Jax was joining me for lunch after meeting with the dean of Fine Arts to discuss a possible year-long sabbatical. We had yet to retain a new agency given that we were dealing directly with S & S, however, Marcia had given me some recommendations given that film and foreign rights were still on the table. Jax was already established with foreign publishers, given his past success, but I would still need to build those relationships, especially in the event I wanted to publish on my own.
As I came up to the restaurant, I noticed an outside area where patrons were enjoying both the food and the day. It was sectioned off from the sidewalk by some wrought iron fencing, and given the lovely day, I hoped we’d be able to garner a table there.
My handsome man was waiting for me outside the entrance, his eyes hidden by stylish black sunglasses. He had his standard fuck-me hair and combined with the tailored navy suit that fit his broad-shouldered form like a glove, it was no wonder women swooned. He wasn’t wearing a tie and the tanned skin was a striking contrast where he left the top two buttons of his pale blue shirt open. As I got closer, I could see the faint pattern that was embossed in the fabric. Casually elegant; he was only more breathtaking when he saw me approach and a smile appeared on his face. My stomach did flip flops.
“It’s about time,” he teased, sliding his arms around me and placing a warm kiss on my mouth.
I closed my eyes, willing myself to have the strength to keep from melting into him.
“You smell amazing,” Jax said when the kiss broke, then placed another kiss at my temple.
I couldn’t help the giddy smile that settled on my mouth as he led me into the restaurant. The delectable scent of coriander and cumin that graced the air outside only intensified as we entered. The ambiance on the inside was darker, and there was Punjabi music playing.
“Can we eat outside? It looked nice out there,” I said over my shoulder as Jax led me forward by placing his hand lightly on the back of my waist.
“Actually, I’d prefer inside today, sweetheart. I have something I want to talk to you about. Would that be okay? We can come back another day and sit outside, I promise.”
“Okay.” I reached back for his hand when we came up to the hostess podium at the front of the room. It was void of anyone standing there, so the host or hostess must have been seating someone. I turned toward Jax. “Are you curious about my meeting with Marcia? Is that what we need to discuss?”
“Not particularly,” he dismissed with a grin. “I’m certain you handled it perfectly.” He had pulled off his sunglasses and his deep blue eyes sparkled with mischief. “Did I tell you how beautiful you look today?” He leaned in to whisper in my ear. “I love taking off that dress.:
I cocked my head and smiled again. “What are you up to?” I questioned, squeezing his hand after our fingers laced together.
“You know me so well,” Jax said in a low tone that was so sexy it rolled over my skin like honey.
He was standing close, but somehow it wasn’t close enough. I wanted his arm around me. I couldn’t help wrapping my free hand around his bicep and laying my head against his shoulder for a brief second. “I love you.”
Jax’s smile broadened. “I’m counting on it.”
“May I help you…” the words trailed off as the hostess returned to her post.
Jax and I were absorbed in each other, but when we looked away from each other in the direction of the voice, we both froze.
Gloria stood in front of us a look of shock and hatred flashing across her face before being quickly replaced with a stoic expression. “Two?” she asked, picking up some menus.
“Gloria,” Jax acknowledged her, stiffly. “What are you doing here?”
“Working. I should have thought that was obvious. I mean, you made sure I couldn’t get another job in publishing,” she huffed. Nodding toward the dining room. “This way, please.”
“We’d like a table with privacy, please,” Jax stated.
“Certainly.” She preceded us to the back of the room to a small table for two in the corner, waiting until Jax pulled out my chair for me, and we were both seated before she placed a dark brown leather menu in front of each of us.
I was speechless. She still looked the same, except she looked defeated. I knew she had gotten what she deserved, but I still felt bad for her.
When Gloria retreated, I glanced after her.
“What’s that sappy face? She only has herself to blame.”
“Don’t you feel bad at all? At least a little?” I asked sadly.
“No,” he shook his head, a wry expression settling on his face.
“I think she is in love with you, Jax.”
“Pfft,” he scoffed. “Bullshit. She was in love with how rich I made her. You’re too generous, Addison. Remember, she tried to fuck us both. I wish I could have proven the forgery. She’d be in jail.”
“I don’t think you realize the effect you have on women. Especially those who get to know you.”
His expression softened and he reached across the table for my hand. “I’m only interested in one. Can we stop talking about Gloria, please?”
That familiar thrill that always shot through me at his touch and when he looked at me in that smoldering way, did so now. “Yes.” His fingers began to stroke mine as our hands entwined on the tabletop.
“Good.”
The waiter appeared and set down some sparkling water with lime before Jax ordered a bottle of Gamay; a light bodied red wine that would pair well with many of the dishes on the menu. The waiter left us to peruse the menu while he went to retrieve it from the bar.
Jax continued to hold my hand and stare at me from across the table.
I couldn’t help the small smile that slid across my lips. “What?”
“Just… you’re very beautiful. Did you wear that dress for me?”
I had on a short dark blue dress and I had my long hair up in a messy bun. Paired with some cute wedged sandals. My makeup was sheer and minimal, and the only jewelry I wore were my diamond stud earrings.
“I did. As well as what’s underneath,” I teased. I was feeling very fine, and I loved the affect I was having on Jax. He was practically beaming.
“Mmmm… perhaps we should have just gone back to my apartment.”
“We have all afternoon. And night,” I said suggestively, cocking one of my eyebrows.
Interrupting the intimate moment, the waiter came with the wine, opened the bottle, offered Jax a taste and when he was given acceptance filled two glasses a third full. I picked up mine to take a sip of the dry red wine.
“May we have a few minutes before we order?” Jax requested of the waiter, though never breaking eye contact with me.
“Certainly, sir.” The young man nodded and left us alone.
“Aren’t you hungry, babe?” I asked.
“Starving.” Jax smirked.
My body reacted involuntarily. My nipples hardened against the soft lace of my bra and warmth spread through my lower body. I felt a warm flush creep up on my cheeks.
“I love it when I make you blush.”
I sipped at my wine and then set the glass down. “Is that all?”
Jax’s face sobered suddenly. “No. I love every part of you. I’ve never felt this way about anyone before, Addison.”