13. Candice
CANDICE
W hat a day . After balancing the takings, I put the money in the safe. Gus stayed behind so I wouldn’t be here on my own. As frustrating as he is sometimes, he’s a good guy. “Do you need a lift home?” he asks.
“No, my car’s parked around back. I drove today because my mum wasn’t well.”
“Nothing serious, I hope.”
“Just a migraine. I’m right to lock up, I’ll see you tomorrow.”
He reaches for the shutter, pulling it down. “I’ll wait.” He holds out his hand for the keys, so I pass them to him.
His eyes widen as he looks down at his palm. “You have a cock on your keys.”
“I know,” I say, lifting one shoulder.
He shakes his head as he crouches down and secures the padlock on the roller shutter. At least he didn’t freak out the way Jax does. That just confirms Jax’s a pussy when it comes to stuff like that. It’s not like it’s even real.
“Can I ask why?”
“I collect them.”
“Cocks?”
“Yeah.” He throws back his head and laughs. “I like them, they fascinate me.”
“I like you, Pinkie. You’re a cool chick. For the record, you shouldn’t tell a guy with a cock that you like cocks. It may get you into trouble.”
“You’re safe with me, Gus, I only like big ones.”
“My cock’s huge,” he says, bumping me with his shoulder.
I place my hand over my mouth to smother my laugh. “Uh-huh.”
“Aren’t you a fucking comedian?”
“For the record though, I can handle myself. I’ve busted a few balls in my time.”
“I bet you have. Remind me never to upset you. Come,” he says, draping his arm over my shoulder. “I’ll walk you to your car.”
“I’m fine, Gus, honestly.”
“Don’t argue. This is not up for negotiation. I’m not letting you walk down the alleyway by yourself at this time of night. Plus, the boss will kick my arse if anything happens to you.”
“It’s only six o’clock, Gus.”
“I don’t care. It’s getting dark.”
“Fine … thank you.”
“Besides, if some poor unsuspecting schmuck is taking a leak in the alleyway, he may require my protection from your freaky cock fetish.”
“Very funny,” I say, nudging him in the ribcage with my elbow.
Once I’m in my car, Gus insists I lock my door before he leaves. He can be so sweet when he’s not acting like a meathead.
I head straight to Jax’s house. I was half expecting him to turn up at the shop today, so I was surprised when he didn’t. I’d planned to call over and check on them both during my lunch break, but by the time I drove home and got Sophia sorted, I had to get back to work.
“Jax, it’s me,” I call out after knocking on the front door. The lights are on inside, and I can hear the television, so I know they’re here. “Jax!” I get no answer, so I turn the handle and find the door unlocked. I head into the lounge room and that is where I find them.
Jax is sitting on the sofa with Maddie curled up in his lap. They’re both sound asleep. Jax’s head is tilted back and Maddie has her dummy in her mouth, Puppy is tucked under her arm, and her pink blanket is draped over them both. It’s the sweetest thing I’ve ever seen.
I grab my phone and take a picture; I never want to forget this sight.
After I snap a few images, I hug my bag to my chest and take a few moments to watch them together.
I love how good he is with her, and how much Maddie adores him.
He always claims he’s not the parenting type, but he’s wrong.
You only have to see him with Maddie to know that.
I take a few steps towards them, and my eyes scan over Jax as I do. It’s my free pass to stare without him knowing.
He’s so handsome with his perfectly sculpted face and rugged good looks.
He has a bit of stubble going on today, and it makes him look even sexier.
My fingers are itching to reach out and touch it.
Don’t even get me started on those neck tattoos he’s recently added to his impressive collection of ink.
Holy cow. I can’t blame other women for wanting him.
He’s the complete package. If you look past his alluring outer layers, you’ll find the man he is on the inside even more appealing.
He looks so peaceful that I feel bad having to wake them, but we’ll never get Maddie down tonight if I don’t.
“Jax,” I whisper, gently placing my hand on his knee and shaking it. “Jax, wake up.”
“Huh?” he groans, opening his eyes. “Shit.” He reaches up and rubs the back of his neck while rolling his head from side to side.
“You both fell asleep,” I whisper.
“What time is it?”
“Just after six.” I see his gaze move down to Maddie asleep on his lap, and a grin tugs at his lips. “How was she?”
“Great. We had fun.”
“I’ll need to wake her, otherwise she won’t go back down tonight.”
He glances back down at her and the fondness I see in his eyes tugs at my heart. It makes me doubt all the decisions I’ve made where Jax is concerned, but it’s too late to undo all my mistakes.
“We had a big day. I hadn’t meant to fall asleep, but those damn kids’ shows were doing my head in.”
I laugh. “Yes, they’re painful. She loves them though.”
“That Dora chick,” he groans as his body quivers. I’m not a fan either, but it’s one of her favourites.
“Maddie, sweetie,” I say softly, running my hands over her hair. “Wake up, Bubba.” Her eyes flutter open before closing again. “It’s time to go home.” Leaning forward, I tug one of her blonde curls behind her ear before placing a soft kiss on her cheek. “You need to wake up, baby girl,” I whisper.
She snuggles into Jax and grunts as a frown appears on her forehead, but she refuses to open her eyes. She loves her sleep.
Drawing back slightly, my gaze moves to Jax, where I find him staring at me.
Our eyes remain locked and the air around us crackles.
The look he’s giving me has my stomach do a flip-flop.
It reminds me of the one he gave me the first time we kissed.
This is one of those rare moments that seem to make the world around you stand still.
I watch as his tongue darts out slightly, moistening his bottom lip.
My face is only a few inches away from his and I feel a desperate need to lean in and press my mouth to his, but as much as I want to, I can’t do that. My heart wouldn’t survive another rejection.
Quickly straightening to full height, I lift Maddie off his lap and into my arms, breaking the spell. It wouldn’t take much for me to crumble. Maddie lets out a little cry before closing her eyes and resting her head in the crook of my neck.
My eyes flick back to Jax, and he’s giving me a strange look as he runs his hands through his thick brown hair.
“Thanks for looking after her for me today.”
He clears his throat. “You’re welcome,” he says, standing. “I’ll just get her things together.”
“Do you have any dinner plans?” I ask.
“No. Why? I didn’t think Sophia would be up to cooking tonight.”
“She’s not. I called her before I left work—she’s still laid up in bed. I thought maybe the three of us could go out and eat somewhere … only if you want to.”
“You, me and Peanut?”
“Yeah.”
He grins. “I’d like that.”