Page 80 of Second Chance Mates

I know nothing between us is rushed like Jaxon said before—the ball is always in my court. There is no pressure, and that definitely helps me sleep at night.

When the song is over, everyone cheers for the bride and groom, and they share a kiss for the whole room to see. Then, Lucy starts running towards the DJ and grabs a microphone. “Hello, everyone!” she yells with the biggest grin I’ve ever seen. “Thank you so much for coming to celebrate with us. I want to say how grateful we are for each and everyone of you allowing us to share this perfect day with you.”

A few people raise their glasses, and others cheer. “The night is still young, and we will make the most of the last few hours we have left! But if you’re already wondering when the next wedding is going to be, don’t worry because my brother, Jaxon, and his beautiful mate, Ava, will most definitely be the next to tie the knot.”

I gawk at her words. Marriage? That is the last thing on my mind.

Jaxon must sense how tense I’ve become as he dips his head down to the shell of my ear, squeezing my hand in support. “Chill, baby. We are taking it one day at a time. Alright? Our pace. No one else's. Lucy is getting ahead of herself.”

I look up at him sheepishly as my body trembles. He reaches to tuck a piece of hair behind my ear. “Okay,” I whisper.

Music starts booming over the speakers again, and people rush to the dance floor with their drinks. Lucy worms her way through the sea of people to get to us, that pristine smile still in place and a champagne flute in hand. “Ava, come dance with me!”

“Uhh–” I turn to Jaxon.

He gives me an encouraging smile. “Go. Have fun. I’ll find you later.”

I merely nod before Lucy drags me away to the front, where her bridesmaids are dancing. “Congratulations! I feel like I haven’t seen you all day.”

“That’s because you haven’t! I wanted to spend some time with you.” She grabs my hand and starts moving her hips to the music.

I stare at her for a long moment because I’ve forgotten how to dance—especially without a drop of alcohol. But then I remind myself I am free. Free to do whatever I want, feel whatever I want, and be whatever I want.

So my body starts moving automatically like muscle memory. I close my eyes and move my hips to the song. Even the smallest things, like dancing to cheesy music, make me feel alive—something I have missed deeply.

When I open my eyes, Jax’s gaze bores into mine from the other side of the dance floor. I glance away before I become embarrassed. Why should I? Movement of the body feels incredible, liberating, and empowering. I might not have many skills in the dancing department, but it’s what it makes you feel inside that matters.

Jaxon’s stare is like laser beams, and my body lights up at his attention. I glance down and turn my back to him.

Quit looking at me; you’re putting me off, I say through our mindlink.

His laugh vibrates through my head like a deep harmony. Oh, baby. You’ve got moves.

How can he make me blush from across the room? I try my absolute hardest not to let a smile creep up on my face. My curiosity gets the better of me, and I finally turn around to face where he’s standing. Those eyes are on me in an instant.

Stop.

Another smooth laugh, something I always find so incredibly comforting.

You’re still looking at me, I add.

I’m sorry. My eyes just naturally gravitate to you. He wears a proud smirk.

My entire face burns up. I turn my attention back to the girls, and a song I remember from years ago starts playing—though I don’t exactly know the words. Lucy holds my hand as she sings to me and then throws me into a hug by surprise. “Oh, Ava. I’m so glad you’re here. I’m so glad you’re in our lives,” she murmurs before pulling back and gently gripping onto my forearms. “I’m so glad that one day you’re going to be my sister-in-law!”

A hesitant laugh escapes my chest. “Yeah,” I rasp. “That caught me off-guard a little.”

Lucy’s face falls with sudden realisation. “Oh, my Goddess. I am so sorry. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable! I love seeing you guys together. Honestly, you’re so perfect. I don’t think you realise.”

“It’s okay,” I say with a smile. “I just wasn’t expecting it.”

“Weddings get me so excited. I love love!” she yells.

My lips spread with enthusiasm. “I’m so glad I met you, too, Lucy.” I’m engulfed in another hug before I pull myself away, in desperate need of five minutes to myself. “I’m gonna go grab some water.”

She nods before turning towards Phia and Grace. I push my way out of the crowd and approach the bar, and then lean my elbows on the counter and wait patiently to be served.

“Hey, Ava.” A soft voice appears beside me.

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