Page 27 of Flawless Aria

Jax, being the gentleman that he is, searches for me in the crowd. “Are we ready to eat and answer a million more questions?” I get goosebumps when he snakes his arm around me, settling his hand on my hip. It’s possessive and sexy as hell.

As soon as we approach the head table, Mom takes over. “I made these beautiful place cards so there wouldn’t be any confusion. It’s actually set up much like a wedding would be.

Jax’s folks sit next to him and then Melody and Zander. I wonder who’s watching the baby. I inwardly shudder when Stephanie and Trent sit two seats down from me. Thankful that my parents will be in between us. I dreaded the thought of making idle conversation with my sister. Especially during my engagement party. I’m sure my mother insisted she come today but it wasn’t necessary. It’s just making Jax and me uncomfortable. He tensed the second she sat down. Apparently, he didn’t notice her earlier.

When the waitstaff sets the plates in front of us, Jax and I do a doubletake. The appetizers are caprese skewers with shrimp bruschetta and prosciutto wrapped in melon. He grabs my hand under the table, reassuring me that in a few hours, it will all be over.

I’m in mid-chew when someone taps their fork against their glass. Seriously? It’s not a fucking wedding, it’s an engagement party! Jax chuckles and I’m sure it’s because he’s as uncomfortable as I am.

Leaning in he captures my lips, lingering longer than he should. Thank goodness I had enough time to swallow my food first. Now that Mom’s finally sitting next to me, I whisper. “Thank you for the beautiful party, but we would have been happy with a barbecue in the back yard.”

“Nonsense, sweetie. You both have amazing careers, and our friends and relatives don’t want messy finger food. This is a formal gathering so we can mingle, converse, and have a wonderful time. The family wants to hear about the proposal, see your gorgeous engagement ring, and wish you both well.” Don’t I know it. I swear my cheeks are wearing at least ten different shades of lipstick as we speak.

Another mouthful, another tap of the glass. I’ve about had it and it just started. “You’re all too sweet, but if you don’t let us finish eating, they’ll be serving us breakfast in the morning.” Was I rude? Perhaps, but this needs to be over. ASAP.

A few aunts and uncles chuckle while others clap, agreeing wholeheartedly with me. “Apparently she isn’t into sloppy seconds.” Stephanie’s snide comment doesn’t go unnoticed as my mother tells her to hush, while Trent scolds her.

Time for me to put my two cents in, ‘cause she’s not getting away with it. “I see you’re still stuck in middle school, Steph.”

When she opens her mouth to zing me for the second time, it’s Dad’s turn up to bat. “That’s enough, Stephanie. Jealousy doesn’t become you. This party is in honor of Aria and Jax, and I’ll revoke your invite if you can’t behave.” Oh, her face turns the perfect shade of crimson, but she shuts her mouth.

Thank goodness it’s only family at the head table because the rest of our guests are none the wiser. Normally we’re a discreet bunch, but this isn’t your typical engagement party by any means.

For the next few hours, we’re served soup and salad, followed by a surf and turf main course with all the sides imaginable. Then it all climaxes with an array of delicate puff pastries, pies, and cakes. I’m stuffed and can’t eat another bite. The best news is the party is almost over, and we can go home and relax.

Some of our guests stop by to say goodbye, while Stephanie slips out the back. Trent is much too classy for that, so he congratulates us once again and gives Jax a firm handshake. The man’s got style. As the night comes to an end, there’s just a handful of us left.

I’m grateful no one made a toast, which was one of our requests early on. And no gifts of any kind. I guess two out of three requests is a win.

“Thanks, Mom. Dad. For everything. You guys are hands down the best parents, ever.” I give them both big hugs and kisses and Jax does the same. Then, hand in hand, we walk outside and breathe a sigh of relief.

We did it. It’s finally over.

Jax opens my car door, and after I slide in I lean back and close my eyes. Basking in a moment of silence. It’s so hard to be social when you’re not feeling it, but I think we did a great job tonight.

“Am I taking you home, or would you like to come over to my place?” It’s only ten, but I know if I go there, most likely I’ll be spending the night. Would that be such a bad thing? Yes and no. Every part of me wants to sleep with him again, but if I do, it will be harder to call it quits. How Stephanie was able to just walk away as easily as she did is beyond my comprehension. It makes me wonder if she really loved him at all.

Lolling my head to the side, I stare into his gorgeous onyx eyes. So dark and so very dangerous. “It might be best if I just go home tonight, Jax. It’s been a long day.”

17

JAXON

“Just so you know,if I take you home tonight, I won’t be leaving. It’s been over a month since I’ve tasted you or been inside you and I can’t wait any longer. This has nothing to do with that ring on your finger and everything with how I feel about you. So, unless you want to be naked in the back seat of my car, tell me now. My place or yours?”

Her eyes widen and her mouth drops open as she struggles to make a decision. I caught her off guard and now she can’t process what I just asked of her. I’ve never been bossy or put my foot down with her before, but it’s high time I start.

Licking her lips, she finds her voice. “Am I still getting a spanking?” Fuck if my cock doesn’t spring to life that she remembers. She’s such a dirty girl and I can’t wait to leave my handprint on her plump ass.

“Damn straight you are. And if you don’t let me know where I’m going in the next ten seconds, it will be here and now.”

“My place. Go to my place. It’s closer.” A growl, so raw and untamed, emanates from deep inside of me. It takes all of my willpower not to lift her dress and seek the wetness pooling between her silky thighs.

After tonight, the word ‘fake’ will no longer be associated with us in any way, shape, or form. It will be replaced with words like ‘genuine’, ‘real’, and ‘love’. When she wakes up tomorrow morning, she’ll know exactly how I feel about her. Then it will be her decision if she wants to help with the wedding plans or break my heart for real.

I’m as hard as granite by the time we get to her place. If I wasn’t so fucking turned on, I’d laugh when she opens the car door and rushes up the stairs. Makes me wonder if it’s in anticipation or if she’s trying to give me the slip. She needn’t worry because I’m right behind her, pushing the door open as soon as it’s unlocked.

The instant she steps inside, I kick the door closed and pin her up against it. “Jax,” slips out on a breathy moan as her chest rises and falls. With her fingers threaded through mine, I press them against the door, slowly inching them up and up. Until they’re as high as her reach allows. Leaning in, I graze my teeth against her throat and feel her hard peaks brushing against my shirt. Setting me on fire.

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