“Shit, angel, are you okay? I didn’t imply to lose management like that.”

I raise my head up and look him. “It’s okay, Jaxon. I favored that you just misplaced management. I like figuring out I try this to you. You don’t scare me.”

Utilizing one hand, he wipes my moist hair from my face and bends to position a comfortable kiss towards my lips.

“Come on. Let’s get out and dried off earlier than the water will get chilly.”

Releasing the grip my legs have on his hips, I drop them to the ground. Jaxon shuts the water off and we each step of the bathe. He dries me off first after which himself. I ask him to seize me a shirt, however he simply shakes his head.

“No, I wish to really feel your naked pores and skin towards mine tonight.”

Nonetheless feeling nervous prancing in entrance of him bare, however liking the concept of getting a unadorned Jaxon towards a unadorned me, I nod.

We settle into mattress with him towards my again and his arms wrapped tightly round me.

* * *

THE NEXT DAY HAS us all hanging out in Lilly’s yard, laughing and speaking. The climate is gorgeous and the environment is mild. Jaxon is busy manning the grill with Mac, Andrew, and some different guys. It’s humorous to observe Andrew. He’s in his glory surrounded by a bunch of handsome males. He flirts relentlessly with every of them. None of them take it to coronary heart, and humor him.

Lilly, Mia, and I are at present setting the tables exterior with cutlery, meals objects, and the rest we may have. Tricia walks up carrying a giant bowl of potato salad.

“I ponder how Anna is doing. Have any of you talked to her?” She units the salad down on the desk.

“She stopped by earlier than she left yesterday. She couldn’t wait to go away. That is kind of like a trip for her. She hasn’t had loads of alternatives to go away Jaded Hole,” Lilly says.

“She got here by Jaxon’s yesterday morning as effectively and I spoke to her once more yesterday afternoon whereas she was on the highway. She’s so excited! I’ll give her a pair days earlier than I strive calling her. I’m positive Nick was shocked and needs to maintain her all to himself for some time.”

All of us chuckle as a result of we all know precisely what Nick and Anna might be doing for the subsequent couple days.

I decide up my wine and take a sip as I look out in any respect the folks milling about. Off to the left I see Jake and Jack bickering as standard. These two grate on one another’s nerves, however you’ll be able to inform they share an in depth friendship.

Subsequent I see Sarah, Michael, and Maddie on a playground set. Maddie and Sarah are on the swings and Michael and one other little boy are within the sandbox. They each bend their heads and whisper to one another. They stand up and run over to the ladies and squirt them with the water weapons they’d hidden behind their backs. The women begin squealing and working away with the boys chasing after them.

I chuckle at their playfulness and am glad they’ve a traditional childhood. I by no means had boys chasing me with water weapons.

Hunter is standing with Ethan and Jesse, speaking. There are nonetheless a number of folks I don’t know, and a few whom I used to be launched to as soon as they arrived.

My gaze subsequent strikes to Jaxon, who’s watching me. He offers me a small smile and a wink. I smile again at him and blow him a kiss. I’m amazed at how snug I really feel on this setting. Weeks in the past I might have been scared and nervous being in a crowd. Now the flutters and nervousness are gone. Jaxon and the folks of Jaded Hole have made this so.

I look over at Mia and see her taking pictures razor-sharp daggers at Mac. I stroll over to face beside her.

“So, what’s up with you and Mac?” I ask her casually.

She seems at me and mumbles, “I don’t know what you’re speaking about.”

“Oh, come on, Mia. I can see the sparks fly between the 2 of you even when you each prefer to attempt to disguise it.” I do know I’m pushing, however I can’t assist it. It’s clear they’ve emotions for one another. In the event that they didn’t, they wouldn’t have such animosity between them.

Mia seems at me for a minute earlier than replying, “Okay, how about this? I don’t wish to speak about it. It’s nothing private, Bailey, I by no means speak about what occurred between Mac and me. It hurts an excessive amount of, so I attempt to overlook about it.”

The ache in her eyes and the bitterness in her voice makes me withdraw my inquiry. I’ve been in her sneakers earlier than; hell, I’m nonetheless carrying them. Having folks ask about my previous is difficult. Speaking about it makes it recent. Sure, it’s gotten simpler, however that doesn’t imply she’s prepared.

“Okay, sweetie, I get it. However please know that I’m right here for you when you want me. You had been there for me, and I’d prefer to return the favor if you need.” I attain over and squeeze her hand.

“Thanks,” she says.

Simply then I really feel an arm wrap round me and we each flip our heads to see Jaxon and Mac standing behind us. My eyes dart to Mia, whose eyes have turn out to be onerous.

“I’ll so long, Bailey,” she says, earlier than strolling off.

Supply: www.seynovel.com