Page 9 of Harmonizing Hearts

“I’m ready to celebrate.” Emma comes back with a smile on her face, “Mackenzie Jackroll wants to meet y’all and that’s the best news ever since her popularity is on top!” I feel the urge to scoop her up but instead I wrap my arm around her shoulder and pull her closer.

“Yeah, baby,” Liam and Charlie high five. “You’re a star, Em.”

“Okay, here’s to a new beginning, a new adventure and to an even stronger family.” Dex toasts, “But I’ll miss your shitty faces.”

The week is coming to an end and it was one of the best I’ve ever spent since the New Year’s party. It’s eating me up and makes me feel a coward not facing Jax but honestly what the hell should I tell him?

Hey, Jax, you know I am Brey?

It’d be too blunt and will ruin everything now. I lied to him even though it was for a good purpose but still I lied. Rule one: No lies. Communication is the key. And that rule has been broken even before he could say it. What should I do? I want to face him but fear to loose this friendship scares me. And again, if he finds out how would he react? No, I have to talk to him and that’s it.

Biting my nails I peer at the guys playing volleyball. On Monday I’ll go back to my routine and travel but I’ll carry Jillian’s friendship with me. It’s insane how fast we become friends and I adore her spitfire attitude and confidence.Yeah, I definitely need to talk to him before I go away.

Angel: See you at Royals, maybe I can meet your crush too. Also I need an update on how it's going over there too. Are the guys treating you good?

Me: Trust me he’ll be there and I won’t since on Monday afternoon I’ll fly over Italy before going to Tokyo and I have tons of emails awaiting for me.

Angel: No way, Em. Can you smell it? It’s bullshit. What’s the real reason?

Me: It’s too complicated but we’ll talk when I'm back. Promise.

Angel: Is that bad?

Me: Nope. Don’t worry. As for the band, they’re ready but you should talk with Jillian, there’s something personal that they’re hiding and I can’t wrap my head about it.

Angel: Thanks for the heads-up. You know I’m here for you too, don’t you?

Me: And I appreciate it, but it’s personal, nothing to do with the job and before you say it, I’ll fix it.

Angel: Okay, see you at Royals though. Don’t make me beg. I haven’t been in a BDSM club in a lifetime.

Me: You can’t play that card on me, missy! We’ll see, but I can’t promise.

The guys come closer and I focus back on my laptop. I wasn’t lying, my inbox is full of emails for Darkest Symphony and I like it. Creating buzz is my jam and even though I’m not hundred percent focused, I need to sort everything out before leaving.

Jillian sits next to me and peers at my laptop, “You have two minutes before Jax comes to drag you outta here.”

Snapping my head at her I scoff, “Don’t think so.” But I’m not new to his headshots and on the corner of my eyes I check the beach. Jax has tried to involve me in so many activities making me feel part of their family and at the same time I craved even more. I can see how he tries to end up next to me, like a casualty, but it’s not. Last night we watched movies on the porch and he pulled up my legs in his lap. I don’t even remember what he said but after a while it all felt natural and I leaned on his shoulder. I haven’t missed his smirk when he lifted his arm to make me snuggle, but it felt so good that I focused on nothing else than his breath. My body has its own life when he’s closer. I love it but at the same time I did the worst thing ever: let my guard down.

“I warned you.” She shrugs, snapping me back from my thoughts. Her eyes end on my screen, “A flight confirmation?”

“Work stuff, but I’ll be back soon,” I murmur while I see Jax's reflection on my screen. I don’t have time to say something when Jillian takes my laptop off my legs with a devilish grin. “What are you… no!” I try to complain while Jax scoops me up.

“I kinda got used to it, you know?” His deep voice makes me shiver while I cling to his neck.Me too.

“I can walk by myself.” I complain while he carries me down the beach. I get lost in his eyes while my lungs seem not to want to collaborate. Feeling my feet getting wet I blink realizing what he’s up to. “No fucking way, I don’t…” I try to warn him but within seconds his hands release me, I instinctively cover my face before getting underwater.Fucking bastard!The warm water envelops me but I feel his arm pulling me up.

“Refreshing, isn’t it?” His cocky grin gets on my nerves until his eyes leave my face and darken when he notices my dress is now transparent.

“Yeah.” I splash him while walking past, “Should I remind you I’m here for work and not to please you?” Even if I’d love to do both.

Jax growls before dragging me back, “You won’t go out of the water.” His eyes are locked with mine.

“Says who?” I roll my eyes at him while the guys join us, throwing Jillian in the water.

“Me,” Jax growls while wrapping his arms around me. “Tell me you’re wearing a swimsuit underneath.”

“You should find it for yourself.” I giggle while his arms tighten around me. And again my heart hammers in my chest but this time I embrace all the feelings and let them lull me. I can feel his hard cock brushing against my stomach and it’s all I need to confirm this is not something I’m dreaming or making up. Since January I’ve dreamed and craved for his touch and now I’m here in his arms. “I do, Jax,” I pant while leaning into him.

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