’m looking forward to it.”
His tense expression softened. “I’m glad.
Let me know what Tony says, and I’ll get you registered.
I’ll send you the schedule for you to sign up for the activities.
” He glanced at his watch. “I’d better go.
Tomorrow night? I know it’s Valentine’s Day and you can’t take off, but I’ll come to the bar. ”
“You don’t—”
His warm hand covered my mouth while his eyes danced.
“Yes. I do. Stop fighting me on this.” He rose to his feet, and I followed him to the door, watching him put on his coat and shoes.
“Besides, I want to see what you got me. It’s not always all about you.
” He snickered and winked, then planted an all-too-brief kiss on my open mouth and left.
As he drove away, I began to panic.
What the hell was I going to get him for Valentine’s Day?
Fallon’s suggestion popped into my head and I thought, Why the hell not?