Page 108 of The Main Event

“Because I’m the boss.”

“Blah, blah, blah. You’re like the teacher in a Charlie Brown cartoon sometimes. Tell me.”

“Let’s just say nobody will have trouble guessing. I went with a cherished figure from our childhood … who also happens to be hot.”

Levi narrowed his eyes. “Interesting. I’m guessing you want to be hot for Jax.”

“And what if I do?”

“I’m just checking.”

“I definitely want to be hot for Jax.” I leaned my elbows on the bar. He was checking to make sure all the supplies were present in the ballroom, which was decked out to thenth degree. Even the disco ball was going. Because of the lights, it allowed for an amazing purple and green swirl that I was dying for people to see. “You like him, right?”

Levi’s eyebrows hopped in surprise. “Why would you ask me that now?”

“I’m just checking.” I tried to keep my voice breezy, but it was difficult. “Because I really like him.”

“Oh, I never would’ve guessed.” Levi’s tone was sarcastic. “Have you even slept in your own bed the past two weeks?”

“It’s just easier to bed down here.”

“You mean because you two can’t keep your hands off one another? I’ve heard about the games of grab ass you play in the elevator.”

I was officially offended … and maybe a little worried. “Who said that? We never do anything if there are other people in the elevator.”

He barked out a laugh. “I love the confirmation. You’re hilarious. I was just assuming.”

“Well … we’re having a great time.” I straightened. “Although, he can’t stay in a hotel forever. He needs an actualplace to call his own. Do you think he’s still staying here because he knows it will be a waste to buy or rent a place in Salem?”

It wasn’t like me to be so emotionally needy. I couldn’t stop myself, though. I was an emotional wreck where Jax was concerned.

“He’s only been here for two months.”

“I know.” I refused to meet his steady gaze. “It was just a question. Forget I asked it.”

He scowled. “Tell me where your head is at.”

“I’m… I…” I couldn’t tell him where my head was at because I didn’t know. Or, to be more precise, I didn’t want to say it out loud. Heck, I didn’t want to say it to myself. If I did, then I would have to acknowledge that I’d never been more afraid in my entire life.

“You love him.” Levi was matter of fact.

“No,” I countered. It was a lie, though, so I sighed. “Yes. I love him. Do you think I’ve screwed myself?”

“What are you worried about?” He sounded like a professor trying to diagnose a learning problem.

“I’m afraid that his family will bully him into doing what he doesn’t want to do.”

“Yeah, I’m confused about all that,” Levi admitted. “He was left the hotel, and the operating budget. The rest of the family was cut out of it. Why?”

“I don’t know. I mean… I’ve only met his mother. Jax says that I’m better off being kept away from his family. I’m afraid that he’s embarrassed for me to be around them because I don’t have the same upbringing as him.” Giving voice to my fears was a huge step, but it was also cathartic. If I told Levi why I was so afraid, he would do his best to assuage those fears. That’s why he was my best friend.

“Yeah, that’s not it.” Levi shook his head. “He’s not embarrassed by you. He thinks the sun rises and sets on you.”

My eyebrows moved toward one another. “What makes you say that?”

“Um … because I’ve seen the guy. Ever since you guys stopped hiding your relationship, he’s all over you.”

“That’s not true. He’s a total professional.”

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