Page 87 of Then Came Love
The dogs bounded over, and Coco jumped onto Jordan’s lounge chair. She set her sketch pad on the table, bringing Coco onto her lap. “Hi, sweet pea.” She kissed her furry head. Most days, she could hardly believe this was her life, loving a man who supported her dreams and truly enjoyed being with her, surrounded by friends and a family who treated her like she was one of their own. They’d had dinner with Jax’s parents last weekend, and they’d all gone for a walk around their neighborhood afterward. She had a feeling her parents had a hand in bringing her and Jax together. She didn’t know if that was even possible, but she wanted to believe it, because it was so much better than believing they were just gone and not watching over her.
“Are you guys still planning on going to Ridgeport next weekend?” Trixie asked.
“Yes. I can’t wait to see my aunt and uncle. I miss them.” They’d video chatted with them several times, but Jax really wanted to meet them in person, and Jordan was excited for them to get to know him better and to get to know the person she’d become because of him.
“Do you want us to watch Coco while you’re gone?” Trixie asked.
“Thanks, but we’re taking her with us.” Jordan hated being away from her as much as Jax did. She ruffled Coco’s fur. “Right, princess? Aunt Sheila and Uncle Gary are excited to meet you, too.”
“They’ll love Jaxie,” Jillian said with a grin. “Everyone does. Except me at the moment. I still can’t believe he hired Elite Security, the company owned by Brett and Carson Bad, Johnny Butthead’s cousins, after the guy put me off again. I mean, that security guy parked out front is freaking hot, but still.”
“Johnny must have something important going on for him to keep canceling. Maybe he lost his voice, or he’s sick,” Jordan suggested.
“I doubt it. The gossip magazines claim he’s postponed his tour again due to personal scheduling issues, which probably means he’s in a room with fifteen women and doesn’t want to leave.” Jillian rolled her eyes.
“Or maybe he knocked someone up and he’s trying to avoid a scandal,” Trixie said.
“Wow, you guys go right to the worst places. My mind doesn’t work that way. Although since Todd cheated so much, maybe it should.”
“I hate the bastard,” Jillian said.
“If I ever see him, I’m going to give him hell,” Trixie added.
“Where have you two been all my life?” Jordan looked at Jax, huddled with Nick, the two of them sneaking glances over their shoulders at her and Trixie. “Um…What do you think that’s all about?”
“I don’t know, but it can’t be good,” Trixie said as the guys stalked toward them.
Jordan’s pulse quickened at Jax’s wolfish grin, but something in his eyes told her he was up to no good.
Nick said, “Time to get wet, sugarplum.” As he reached for Trixie, Jax lunged for Jordan.
The girls flew off their chairs, squealing and laughing. The dogs went wild, chasing them and barking.
“Don’t you dare!” Jordan hollered just as Jax caught her around the waist and threw her over his shoulder like a caveman. Jax laughed, heading for the pool, as she squealed and flailed, and Nick scooped Trixie off her feet.
“Nick Braden, you won’t get sex for a week!” Trixie threatened.
They were all laughing as Jordan and Trixie fought to break free and the guys jumped into the water, taking them down with them.
Jax took Jordan’s hand underwater, and they broke through the surface near Nick and Trixie, laughing and kissing. Jordan clung to him as his powerful legs kept them afloat.
“You’re crazy!” she hollered.
“Crazy for you, baby.” He kissed her again, the four of them cracking up.
“Hey, lovebirds!” Jillian stood at the side of the pool in her pink bikini with her hands on her hips, scowling. “Once again I’m left out in the cold.”
Nick and Jax exchanged a glance, and then they both went after Jillian. She screamed and the dogs barked and chased them as they ran around the yard. Trixie and Jordan were laughing and cheering Jillian on as she zigzagged, barely escaping Nick’s grasp, only to get caught by Jax. He threw her in the pool, and he and Nick jumped in after her.
Jax swam underwater, slithering up Jordan’s body, and kissed her as he broke the surface. “Having second thoughts about our crazy family?”
“Yes. Second, third, and fourth thoughts. Each one happier than the last.”
