Bearded Dessert (One of the Boys Book 3)

by Teresa Crumpton

  “Dad, the only difference between my place and Forest’s is that he has a doorman, and I don’t.” I glare at my dad.

  “Mr. Sark, Jax is always welcome here. Whatever she needs, I’m happy to help,” Forest interjects, winking at me as he’s cooking bacon and cracking eggs.

  Breakfast doesn’t take long to cook, and before I know it, Forest is placing plates in front of my Dad and me. When Dad finishes his food, he thanks Forest, kisses my head, and leaves. Leaving me unsettled...and at a loss for words.

  Chapter 6

  Forest

  I haven’t gotten anything done that I had planned to accomplish today. Thankfully, Belladonna is closed on Tuesdays now. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have food in the house for Ella or myself. With my thoughts on Ella, I check my watch. Shit! I’m going to be late. Leaving my room, I head to the living room, praying Jax is ready to leave.

  “Jax,” I call as I head down the hallway.

  “I’m ready. Do we have time to stop at my place before picking up Ella, or do we need to wait until after?” she asks as she stands from the couch.

  Damn do I love her casual look! My eyes travel down the length of her body, noticing every curve imaginable. Her long-sleeved tee is form-fitting and showcases her perky breasts, making me want to fondle them. And those distressed, bootcut jeans fit her in all the right places––especially her tight ass. I’m not sure how I’m going to focus on getting out of my place and not rushing her off to my bed.

  “Earth to Forest.” Jax snaps her fingers in front of my face, and I blink out of that fantasy. “Are you okay?” she asks me.

  “You’re lucky we need to pick up Ella, because I want to fuck you so bad right now,” I blurt out, adjusting my hardening cock as I move toward the front door. “Come on. I need to get out of here.”

  “That reminds me, we need to finish that talk we started last night.” Jax steps out of the apartment in front of me. “When we were talking over dinner, I’m not sure I was understanding what you wanted. I thought you wanted to date other people, because you didn’t want to fuck up our friendship. Then you kissed me, and that made me think you might want to date me. Forest...please help me out here.”

  The thought of dating someone else deflates my hard-on quickly.

  “Last night I was a bit flustered, especially after what happened to you. When I couldn’t get ahold of you and seeing all the cops around your place, I was scared shitless. The only other time in recent memory that happened was the day I found out about Ella, and everything that happened afterwards,” I explain as we walk toward the elevator.

  “Okay...so what do you want?” She faces me as we come to a stop to wait.

  “Jax, I want you. I have since the day we met. Yeah, I know that day was fucked up, but I saw you, and wanted to...well I wouldn’t say date...but I did want to start something with you.”

  “But you had Ella with you.”

  “Yes, and I was having very dirty thoughts about you while trying to comfort Ella in her time of need. It was only a little awkward,” I add sarcastically.

  “Oh. Well, if we’re telling truths, I thought you were sexy as hell with your suit and beard, especially with those pale green eyes of yours. But I thought your wife had just passed. When you set me straight on that, I was ecstatic,” she admits as we step into the elevator.

  “I’m glad to hear I wasn't the only one feeling like that. Even Ella has asked if I could make you my girlfriend.” I chuckle thinking about all the times Ella has told me to ask Jax out.

  “What's so funny?” She places a hand on her hip.

  “Just remembering all the times Ella has begged me to ask you out or make you my girlfriend. She's very persistent,” I add, and Jax grins back.

  “She's too cute for her own good, but I adore her.”

  “We both adore you, Jax. And I think I can speak for both of us when I say we’d love for you to stay with us. Even if you don't want to date me, the spare room is yours for however long you need it.” I study her thoughtful expression and hold my breath as I wait for her answer.

  “I’d like to see what this thing between us is.” She gestures back and forth between us. “So, I’m game for taking this to the next level. I think we should set a few guidelines for when we're around Ella, though. I love that little girl like she’s my own, so I don't want to do anything to hurt her or make her uncomfortable.”

  I nod in agreement. “You know I’ll do everything in my power to make sure my baby girl never hurts again.”

  “I do. As far as my safety goes, I’d really appreciate using the spare room while Dad works to arrest the people responsible for what happened last night.” The elevator doors open.

  “I agree with having some guidelines.” I grin down at her as we step off the elevator. “And they're going to be hard as fuck to set up and follow. At least for me. Especially with you staying with us.”

  I fucking want you in my bed every night.

  She smirks as she shakes her head.

  “I’ll take that challenge. My apartment, or pick up Ella?” We walk to exit the building into the parking garage, heading for my truck.

  “Honestly, I think for Ella’s safety, we should go to your place. But I think Ella would rather us pick her up together.”

  “I see your point. Plus, I need to get my car. What if I call my Dad and tell him to have a uniform waiting for us when we get there? That way we’ll all be safe, and I can drive my car back.”

  “Good plan,” I agree as I unlock the truck and open her door.

  Jax hops in, and I close the door. As I start to walk around the bed of the truck, my phone buzzes with incoming texts.

  Nessa: Dad said he saw Jax at your place this morning. I take it you fixed things?

  Forest: We have, but not before Dad got there. Jax spent the night.

  I open my door and slide in, closing the door and starting the engine before for plugging in my phone.

  I glance over at Jax. “We’ll leave in just a sec. I need to finish this conversation with Nessa.”

  “While you do that, I’ll text my Dad. What do you think? Have a uniform be at my place in twenty to thirty minutes?” she asks as another text comes in, and I nod as I read the message from Nessa.

  Nessa: Oh wow.

  Forest: She stayed in the spare room. Don’t go jumping to conclusions, Trouble.

  Nessa: Yeah, yeah. Do you have plans today?

  Forest: We’re about to go pick up Ella then head over to Jax’s place to pick up a few things, including her car. She’s going to be hanging at my place for a few days.

  Nessa: Do you think that’s wise? Especially with Ella?

  Forest: Really? She’s going to be in the spare room. Keep this line of thought up, and I’ll start calling you Piper instead of Trouble.

  Nessa: You wouldn’t dare!

  Forest: Try me.

  Nessa: Asshole

  Forest: Don’t start. I’m in the car. Is there something you actually need?

  Nessa: We wanted to see if you and Ella wanted to have dinner with us tonight.

  Forest: As long as you don’t mind if Jax comes along. If she’s interested, I’m down.

  Nessa: She’s welcome to come. It might be the whole family. I’m not sure yet.

  Forest: Let me know.

  Nessa: Deal.

  Placing my phone in its holder, I turn on the music and pull out of my parking space. Body Like A Back Road, one of my favorite songs, spills from the speakers, and I tap my fingers on the wheel to the beat. When we are out of the garage, I glance over at Jax, but her focus is solely on her phone as it’s blowing up with notifications.

  My eyes back on the road, I head for Ella’s school and cross my fingers that before we get there, Jax and I will be able to talk about some ground rules for our relationship. Normally, this drive relaxes me and is one of the joys of my days off. Ella is always bursting with smiles and energy when she sees me, and it fills my heart.

  “Ugh,” Jax mu
tters, pulling me from my thoughts of Ella as she puts her phone in a cup holder. “Now that I’ve handled all of that, we need to talk ground rules.”

  From the corner of my eye, I see her shift in the passenger seat so she can look at me. Her thumbs twitch in her lap as if she's playing thumb war with herself. I reach up and turn down the music slightly then reach for her hands. She stops fidgeting and squeezes my hand.

  “I’ll go first. While I really want to take you to bed, I think we should hold off. Have a few actual dates first and see what happens,” I throw out, changing lanes to make my next turn. “I’d also like to include Ella on some of our dates. I know she already loves you, but I want her to feel comfortable with us as more than friends.”

  “Agreed,” Jax says. “I also think we should be careful about kissing in front of her, at least for a bit. Maybe like you said...start out slow, like letting her see us holding hands first.”

  “I can work with that.” I squeeze her hand in agreement. I pull to a stop at a light and look over at her. “Before we get Ella, I have another question that might piss you off.”

  One of her eyebrows lifts in curiosity. “That's a little ominous.”

  “I know, and I’m sorry. Even if we hadn't decided to date, I’d want to have this discussion after what happened yesterday. I think you should consider moving into a more secure apartment building. One that has a guard or doorman so there's another line of protection between you and the outside world.” The light turns green, and I push the gas pedal.

  “I’ve started thinking about that as well. I’m not sure if I should look at your building or one of the ones around the corner,” she agrees as we pull into the school pickup line.

  Chapter 7

  Ella

  It’s been such a long day, and I can’t wait to see Daddy. I’ve been so jittery today. And I got called on it. Twice! Daddy isn’t going to be happy about that. Maybe he’ll cut me some slack. I was just so excited to see Jax this morning at our place that I couldn’t contain myself. Ms. Scott called me a chatterbox three times. I’m not sure what that means exactly, but I’m guessing it has something to do with talking a lot. I even talked to Taylor. He normally doesn’t sit near me, but today he wanted to sit with Alexander and Dylan, and they sit near me.

  Those two always pepper me with questions, now that they know who my family is. Or rather, my extended family. But I don't mind. Between them, Payton, Addison, Mak, and Kami, I finally feel like I belong. I miss my friends in Houston, but we chat once or twice a week, whenever they’re all together. That is one of the major changes Dad lets me do that Mom never would have. He knows it's hard on me being here, and not having contact with my friends as much, so the phone Uncle Adam got me gets used a lot for those times.

  “Ella, your ride’s here,” Ms. Scott calls out.

  “Bye, y’all! See you tomorrow,” I yell, getting up from the floor and waving bye.

  “Bye,” the girls say as I head out.

  Taylor’s name is called at the same time, and he walks out beside me. “See you tomorrow, Ella,” he tells me as he heads down toward his ride.

  “Bye,” I whisper back, a little dazed that he’s saying bye to me. I really didn’t think he liked me much. Granted, he doesn’t treat me like Johnny does, but that’s only because Taylor isn’t a total jackwagon.

  Jackwagon. I giggle.

  I have to admit there’s more than one benefit to hanging out with my aunts and uncles at Belladonna. Besides all the cash for college I’m raking in with the swear jars, I’m also learning new uses for words. Uncle Wes has started using jackwagon for asshole or dumbass, and I love the sound of it. Aunt Piper gets pissy if I use any and all words I hear at Belladonna that Mom wouldn’t have approved of. But thankfully, Dad lets some slide...as long as I don’t use them daily. If I do, I’ll have to start paying the swear jars too. I really don’t want to do that.

  I spot Dad’s truck and head for it. I’m glad today is a Monday, even though coming to school after the weekend sucks. Don’t get me wrong, I like school and my classes. It’s just...during the week, I don’t get to see Dad as much as I want to. And I don’t get to hang out at Belladonna. On the weekends, I do. Saturdays, I get to hang with Dad most of the day then he takes me into work, and Nonna and Gramps or Aunt Piper pick me up. Sometimes, Aunt Nessa leaves early and takes me back to her place. Those are fun nights too. Sundays are the best, though. I get to hang out all morning at Belladonna and help make the menu. Those are our cookoff days, and everything they make is created from what I like to eat. It’s the best! Plus, Dad and I always walk down to Voodoo Doughnut afterward to have a donut with Jax.

  One of the teachers opens the truck door, and I hop in. “Hi, Dad. How’s your day been?” I ask as I get situated. That’s when I look up and see Jax is sitting in the front seat too.

  “Hi, baby girl! My day has been interesting. It’s brightened up now that I have you and Jax with me,” he says and winks at me in the rearview mirror.

  I wiggle in my seat. “Jax! I was hoping I’d see you again today!”

  “I’m glad I get to see you again today as well.” She turns in the seat to face me. “I have a request.”

  “What is it?” I ask, leaning forward.

  “Would it be okay if I stay in the guest room for a few days? Your dad already said yes, but I want to make sure you’re okay with it, or if I need to stay somewhere else.” Jax studies me, waiting for my answer.

  Lips pursed, I move them back and forth as I think about her request. “Of course you can stay with us. It will be the best sleepover ever! Dad, if Jax is staying with us, can we get pizza for dinner? Maybe invite everyone over?”

  “Pizza is a yes. We’ll talk about inviting everyone over. We need to get a few things from Jax’s place, and you still have homework to do. That said, why don’t you send a text to everyone and see if the family is up for celebrating tonight? You’ll need to get your homework done quickly when we get home so you can hang out with everyone, though. Deal?” Dad starts the truck, and we head out of the parking lot.

  “Deal,” I respond, pulling my phone out of my backpack and powering it on. It’s one of the rules Dad gave me when I got the phone. I can keep it with me at all times, in case there is an emergency, but I have to keep it turned off while I’m in school. Once school is out, I can turn it on so I can let him know where I am, and who I’m with.

  As soon as the phone is on, I send out the text.

  Ella: If y’all aren’t busy tonight, would you like to come over and have pizza with us? Jax is having a sleepover with us, and I have to finish my homework, but I want to see everyone…Please??!!!

  Calla: Wes and I can come down for pizza.

  Wes: Pizza sounds great.

  Trey: Sorry, sweetheart, I have plans with an old friend for dinner.

  Adam: Aunt Nessa and I are out too. She’s not feeling well, and we’d rather not have her give you whatever bug she has. When she gets better, we’ll make sure to have dinner with you. Okay?

  Ella: Aunt Calla, Uncle Wes, I’ll text you when we get home. Oh, Uncle Wes, I might need your help with some homework, if you don’t mind helping me.

  Wes: Alright, sweetheart. I’ll help anyway I can.

  “Dad, Aunt Calla and Uncle Wes are coming down for pizza. Uncle Trey already had dinner plans, and Aunt Nessa’s sick again, so Uncle Adam said they won't be coming over. They don't want to get us sick. Do you want me to text Nonna and Gramps?” I ask, putting my phone in my lap.

  A strange expression crosses Dad's face as he glances between me in the mirror and Jax in the front seat.

  “Is everything okay?” Jax asks, studying Dad.

  “Nessa was okay yesterday. Or at least, I thought she was. They've been trying to have a baby, and it's been difficult for them. I’m not sure if she's been getting sick from the medications...or something else,” Dad explains, and I perk up.

  I didn't know Aunt Nessa and Uncle Adam were trying to have a baby. It’
ll be cool to have a little one around. At least it always had been when the babies came around cheerleading practice. Some of the players’ wives were friends with Mom and Aunt Piper and would come out to practice to get back in shape. There were days when I’d play with the babies instead of practicing with the team.

  “I’ll have to check on Nessa later,” Dad tells Jax before coming to a stop at a light and turning back to look at me. “Baby girl, text Nonna and Gramps if you’d like to have them over as well.”

  Picking up my phone again, I send out another text.

  Ella: We're having pizza for dinner, if you want to come have dinner with us. Jax, Uncle Wes, and Aunt Calla will be with us.

  Gramps: I think Nonna and I will pass. We just had pizza with you a few days ago. Love you.

  Ella: Okay, love you too.

  “Nonna and Gramps are out since I talked them into pizza a few days ago,” I say, grinning down at my phone.

  Dad laughs. “Yeah, that doesn't surprise me. They’ve never been big pizza fans unless we made it fresh. Which we’ll probably start doing soon.”

  “Really?” I ask in excitement.

  “Yes, really. In fact, maybe we should start tonight. How much homework do you have?” Dad asks me as we start moving again.

  I reach for my backpack and open it, pulling out my folder. “I have spelling, reading, and a little math. I was going to have Uncle Wes help with the spelling, since he always comes up with fun tricks to help me remember the words and how to spell them,” I respond, sliding my folder back into the bag.

  “Text Calla and Wes and see if they're up for making the pizzas from scratch, or if they want to order out.” Dad pulls up to a tall building, and Jax gestures where to park.

  Dad pulls to a stop and puts the car in park. Grabbing my phone, I unbuckle my seatbelt and wait for someone to open my door. It doesn't take long for Jax to do just that, and she helps me out. When I'm on the sidewalk, Dad reaches for my free hand, and we follow Jax into the building.