Page 41 of Then Came Love
“I’m fine.”
He heard the pain she was trying to mask. “No, you’re not, and you don’t have to pretend with me.”
“I’m fine, really.”
“Jordan, you took off work early and planned an entire day to make decisions about your wedding, and your fiancé stood you up. Only an unfeeling person would be okay with that, and you are anything but unfeeling.”
“It’ll be easier to make decisions by myself anyway.”
Bullshit.“You’re not going to do it alone. I’ll come with you. I’m great at eating cake.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. You have a life, and I’ve taken up enough of it with my dress.”
He noticed an uptick in her energy, despite her argument, so he took a different approach. “Do you have any idea what kind of clout my name pulls in this area? I can get you great discounts.”
“Jax.”
He heard the smile in her voice. “What time is your first appointment?”
“Ten, but I’m not going to take up your time for my wedding. I can handle it.”
“I won’t argue that point. What are you doing right now? Why don’t you meet me for a drink?”
“Thanks, but I’m already in my comfy clothes, and I don’t really want to go out.”
“Your comfy clothes? Now, that’s something I need to see for myself.” He wanted to drive over to her house, but he didn’t trust himself, so he pushed the FaceTime button and sat in a chair on the porch.
“Jax,” she complained.
“Accept the video call, sweetheart. Let me see for myself if you’re okay.”
Her beautiful face appeared on the screen. Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail, and a reluctant smile stretched across her cheeks despite her red-rimmed eyes. He’d like to give that asshole a piece of his mind.
She covered her face with her hand, clutching his handkerchief in her other hand. “I can’t believe you did that.”
You wanted to see me, or you wouldn’t have accepted the call.“I was having withdrawals.” And you’re using my handkerchief. I was on your mind, too, sexy girl. Don’t deny it.
She laughed, lowering her hand. “How do you always know how to make me smile?”
“That’s easy. I never want you to have a reason not to.”
“I don’t know how women resist that Braden charm.”
“You seem to be resisting it well.” He didn’t want to pretend or play games. “I would come over with comfort food and watch movies with you, but I don’t trust myself not to accidentally charm your pants off.”
“Jax!”Laughter bubbled out. “You are too much.”
“You have no idea how right you are, but you should stop flirting with me. I’m mentally dating an incredible woman and officially off the market.”
“Ohmygod. I’m hanging up now.”
“Wait. You haven’t even shown me your comfy clothes yet.”
She nibbled on her lower lip, looking adorable. “Promise not to make fun of me?”
“I promise, but now I’m even more curious.”
“I can’t believe I’m doing this.” She angled the phone down, showing her white tank top, which had TIME TO WINE emblazoned across her chest, her nipples straining against the thin material, and cute white shorts with a wine bottle on the left and red ruffles on the hems, covering the tops of her beautiful thighs. When she pointed the phone at her face again, her cheeks were pink. “Don’t tease me. I know they’re silly.”
“Don’t apologize. Silliness looks sexy as hell on you.” That earned a sweet smile, and he wanted to see more of it. “I have an idea. Do you have wine at your place?”
“Yes. Why?”
“I’ve had a long night, and I could use some company. Let’s have a glass of wine and watch a movie together. You there, me here.”
She wrinkled her nose. “I don’t know…”
