Page 181 of Thorns of Malice

Dax: I'm glad you approve.

Me: How could I not? Is there really a center opening?

Dax: Of course there is.

Me: That's really, really amazing. Thank you.

Dax: There's nothing for you to thank me for. I can't wait to see you.

Me: I can't wait to see you. Drive safely.

Dax: I will, baby girl.

I glance at the others and say, "Dax will be here in about an hour."

Lilly hands the bottle of champagne to Jaxon. "I think we should toast that announcement!"

Jaxon works on popping the cork while I grab three flutes from the bar.

Lilly holds up her glass and toasts, "To new beginnings."

"To new beginnings," I echo, feeling hopeful.

We clink our glasses and take a sip. Then we fall into comfortable conversation, discussing random things and laughing.

Dax finally appears, blurting out, "Sorry I'm late."

I rush over to him.

He pulls me into his arms and kisses me. He breaks the kiss and quietly says, "I missed you."

"I missed you too," I tell him, my butterflies fluttering hard.

He gives me another quick peck on the lips and turns toward the others. He tugs me into him, narrowing his eyes on Jaxon.

My butterflies disappear, and my chest tightens. In a calm voice, I say, "Dax, you remember Jaxon."

He utters, "Kind of hard to forget."

Jaxon's expression hardens.

Lilly steps up next to Jaxon and wags her finger. "Uh-uh-uh. You two need to kiss and make up."

They continue to glare at each other.

Lilly frowns at me.

I sigh.

"Seriously, are you two going to act like this all night? You both need to grow up," she reprimands.

"I agree. Come on." I pull Dax over to the others and add, "It's time to start over. Jaxon and Lilly are my best friends. And I'm in love with Dax. So you two are going to get along."

Lilly smirks. "Do you want pacifiers?"

Dax and Jaxon look at her in question.

"That's what babies get," she adds.

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