Page 60 of Dirty Pucking Tease

"Okay, but I have one request," I said, sliding out of the car and meeting him at the trunk.

"What's that?" He huffed as he jerked one of the suitcases out.

"We tell our friends." I would be happy with baby steps. His face pinched as he opened his mouth like he would argue. "It's not negotiable, Jax." His mouth snapped shut. He held my gaze for what felt like forever before finally nodding.

"Okay. We will tell Cam and Owen." I knew they already knew, but I felt like this was a huge win for me, and I couldn't hold back my grin, which must have been contagious because he grinned, too, before leaning in and pressing his lips to mine in aquick, sweet kiss. I wanted more, but I knew we were standing in our driveway in direct sight of the nosiest neighbor ever. "We can invite them over tonight."

"Actually, I picked up a shift at the bar. Lacey texted me on the way home and asked if I could cover. She's sick."

"Okay then, Owen and I will meet you and Cam there tonight, and after your shift, we will tell them."

"Okay."

40

Glancing at my watch, I rolled my eyes, slightly annoyed that Jax wasn't here yet. Of course, Cam hadn't made it yet either, so I was probably just being paranoid.

"Kai." My gaze flashed up to Lilly, popping her head through the service entrance doorway. My eyes widened, hoping she would tell me Jax was here. "You have a table." I knew it wasn't Jax because he never sat to eat, but Alex did every single time I worked.

I pushed through the service door leading into the dining room and spotted Alex sitting at his regular table.

"Don't you ever give up?" I chuckled, pulling my pad out of my apron.

"Not when there's something I want."

My cheeks heated, and my stomach fluttered. "That must be extremely frustrating when it's not reciprocated," I teased.

He shrugged. "There is nothing better than the thrill of the fight and the win at the end. There's no better feeling than holding that prize in your arms after."

"And would I be that prize?" I wasn't entirely sure how to take that. Was I a challenge he wanted to conquer, and what would happen if he did conquer me?

"Nah." He shook his head. "That's just an analogy, but I'd be a lucky man to have a girl like you as my girlfriend."

My smile faded. He'd said a bad word, or at least that's what Jax made it feel like. "What can I get you?"

"I still want a date with my cute waitress."

"A burger and a beer?" He nodded, and I bolted for the bar to put in his order.

"Hey." My head snapped up to see Jax leaning against the bar.

"You made it." My eyes flashed around the bar. There was no Cam and no Owen. "Where's Owen and Cam?"

"They already had plans together tonight."

"When did you call to invite them out tonight?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, how late was it when you called and asked them to meet us here?" I crossed my arms over my chest and squared my shoulders.

He raised his shoulders. "I don't know, like..." He paused as his tongue swept out, wetting his dry lips. "It was after seven."

I huffed out a humorless laugh. "You had no intentions of telling them, did you?" I kept my voice low, careful not to yell and make a scene.

"Kai." I threw out a hand, stopping his excuses. I'd heard enough.

"I have to work, Jax. Go home."

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