Page 51 of Beneath the Stars (Sugarlake 1)

Jax is away more than he’s home, these days. His work is in high demand, and that demand is out in California. Where dreams are made. Movies need fancy cars, and fancy cars need someone who knows how to keep them pretty.

Me: Like a hole in the head. Seriously, how long are you gone?

Jax: I’m not sure, but this producer is a pain in the ass. I’m ready to be home yesterday.

Before I can respond, another text comes through.

Jax: He already hates me. And even worse, his kid daughter is driving me CRAZY!

I smile thinking about a little girl with a crush on Jax.

Me: Oh, come on. It can’t be that bad!

Jax: It is. I miss you. Come save me?

I laugh, taking my phone and sitting outside on the Juliet balcony. This is my favorite time of day. Right before the sun meets the horizon when the sky is stuck in twilight. The smells are crisp, the air is dewy, and the cicadas start their song. I close my eyes and relax, a genuine smile taking over my face for the first time in what feels like forever.

The smile is still on my face the next day

when I show up at Logan’s. It’s been a week since we’ve met up and I’ve gotten used to the type of relief he provides. Our time together quiets the voices that beat down on my soul. It’s a nice reprieve. One I’m taking full advantage of.

“Dang, my ears are numb.” I giggle, rolling over in Logan’s bed, high from the orgasm he just gave me.

He’s standing by his dresser and smirks at my comment. “Your ears are numb?”

“Yeah, that never happens to you?”

He laughs, shaking his head. “I can’t say it does.”

He crawls onto the bed, leaning down to bite my neck. It’s nice what we have. No emotions, no strings. No exclusivity. It’s the perfect arrangement, and I dread the day some girl sweeps him off his feet, and he ends our tryst.

“I’ve gotta go.” He stands up, grabbing his jeans and pulling them on. “You can chill here if you want, just lock up on your way out.”

I decide to take my time, going to his kitchen to brew some coffee while I peruse the magazines on his counter. Who still has magazines?

“Sugar Pie Honey Bunch” blares through the living room and I groan in frustration. Only Jax would set his ringtone to something so obnoxious. I take my time answering.

“Hey, Teeth.”

“Sweetheart. So good to hear your voice. What are you doing right now?”

“Right now?” I look around Logan’s living room and cringe. Jax doesn’t approve of my relationship with Logan—which is rich considering he’s the king of sex with no strings. “I’m havin’ some coffee at Logan’s, thinkin’ of all the ways to strangle you for messin’ with my ringtone, again.”

He groans. “When are you gonna cut that guy loose, Alina? He’s only using you for one thing.”

“I sure hope so.”

“I just don’t want you to get hurt,” he sighs into the phone.

“Oh please, Jackson. I swear, I can’t with you. Actin’ like a man can get his jollies anytime, and a woman needs to wait for some big love.”

He’s silent. I know what this is really about, even if I don’t want to admit it. Jax wants things to go further with the two of us, but I’ve been clear it won’t happen. I wouldn’t be able to love him right. And if anyone deserves the ‘can’t eat, can’t sleep, can’t breathe’ kind of love—it’s Jackson Rhoades.

I change the subject, not wanting to argue. “How are things on set?”

“Ugh. I can’t stand the people out here. I’ve worked with some pricks, but this guy, Donahue, thinks he shits out gold. To tell you the truth, I think he actually might.” He exhales before speaking softer. “He’s a giant in this industry. My dad’s dream is so close I can taste it, Lee.”

“Then you’ve just gotta keep pushin’ through it, Jax. Your work will speak for itself. Your daddy would be so proud of you.”

---