Page 66 of Undisputed Player
Elsie, thank god, came over and placed heavy plates in front of us, striking up conversation about the kids, which I was very grateful for.
The food was, as promised, incredible. Rich and flavorful, and couldn’t possibly compare to the usual food we survived on. Leo’s shyness was forgotten as he chatted with Avery about their swimming adventures and the toys they'd looked at earlier.
“This is delicious,” I murmured, taking a sip of the wine Jax hadpoured for me. It was smooth and complex, probably more expensive than anything I’d tasted before. “Thank you.”
“Our pleasure, princess.” His hand found my thigh again beneath the table, squeezing gently. “I like feeding you. Only you.”
Everything coming from those lips only made his earlier words more believable, and my heart was beating dangerously for this man.
"Only me?" I couldn't help but ask, needing to know.
"Only you," he confirmed, his thumb tracing patterns against the fabric of my dress. "You're the only woman I want to take care of. The only one I want in my home, at my table, in my bed."
I choked on my wine, and he had the audacity to smirk.
"Too much?" he asked, though his eyes told me he wasn't sorry at all.
"A little," I rasped, but my body was betraying me, responding to his words.
"I'll tone it down.” But his hand moved higher on my thigh as he glanced at the kids. "For now."
Dinner passed in a haze of good food and surprisingly easy conversation. Jax had a way of drawing Leo out, asking him questions that had Leo chattering away like he'd known Jax his whole life. And Avery, for all her boundless energy, was attentive, making sure he was included in every topic and joke.
Elsie moved quietly around the kitchen, cleaning up as we ate, occasionally adding a comment or correction to Jax's stories. There was an easy familiarity between them, a warmth that spoke of years of shared history. It was another side of Jax I hadn't expected—this respect for a woman who had been a constant in his life, a woman who wasn’t of aristocratic blood, like me.
By the time we finished dessert, a simple but perfect vanilla ice cream that Elsie had made that morning, Leo was yawning openly, his eyes heavy from a day of school, swimming, and excitement.
“I think it's time we headed home,” I observed. “It's getting late, and Leo has his bedtime.”
“I'm not tired,” Leo protested, even as another yawn overtook him.
Jax laughed, warm and affectionate. “Tell you what, champ. You can rest in my car while we drive home. I’ll turn on the heated seats, you’ll be nice and toasty.”
I opened my mouth to refuse. We’d already imposed enough. That, and being with him any longer, was going to ruin my heart and panties forever.
But… the thought of navigating public transportation with an exhausted five-year-old at this hour made his offer suddenly very tempting.
“Thank you,” I sighed, reluctantly finding myself relieved by how Jax seemed to solve our every problem. And cause them, too.
“Can I come too?” Avery asked, perking up despite her own obvious fatigue. “I want to see Leo's house!”
A flash of panic surged through me at the thought of Avery seeing our tiny, shabby apartment. The contrast between her world and mine would be horrifying for her.
“Not tonight, princess,” Jax soothed, saving me from disaster. “It's getting late, and Mommy will pick you up soon. But maybe another time, okay?”
Avery pouted but didn't argue, her own exhaustion clearly catching up with her. “Okay. But Leo has to come back soon. We didn't even watch a movie in the movie theater!”
“Next time,” Jax promised, his eyes finding mine with a question in them, as if asking if there would be a next time.
I didn't answer, busying myself with helping Leo gather his things and thanking Elsie for the meal. The goodbyes were quick, Avery hugging Leo with sleepy enthusiasm, extracting a promise from him to bring his dinosaur book to school on Monday. The very same one Jax got run over delivering.
The drive back to our apartment was quiet, and Leo fell asleep as soon as the car started moving. I sat in the passenger seat, watching the neighborhoods change as we drove.
The warmth of the heated leather seeped through my clothing,warming my bottom in a strange way. This was what rich people liked? Butt-warmers?
The mansions soon gave way to more modest homes, then to apartment buildings, and finally to our neighborhood's familiar, run-down streets.
Jax navigated the unfamiliar surprisingly well, the Bentley drawing curious glances from the few people still out at this hour. He pulled up in front of our building, the luxury car looking absurdly out of place against the backdrop of graffiti flickering street lights.
