by Bec Botefuhr
We pull up at a gigantic theme park and I leap off the bike, squealing and jumping up and down. Onlookers stare oddly at me as if to say ‘It’s just a theme park lady’. Jax gets off the bike with another amused expression and takes my helmet off.
“You’re attracting a lot of attention to yourself, darlin.”
“Oh, I don’t care.”
“Come on, before you break something.”
We buy two tickets, and I pull Jax desperately through the front gate. I stand, looking left and right at the miles and miles of rides, food stores and little gift shops. I notice a group of young girls to the left, perhaps about eighteen or so, all giggling and smiling at Jax. Of course he gets the attention; he is so god damned gorgeous it is hard not to look at him.
“You have a cheer squad.” I mutter.
He winks, and they all giggled harder.
“JAX,” I say, shoving him. “Oh great, now I look like a jealous girlfriend.”
He turns to me and smiles down at my angry expression.
“Aw, now don’t be jealous kid.”
“I am not jealous.” I huff, walking forward.
When we near closer to the girls, I spin taking Jax into my grips and planting a sizzling kiss onto his lips. He groans and responds, thank god because it would look awful bad if he shoved me away. After a long, heated moment, I pull back, stare at the girls and wink.
“Oh, were you hoping he was single? Sorry ladies.” I smile sweetly.
I turn to Jax, grin at him and begin walking forward. He grasps my arm and spins me around.
“You’re a naughty little game player missy.”
“I can play well Captain.”
“So you can, alright, I get the point. No perving. Where do we start?”
I look around. “I don’t know, surprise me.”
He takes my hand then, ok, that is a surprise. When he holds it and begins walking, I can’t help the grin that spreads across my face. Jax Watts is holding my hand in public. Jax, the hard, I love nobody pirate is holding my hand. I want to jump up and down and dance in little circles, but I keep my cool. One wrong word and his hand will be gone. He leads me to a huge rollercoaster, and I swallow.
“Oh…Oh…that’s huge. I don’t know.”
“NEXT.” The man shouts, and Jax pulls me forward, not giving me a chance to argue.
We sit down and are tightly strapped in; I take hold of Jax’s hand so hard I am sure I must have bruised it.
“This. Is. Not. Cool.”
He laughs and actually has the nerve to look like he will enjoy my fear.
“You will be right pretty girl, just shut your eyes.”
“Oh Jax, no no no no no.”
Before he can answer, the rollercoaster shoots off, and I scream, loudly. It lifts and drops down a gigantic slide looking thing, I scream and scream, clamping my eyes shut as it shoots up, then down, then around in every direction possible. Jax is laughing; I am sure he is laughing at me and not the fun of the rollercoaster. When it slows, he helps me off as I stand on wobbly legs.
“That was mean.” I stammer.
He shocks me by kissing my head. “You will love me for it later.”
I love you now; I want to scream but instead I say. “I doubt that.”
“Come on, we are not done.”
“Oh…I think we are.”
Jax takes me on just about every ride in the place, from bumper cars to ferris wheels. By the end, I am like a giddy child, laughing and screaming at every new thing he takes me to. He wins me a small blue teddy bear, which I promptly name Locky. He proceeds to tell me that there is no such thing as the loch ness monster, but I tell him I believe anything can be real, to which he snorts and shoves me.
When we finish at the theme park, we ride to a nearby take away shop and he gets some burgers and fries, before taking me to a gorgeous beach. It has golden sand, pale blue water, and people lay about sun baking under big colourful umbrella’s. We take a spot in the sand, and I wriggle my toes through the soft, warm grains.
“No perving Mr Watts.” I murmur.
Jax is gazing out at the beach; he turns to me and grins. “Well, best you give me something else to perve on then.”
“Not happening.”
He laughs. “Fear not, there is only a bunch of old ladies topless over there which is a sight I never hoped to see.”
I giggle as he hands me a burger. I unravel it and stare for a long, long moment.
“You can’t be serious? This is enormous Jax.”
He gazes at me, then down at the burger overloading with salad, mince, eggs and bacon.
“That’s the fun kid. Just bite it.”
“My mouth is not that big.”
His gaze falls on my mouth and his green eyes meet mine. “I wouldn’t know.”
He takes his burger and bites into it; sauce trails down his arms and I groan. “Ew Jax.”
I look at my own burger and take a bite, a small one.
“You can do better than that. Get messy Jade, it is the best part.”
“I have manners you know.”
He snorts and bites into the burger again. Well here goes, I take a giant bite of the burger and moan loudly. It is divine. I have missed out. I close my eyes and chew, taking in every flavor. I like the mix of savory and sweet, the way it all blends together. MMMMM.
“Good huh?”
“Oh yeah.” I moan.
We sit in silence eating our burgers, once we were done, Jax hands me a napkin.
“What, you don’t want to lick it from me?” I muse.
He gives me a hungry look. “Tempting, but a little weird.”
I push my bottom lip out. “And here I was thinking you would do anything for me.”
He takes my hand then, sliding my finger into his mouth. I can’t help the little sound of enjoyment that slides from my throat as pleasure rocks my body. His mouth is soft, and his tongue swirls around my finger. When he lets it go, he gives me a cheeky grin, then goes back to cleaning himself. I have never seen Jax like this. So happy and carefree. It only makes my heart clench more, knowing how much I want him and how I can never have this with him.
I choose not to dwell on that, not today. I will just enjoy this, let him show me anything he wants and take it into my heart and store it away with all my other wonderful memories of him. He hands me a crunchy chip, and when I go to take it; he shakes his head. I know he wants me to take it from his hands.
“Oh come on Jax, I am not a seagull.”
He grins. “Come on, you know you want to try it.”
I lean forward, open my mouth and take the salty morsel from his fingers. Oh yes, I want this alright. The flavor caresses my taste buds, and I moan again.
“Oh, you are totally going to make me fat Watts.”
He lets his gaze travel over my body. “I doubt that.”
I blush and look out at the salty ocean. “What next?”
He follows my gaze out to the water. “You ever been in the ocean?”
I grin sheepishly. “Um, no.”
He raises an eyebrow. “Wow, come on then. Clothes off.”
“What?” I shriek. “You can’t be serious?”
He slides his shirt off, and I blink at his gorgeous body. He has another tattoo on his chest and over his right shoulder. Damn. I notice one on the top of his back too as he turns to kick his shoes off. When he turns back, my cheeks are flaming, but he doesn’t notice. Instead, he grasps me and yanks at my shirt.
“Oh Jax, no way.”
Not listening to my protest, he lifts me and throws me over his shoulder. I squeal and slap his backside with my hands.
“JAX, put me down.”
“Stop whacking me girl or I will toss you on this sand and yank those pretty panties off.”
I cease smacking him instantly, and I hear his chuckle. I do, however, continue to fight.
“Let me down, it will be freezing in there, and everyone is watching. Jax…JAX!”
He t
osses me then, straight into the cold, salty water. I come up with a scream as he lunges at me and drives me in further. We tackle, laughing and rolling about in the water until finally I can get a word in.
“I-I-I'm gunna kill you for t-t-t-this Watts.” I stammer, shivering.
He wraps me in his arms and kisses my salty forehead. “You will kill me when you see how messy your hair is.”
“Asshole.”
He lifts me into his arms and walks out of the water; onlookers sigh and smile at us. We probably look like a couple madly in love, if only they knew. Oh if only. Mr I do not love anybody was about as hard to get with as a brick wall. We dry ourselves and head back towards the bike; my hair is tangly and sticky, so Jax takes us back to the hotel where we can shower. When we get in, he tears off his shirt and drops his pants. I blush and turn away, god he has no shame.
“Have you no shame pirate?”
“Nah, you have seen it all. I am going to shower, then we are going to dinner and clubbing. Dress nice.”
“Wha…”
He is gone before I can finish my question. I sigh and slip out of my clothes until I am in my underwear, then I skimp off to the next shower and turn it on. I step in and let the warm water cascade of my body. Ahhhh, how wondrous it feels. I hear my door swing open and Jax leans in, turning my shower off with an angry glare.
“You stole my hot water woman.”
I can’t help it; a giggle erupts from my throat. “You told me to shower.”
He stops then and glances down, letting his eyes run over my body.
“God Dammit.” He hisses, before turning and flying out.
I finish my shower quickly and slip out. I hear his shower start again, and I have to fight back the temptation to storm in there and throw myself at him. Instead, I go and ruffle through my bags to find some clothes. I come up with a small black dress I would have never been allowed to wear. I slide it on and am mid way through adjusting it when Jax walks out. He has a towel wrapped around his waist and boy, does he look edible. I turn my hungry gaze from his body, inwardly cursing myself for being so damn obvious.
“Nice dress.” He murmurs in a deep, breathy voice.
I glance up at him, he has just dropped his towel and pulled up a pair of black jeans.
“It’s not too much?”
“Definantley not too much, if anything…too little.”
“Don’t you like it?” I whisper, hurt.
“No, I like it. So will half the city. Jade, do you have any idea how hot you are?”
I blush. “Do you have any idea how hot you are?”
He grins. “Yep.”
“Arrogant. It will be fine; I don’t plan on going home with anybody.”
“Damn right you’re not.”
His tone is…almost controlling. I glance up at him with raised eyebrows.
“Since when did you become boss?”
“Since you came into my care. Now stop arguing and get your damned hair done.”
“Okay.” I say, pulling on a pair of high heel shoes.
“We are going to dinner with the crew, then out.”
“Yes pirate, you already told me that.” I snap.
Jax glares at me but does not argue. He slides on a long sleeved black shirt and slowly does up the buttons. When he is done, he rolls the sleeves up to his elbows. Damn. He is making my insides turn to liquid; I want to jump his bones so hard right now. I shake the thought from my head.
“You got more tatts?” I ask.
“Yeah.”
“I like them.”
He grins. “I know.”
“Is that why you got them?”
“No darlin, I like them too.”
“It makes you look all bad boy.”
He laughs. “I am all bad boy; you should know that by now.”
“Oh, I know it alright.” I mutter.
There is a knock at the door; Jax walks over and opens it. The crew slowly pile in, their eyes all fall on me, and the room becomes silent. What?
“Damn girl, you are hot.” Jez says. Ew.
“Wow honey, you scrub up well.” Sam smiles.
“Alright, eyes off,” Jax snaps. “You all keep an eye on her tonight, nobody is to touch her.”
I blink and snort. Geez, over protective much? Though secretly, it love it.
“Aye Cap.”
I notice Sam gazing at Jax, and it is only then I realize how gorgeous he looks. Black jeans, black shirt undone at the top, sleeves rolled, golden chain around his neck. Hair all ruffled and disheveled. In fact, he has that just fucked look. I knew better, but the others probably assumed that is what we had been up to. God, my heart is going mad. I stand and rush into the bathroom, muttering that I need to do my hair. I stand, brushing and curling it around my fingers when Jax walks in behind me.
He walks up so close I can feel his chest against my back; I watch in the mirror as he lifts his hands over my head, I see he has something sparkly in his hands. When my view clears I see he is putting a necklace on. I glance at the beautiful tear drop diamond and gasp. His green eyes meet my blue eyes in the mirror and so many unspoken words pass between us.
“I got Rusty to get it for you.” He murmurs as he does it up and lets it fall so it sits around my chest.
“Oh…Jax. It is so beautiful.”
“It’s not much on what you are used to but…”
“It’s gorgeous, I love it. Thank you.”
He turns me so we were facing each other. “I have never in my life given a woman a diamond. Not even my wife. I told you I couldn't give you want you wanted, and I can’t. I will never be the boyfriend type, and I was an awful husband but know this…I don’t do for any woman, what I do for you. If that doesn’t mean something…”
“It does.” I whisper.
His green gaze searches my face and he leans forward, pressing a kiss onto my lips. He doesn’t hold it long; he turns and is gone before anymore can be said. If only he knew what he just did for me, would always mean the world.
We go to the hotel’s restaurant which has been reserved for us. The men scrub up well; nobody would ever suspect what they are. I sit down beside Jax, and Jack slides in beside me. He looks as dazzling as always in his white shirt and blue jeans. He smiles at me, and I grin back.
“Hey Jack.”
“Hey sweetheart, are you having fun?”
“Oh Jack, I am having the best time. Jax has been amazing.”
Jax glances down at me then, with a hint of a smile.
“Drink?” He asks.
“Sure.”
He walks off, and I turn my attention back to Jack.
“I must say Jade, I have never seen him like this. He really cares for you.”
“Oh no, he is just being kind to me.”
“I doubt that.”
“Anyway, are you having fun?”
“Sure, I have had a busy day. I took Sam and Margy around, and we went to lunch.”
“Sounds fun.” I laugh.
“Are you looking forward to tonight?”
“Oh yes, have you been clubbing Jack?”
“Of course.” He grins.
Jax returns then and slides a wine in front of me. I sip it and smile. “Good choice Watts.”
He gives me that heart wrenching half smile. “I am not all bad.”
“Certainly not.”
“So Jade, tell us what you thought of the theme park?” Sam asks.
I feel Jax slide his hand over and take mine into his. I am shocked, again he is holding my hand? I try not to show it so I answer Sam.
“Oh, that rollercoaster was scary.”
“She screamed like a girl.” Jax teases.
“Oh shut up.”
“Sounds like you had fun.” Sam smiles, though it looks a touch jealous.
“We did.”
“Oh, that’s a stunning necklace. Where did you get that?”
“Jax.” I say nervously, and she narrows her eyes. She glances at Jax, then back
to me.
“Are you two…um…together?”
“NO.” Jax snaps, so quickly it hurts. I know it shouldn’t have; he has made it so clear we would never be but his words tear into me. I slide my hand from his; he glances at me with a confused expression. Really? He honestly has no idea why I am upset?
“I um, need to go to the bathroom.”
“Are you ok?” He asks.
“Fine.” I choke.
I stand, stumbling backwards and turn to hurry off. Sam follows me in, and when I shut the door, she spills out a thousand apologies.
“Oh Jade, I am so sorry.”
“It’s not your fault Sam. You didn’t know. I am just…oh god, so hurt and confused. He has been so unbelievable today. Yet, he is so adamant I will never be anything to him. It hurts.”
“Oh honey,” She says gently, pulling me into her arms. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s OK, I should know better. I am setting my self up for this hurt.”
“Come on, clean up and we will go out and have some fun tonight. Forget how you feel aboutJax, just let your hair down and enjoy this evening.”
“You’re right, thanks Sam.”
We take another ten minutes for my red eyes to ease down, and then we join everybody at the table again. I sit back beside Jax, who reaches out to take my hand again. I slide it away from him, and he looks a little hurt. He stares at me and then sighs, turning back to Rusty.
“Hi, what would ya’ll like?” Ask’s a blonde bombshell waitress.
The men put in their orders, and she focuses her attention on Jax.
“And what about you handsome?”
Jax grins. “Steak, medium.”
“Good choice, men like you need that iron.” She purrs.
“Oh for fucks sake.” I spit, everybody looks at me and the waitress puts her hand over her mouth in fiend innocence.
“Have I offended you?”
“No of course not but I suppose you wouldn’t assume he is taken…I mean somebody like him would never want somebody like me right? I get it, don’t worry. However, I don’t appreciate your ass in my face while you try hard to chat him up, now get the fuck out of my way before I stab you with my fork.”