Chapter Eighteen
Jaxon
“Happy Valentine’s Day,” Martin chirped, and I peered at him over my computer monitor.
“Is it?” I grumbled and pinched my eyes. “Happy hearts and flowers day to you too. Why’re you so cheerful?”
“No reason,” he responded, but I sensed a mysterious smile hovering on his lips and instantly turned suspicious.
“Okay. Spit it out.”
“There’s a delivery for you.” He giggled and stepped to the side. “You can come in now.”
Whomever he was speaking to grunted and was preceded by a huge handful of heart-shaped balloons tied around a red teddy bear with a pink heart on its stomach that read: Be Mine.
I didn’t know whether to laugh or hide under my desk.
“Where do you want it?” the delivery guy asked. “There’s more outside.”
Of course Martin didn’t give me a chance to answer. “Put it right here, on the table, so everyone who passes by can see it. And bring the rest in, please.”
“The rest?”
What the hell else could there be? Still stunned, I watched as he left and returned with a giant bouquet of red roses and a big box from Dolly’s bakery. I managed to rouse myself to dig into my wallet for a tip and handed it to the delivery man.
“She must really love you,” he remarked, stuffing the bills into his pants pocket. “Have a nice day.”
“Thanks.”
“He will. And an even better night,” Martin added, ignoring my glare. He arranged the roses and admired them. “These are beautiful. Oh, look.” He plucked a white square. “There’s a card.”
“Give me that.” I grabbed it from him. “Go do something legal.”
I waved him out and waited for him to close the door behind him before taking out the card:
Happy Valentine’s Day!
I didn’t know what to get the man who has everything, so I hope you like this.
The scent of the roses filled my office, and I walked over to the vase and sniffed. Their velvet petals were soft—they reminded me of Theo’s lips.
“I don’t have everything, Theo. I don’t have you.”
And whose fault was that?
When I opened up the box from Dolly’s and saw a dozen corn muffins, my throat grew tight.
“Dammit, Theo. Why’d you have to be so…perfect?”
I had little time to ruminate on that as my phone rang.
“Yes?”
“Judge McCourt on the line.”
“Put him through, please.” I waited a second. “Sandy?”
“Jaxon, there was some nice press for you yesterday from that benefit you attended.”
“It’s a very worthwhile event.”
“I’m sure. Alison wants to know if Theo is planning on attending the conference next month. She enjoyed meeting him.”
“He is. I was going to register him today and send him the schedule.”
“Excellent. I’ll let her know. I’m sure she’ll want to touch base with him and coordinate.”
I hesitated only a moment. “Theo most likely will want to spend time on the beach. He’s never seen the ocean or been to Florida.”
“Is that so? Then he’ll truly enjoy the setting. I hear there’s a day cruise—he might want to go on that. I know I’d rather be there than listening to a lecture on sentencing guidelines. Anyway, give me his number, and I’ll pass it on to Alison and let her do her thing.”
I did as he asked and added, “Happy Valentine’s Day, Sandy. To you and Alison.”
He laughed. “You really are getting into the whole swing of this dating thing.”
“I’m trying.”
I wasn’t being completely honest with Sandy. It wasn’t a hardship to be with Theo. The problem was, given the way we’d started, Theo didn’t believe me. Guess the player played himself too well.
“Theo seems like a very nice man. And a good partner to be by your side while you tackle the upcoming election.”
“I agree,” I said. “I trust him completely.”
“Not many people can say that,” Sandy remarked. “I’ll see you in a few weeks.”
“Take care.”
With the call ended, I knew what I should do. Before the onslaught of my workday, I snapped several pictures and texted them to Theo. All I wrote was Thank you, followed by a line of red hearts.
I got to work so I wouldn’t be stuck late in the office. I knew exactly what I was going to get Theo for Valentine’s Day.
**
When I walked into Sweeny’s that evening, there were as many women as men. I waved to people I knew and shook hands with some I didn’t. By the time I reached the open seat I’d been eyeing at the bar, Theo had my Grey Goose waiting and a big juicy burger with a pile of crispy, shoestring fries.
“How’d you know?” I asked, a hum of pleasure escaping my lips as I caught a whiff of grilled meat.
“I just guessed. Was I right?” His green eyes sparkled, and a rush of lust hit me.
God, I want him. And not just for sex. I really like this guy.
“Yeah. You sure were. Nothing like a good pub burger.” I sank my teeth into the medium-rare deliciousness and chewed with gusto. “Thank you for the presents. They were the talk of the office.”
I loved the pink blush suffusing his cheeks. There was no artifice with Theo. He wore his emotions on his skin.
“I had no clue what to get you, and I thought it would be nice. Especially the corn muffin part.”
We shared a grin as I crunched a few fries. “That brings me to your gift. I knew exactly what to get you.”
His face grew red. “It’s not a big deal.”
Of course he’d say that. I’d lay bets Theo had never had a birthday or Valentine’s Day gift. It takes one forgotten child to recognize another.
“Well, I say it is. That’s why I bought these.” I set my burger on the plate, wiped my hands, and pulled out my phone. “Look.” I found the confirmation and showed him the screen. “Two days at the amusement park. We’re staying on site in a suite.”
Theo’s jaw dropped and his eyes grew wide. “Wh-what? Are you kidding me? Th-that’s too much.” But I could see the excitement in his eyes and knew I’d made the right decision.
“Well, it’s bought and paid for and noncancelable.” I smirked. “So you can’t say no.”
“Jaxon…I c-can’t.”
“Can’t what?” Emerson asked. He and Dominic stood behind me. “Two drafts, please, Theo.”
“N-nothing,” Theo answered, but there was no way I’d allow him to wiggle out of this.
“I got Theo a Valentine’s Day present, and he’s saying no to it.”
“Why?” Emerson’s brows knitted. “What is it?”
“It’s—”
“Theo’s coming with me to Florida for a conference, and I planned to extend it by two days so we could go to the amusement parks. He once mentioned he’s always wanted to go and never had the chance, so I thought it’d be nice.”
“I think so too, ” Emerson agreed.
Theo placed their mugs on the bar. “I didn’t say it wasn’t nice. I told him it’s too much.”
Dominic took a sip of his beer. “Well, I’d rather have my balls in a vise than go to a kiddie park, but whatever floats your boat.”
“You’re such a prince.” Emerson nudged him. “But we’re talking about Theo, not you. And don’t worry, I’d never force you to do that. Your balls are safe with me.”
“After last night, I’m not so sure. I’m still walking bowlegged.”
I choked on my drink, and Theo turned scarlet while Dominic smirked.
“Anyway,” Emerson said with a roll of his eyes at his boyfriend. “If Jaxon wants to treat you, why not? It’s an awesome gift. All I got was breakfast in bed.”
“Don’t recall you complaining,” Dominic murmured. “Guess your mouth was too full.”
“Will you please shut up?” Emerson elbowed him. “This is about Theo.”
“I know. So listen, Theo. Jaxon’s a good dude. You told him you’d never been, and he’s trying to make it happen for you. It’s sweet, you know? Take it with the good intentions it was meant with and enjoy yourself. That’s what I’d do.”
Theo met my eyes, biting that full bottom lip, and I smiled. “It’s just an amusement park. C’mon. You know you want to.”
“O-okay. Thank you. It’s…it’s an amazing gift. You’re right. I really do want to go.”
“Great.” I took another bite of my burger.
“Guess our work here is done, Emmy.” Dominic crossed his arms. “So, where’s my present?”
“Later.” Emerson patted Dominic’s cheek. “For your eyes only, Starr.”
To my surprise, Dominic blushed. He took out his wallet and tossed a few bills onto the bar. “Let’s go.” He grabbed Emerson’s hand.
“But I didn’t finish my beer,” Emerson protested but winked at us and allowed Dominic to pull him away and out the door.
“Those two could start a comedy act,” I joked and finished my food. “Lots of women here tonight.”
“Yeah,” Theo answered as he poured some drafts for customers. “I always do a ladies’ night on Valentine’s Day. Figure it’ll bring in the guys as well.”
“Smart business.” I nodded with approval. “Although I’m only interested in a certain male bartender.”
His lashes swept down. “You’re funny.”
Yeah, it was going to take a while for him to believe my words.
I waited out the rest of the evening, watching people connect or strike out. Valentine’s Day had never been my scene, and I usually stayed in for the evening, refusing to get pulled into the hype. But tonight, I was looking forward to my time with Theo.
After he was done closing, he approached me with a shy smile. I held out my hand.
“Ready?”
His palm was warm in mine, and I refused to release him, even when we walked out in the bitter cold. Instead, I tucked his hand with mine in my coat pocket as we walked to the car. He said nothing, but I didn’t miss the slight uptick of his lips.
“Where are we going?” he asked as I drove out of the lot.
“A little place I think you’ll like.”
He gave me another one of those quiet glances but stared out the window without saying anything.
After about twenty minutes, we pulled into The Greenhouse—a little bistro I’d passed by many times in Harmony Rock but never visited. I’d checked the reviews, and they were all positive. Once inside, I admired the interior, featuring tall plants and fresh flowers everywhere.
“This is pretty,” Theo remarked, his gaze sliding over the packed interior. “Guess it’s really popular, even though it’s late.”
“I’ve never been here, but I’ve always wanted to try it. And they’re open until two tonight, so it’s perfect.”
The hostess led us to our table and offered us menus just before a busboy stopped by to fill our water glasses and set a cheese plate between us.
“We didn’t order this,” I pointed out to him, in case it was meant for another table.
At that, a tall, thin man whose face looked vaguely familiar joined us.
“On the house, Mr. Polaris. I’m the owner, John Callahan. I’m very grateful for the grace you showed my nephew in his drug trial. Finn is appreciative as well.”
I recalled Callahan now. He’d shown up at sentencing when no other member of the boy’s family had.
“Even though he’s in a juvenile facility for another six months? I know it might seem harsh, but it was the best I could give him.”
The man met my eyes. “He knows. And after he’s released, he’s coming to live with my wife and me. He’s getting his degree, and he’ll work here while he figures out his next steps.”
“Where are his parents?”
His lips tightened. “My worthless brother and his girlfriend ran as soon as Finn was picked up. I have no idea where they are, and I don’t care. I refuse to let Finn end up like them. So, thank you for helping him see the errors of his ways.” He held out his hand, and I shook it.
“I’m glad he’s going to be all right. His information led to multiple arrests. He helped us tremendously.”
“I heard you’re going to run for a judgeship?” At my raised brows, he laughed. “My wife works at the county courthouse.”
“No secrets, I see.” I chuckled. “Yes, that’s my plan.”
“Happy to hold a fund raiser for you if you’d like.”
“Thank you. I appreciate the support, Mr. Callahan.”
“John, please.” With a nod to Theo, he added, “I’ll let you go back to your dinner. Enjoy.”
He walked away, and Theo touched my hand. “That was so incredible to hear. You don’t only punish bad people—you help people who got caught up in a bad situation get their lives together when they might not have a chance otherwise.”
My chest hurt, but I fell into the brightness of Theo’s eyes. It brought me out of my self-imposed darkness.
“Thank you. I appreciate that. Sometimes it’s hard, you know? Only seeing the ugliness and negativity. Getting feedback like this, knowing I’ve made a difference in this kid’s life…” Embarrassed, I pinched my eyes shut for a moment.
“I could’ve been Finn.”
“I know. Me too.”
We gazed at each other, both aware of how lucky we had been. And still were.
I ordered some champagne, and once it was served, I held my flute to Theo’s.
“Happy Valentine’s Day. I’m really happy right now.”
Theo clinked his glass with mine. “Me too. Thank you for this special night.”
We drank the whole bottle while we ate and talked about anything and everything. It was just so easy to be with him.
“I hope you know you were the talk of the office,” I said, pouring the last bit of wine into Theo’s glass.
“Me?” His eyes opened wide. “What…how?”
“Those Valentine’s Day presents. Martin, my secretary, didn’t stop teasing me about my boyfriend.”
“Oh. I’m sorry.” Theo winced. “I thought it was a cute idea.”
“It was. And everyone else did as well. I’ve got the most loyal staff in the world. Martin loves to stir the pot, but he’s got my back.”
“I’m glad. I know it would be ten times harder if I didn’t have Tony and the rest of the staff to lean on.”
“Just so you know, I plan to keep the teddy bear next to my bed and think of you every morning and night.”
Theo’s cheeks flamed. “I know you like corn muffins, so I figured it made sense.”
“I’m going to have one every morning.” The plates were cleared. “I’m really looking forward to you coming on this trip with me.”
“Me too.”
We got into the car and Theo yawned and closed his eyes.
“Hey, Sleeping Beauty, we’re home,” I said as I pulled up in front of his house.
“Hmm?” His lashes fluttered. “Oh. I must’ve fallen asleep.” His smile was slightly loopy, and his blurry eyes widened as he sat up straight. “Jaxon. Thank you.”
Before I could say anything, he kissed me full on my mouth—a sweet press of his soft mouth on mine with a tiny touch of tongue—then he unclipped his seat belt and ran from the car.
I watched him race up the steps and shut the door behind him with a bang, as if he were afraid I’d chase him. To be fair, there was nothing I wanted more than to follow Theo and spend the night wrapped around him. And I didn’t know what the hell to make of that.
I’d never fallen for the other men I’d been with.
But Theo Sweeny wasn’t just any man.
And that thought scared me.