Page 77 of Beneath the Stands (Sugarlake 2)

He smiles. “You can always come with, Becs.”

I huff. “I was jokin’. What would I do out in Cali? Cater to your every wish? Pass.”

“You’re right.” He nods, rocking on the back two legs of his chair. “Better to stay here and cater to your father’s.”

I’ve never spoken about my family issues with Jax. That’s not the type of friendship we have. The fact that it’s so obvious—even to him—slams into me with the force of a battering ram.

I deflect his statement, throwing my balled-up napkin at him and scowling.

He bats it away, dropping the legs of his chair and leaning forward on the table. “Seriously, if you want to get away, Cali’s always waiting for you. If you’re ever like me and just… need to get some space from this place.”

His swallow is thick, and he’s fingering the chain around his neck.

My heart hurts for what I know he’s feeling. Hell, I’ve only had to endure Eli being with someone else for five seconds, and I’m fixing to lose my mind. I can’t imagine the wear and tear that’s been taking place on Jax’s soul for years.

He’s never faltered in his love for Lee. Never pushed her for more or weakened in his support. He’s just been there, molding himself into whatever she needs, allowing her to lean on him even when the weight is hard to bear.

“Jackson Rhoades, I think you’re a much better human than me.”

He cocks his head, the left side of his mouth quirking. “You just now figuring that out?”

I groan, throwing my head back. “God, your ego knows no bounds.”

He laughs. “Becs, you’re one of the best humans I know.” He covers my hand with his. “And trust me, I know a lot.”

“Yeah.” I shrug.

“Okay, that’s it. What’s got you all twisted up? Is it John, ‘The Becca Tamer?’”

I roll my eyes at the stupid nickname. I made the mistake of telling him and Lee during brunch that I was going on a date, and even though I’m not planning on seeing him again, neither one of them have let the idea go since. Probably because he’s the first man they’ve seen me date. Ever.

“Honey, you should know by now I can’t be tamed.” I force a grin.

“That’s right, baby. Don’t you forget it.” He taps the top of my hand with his finger. “I don’t like seeing the Queen of the Jungle being kept in a cage.”

My heart thunks at his words.

“I’m serious, Becs. If you want to come to Cali for a while, you’re more than welcome to stay. You could take over babysitting duties for me.” His hands come together in prayer.

I snort. “Is that what you’ve been doin’ out there all this time? Here I was, thinkin’ you were makin’ it big.”

“I’m a man of many traits.” He smirks. “Really, it’s just my boss’s daughter. The kid never leaves me the hell alone. She’s annoying as hell… bratty. Kind of like someone else I know.” His eyes sparkle.

My eyes grow

wide and I throw a hand to my heart. “Wow. She sounds terrible. Bratty and annoyin’? How will you survive?”

He doesn’t smile, just shakes his head, running a hand over the top of his head. “That’s the million-dollar question.”

“I don’t have the kind of money to come out there.”

It’s a weak excuse, one I’m using so I don’t have to face the truth.

Just like Momma.

His brows jerk up. “There was a time you wouldn’t have cared.”

“Well, things change.”

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