Page 69 of Sweet Wicked Vows

“Fine,” Jaxon said. “How did we meet?”

“Through work,” I stated. “We met at one of the many events. There was always an attraction between us, but I was obviously previously engaged, so we never acted on it.”

The car turned several degrees colder. “Did Laurence come to Thanksgiving with you?”

“Once.” I looked out the car window. “He always had an excuse why he couldn’t come. He liked to spend the holidays playing golf with his friends. Last Thanksgiving was the first time he came.”

“Ah.”

“Anyway.” I swiftly moved the conversation back. “We bumped into each other at the last charity event, that one I went to a couple days after my breakup. The one raising money for the rainforest.”

“I usually hate those sort of events, but when I heard rumors of your latest relationship status, I attended in hopes of running into you.”

I swallowed the rumbles of butterflies erupting in my chest.

“The second we saw each other, we knew.” Jaxon ran a hand down his chin. “So, we ditched the party and went to the local bowling alley. You won with the bumpers up, which isn’t technically a real win, but I let you win.”

“I will have you know that bumpers are there for a reason. If we aren’t meant to use them to play, then why bother having them there?”

His throat bobbed with a chuckle. “After your so-called win, we went for ice cream.”

My heart fluttered. “Anything else?”

“I don’t normally like ice cream, but you persuaded me with your favorite.”

“Mint chocolate chip.”

“Chocolate toothpaste. Really?” His eyebrows raised as a whisper of a smile formed. “We’ll work on your abysmal taste another time.”

“There’s nothing wrong with my taste, thank you very much.”

Those damn dimples made an appearance. “After eating yourdégoûtanteice cream, we walked for hours around the city until the sun rose. We didn’t want the date to end.”

Our eyes locked. “That sounds… perfect.”

He dropped his gaze first. “Sparks flew, instant connection, and all that usual rom-com shit that drives women mad. The rest is history.”

“A whirlwind romance.”

“Whatever you want to call it. That should be enough to satisfy any questions or doubts.”

My heart dipped.

We didn’t speak again until we drove up to Lola’s family home.

The Junipers’ home resembled that of a log cabin, but far grander. Thatch roofing, wooden exterior, and against the backdrop of the falling snow, it was the idealistic escape.

They put everything they had into the home. It was their pride and joy.

Lola’s parents, Samantha and Harry, stood at the front door grinning and waving like a pair of overexcited children.

“Show time,” I said when we parked the car.

Harry all but ran to the car, opening the door and pulling me out into a bear hug that had my back cracking. I didn’t care. I threw my arms around him and inhaled his smoky wood scent.

“It’s been too long, girl,” he said. “The old ball and chain has been giving Lola the business for not visiting enough. I suspect you will be the same.”

I laughed. From the corner of my eye, Jaxon exited the car and walked toward us. An earth-shattering, knee-jerking grin spreadacross his strong face.

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