At the sound of Forest’s voice, butterflies swarm in my middle. “I just wanted to check on my girls. Unfortunately, I don’t think I’ll get out of here as early as I thought. We had a few people call out, and I don’t want to put the guys in a bind. I hope you don’t mind. Call me, beautiful. I’d love to hear from you.” His message ends, and I have a big shit-eating grin on my face from him calling me beautiful.
It’s not that I’ve never heard it before, but when Forest says it, I get all warm and tingly. I don’t delete his message. Instead, I save it so I can hear him call me beautiful whenever I need a pick me up. Before I check my text messages, I decide to call everyone back, starting with my dad, since I know Forest is busy, and hopefully Dad has some good news.
The phone rings four times, and I’m about to hang up when he finally answers. “Commander Jack Sark. How may I help you?”
“Dad, it’s me. Sorry I missed your call. I’ve been getting Ella settled in. She came home sick from school today.”
“I hope she’s okay. Do you need me to pick up anything and bring it over? If I can get out of here, I can make you both some soup.”
“How about if she’s still not feeling well tomorrow, you come over and make your mashed potatoes? Even when I was throwing up, those always made me feel better,” I tell him as my stomach growls.
“I’d like that. It’s a date.” There’s a pause and what sounds like papers shuffling.
“What’s going on, Dad? You only get quiet when something's bugging you. What is it?” I ask, fiddling with the bottom of my shirt.
“We’ve apprehended the person who orchestrated the break-in of your apartment, though there are still a few unanswered questions. But I’m sure we’ll get the answers before too much longer. You, Forest, and Ella should be in the clear now,” Dad informs me, and it’s like a weight is lifted from my chest.
“Is that why Lieutenant Sawyer stopped by this morning?” I inquire.
“Sawyer came to Forest’s place today?” he questions, sounding a bit concerned.
“Yes. I heard Forest talking to him when he came back from dropping Ella off at school. I didn’t see him, though. Is everything okay?”
“I’m sure it’s fine. I’ll talk to him later.” There’s a knock from his end of the line. “Jax, I need to go. I have a detective and Lieutenant Sawyer standing at my door. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Bye, Dad,” I reply just before the line goes dead.
Scrolling to C.J.’s contact info, I try calling him with no luck. It goes to voicemail, and I hang up, deciding to text him after I return Forest’s call. Because I know Forest will want to talk to Ella, I head back inside to find that Ella is starting to doze off. Dialing his phone, it starts to go to voicemail, and I hang up, not wanting to disturb Ella, since I can’t reach him. Instead, I send a text.
Jax: Ella’s had meds, and now she’s on the couch dozing off as she watches Beauty and the Beast. Do what you need to do at work. We’ll be fine. Tonight when you get home, remind me to tell you about the conversation I had with my dad. Have a good night. If you have any extra desserts tonight, will you bring one home? I feel like celebrating.
I don’t get a response, but I don’t expect to, since he didn’t answer his phone. I send one more text, this time to C.J., before I check the ones I’ve missed.
Jax: Sorry I missed your call. Yes, Forest and I have talked things out. We are dating. ;) I’m staying with him and Ella, and he’s asked me to move in. Well, Ella did first, but Forest asked me too. What’s your schedule like? I’m not sure what the weekend is going to look like for me. Ella came home sick today, and I’m with her, but I should be able to get back to work in the next day or so.
I shoot quick responses to my other messages then cuddle up next to Ella and watch the movie.
Chapter 14
Forest
It’s late by the time I get home. Even though the menu consisted of soups and sandwiches, Belladonna was rockin’. Thank Christ I talked Nessa into bringing some soup to Ella and Jax earlier. I know Jax could have made something, but I felt shity all day for being at work while she took care of Ella. Now, I’m just glad to be home. Grabbing the bag of leftovers and dessert off the passenger seat, I open my door and slide out of the truck. Heading for the elevator, I hear two car doors close behind me. Glancing back, I spot Wes and Calla walking toward me.
“Hey, Forest, do you need to call out for tomorrow? We didn’t talk about it earlier,” Calla asks as she steps up next to me. The three of us wait for the elevator doors to open.
“Not sure yet. Since we were so slammed, I haven’t spoken to Jax to know if Ella is still puking or not. I should have an answer early tomorrow morning.”
The elevator chimes, and the doors slide open. Wes and I wait as Calla steps on first.
“Keep us posted. Anything we can do to help, we will,” Wes adds as he hits both buttons for our floors.
Calla yawns and is swaying on her feet when we stop on my floor.
“I’ll see you guys one way or another tomorrow. Have a good night,” I say, exiting. Calla and Wes bid me goodnight as the doors slide closed.
Making my way down the hall to my apartment drags ass. It's as if I’m moving in slow motion. It's a damn good thing I slept with Jax this morning, because I don't think there's enough energy in my pinky toe tonight, let alone the rest of me. Arriving at my door, I unlock it and make my way inside where I find both of my girls cuddled up on the couch asleep with the TV on.
Chuckling to myself, I make my way to the kitchen and unpack the soups and dessert as my stomach growls. Pulling open the silverware drawer, I grab three spoons and place them on the counter. Trying not to wake Jax or Ella before I’m ready to, I search the kitchen for the tray I know is hiding somewhere so I can take the soups and dessert to the living room and have a late night snack with two of the prettiest ladies I know. Without realizing it, however, my search does disturb them, and one by one, they make their way to me.
“Hi,” Jax says on a yawn, stretching as she walks into the kitchen and wrapping her toned arms around my waist.
“Hi, beautiful.” I kiss the top of her head. “How was your day?”
“Daddy,” Ella calls out, looking miserable as she slowly comes toward me.
Jax releases me, and I move to pick up my little girl. As soon as she’s in my arms, she lays her head on my shoulder, and I hug her tight.
“Still not feeling well?” I ask, setting her on the counter.
Her head shakes on my shoulder in response.
“My day was decent,” Jax answers my question to her. “We’ll talk about it later. Ella hasn’t stopped vomiting, but with that said, the frequency at which she’s getting sick has slowed down. We’ve actually gotten a few hours of sleep. And she did hold down the broth I gave her for dinner. It’s probably time for more meds.”
“Well, I brought home soup and desserts,” I tell her, glancing back and forth between them before focusing on Ella. “You feel like trying some of the soup that was created tonight in your honor at Belladonna? The kitchen crew decided that since you didn’t feel good, they’d make things I could bring home to you to help you feel better. There are a few different types. You can try all of them, or just one. It’s up to you.”
“If I only want one tonight, will you leave me a little of the others to try tomorrow?” Ella asks, yawning and rubbing her tummy.
“Yes, and some of the desserts as well.”
“Is there chicken noodle?”
“Yes.” I reach over and grab the spoons. There’s no sense making her move, especially when she looks like she might fall back to sleep at any moment.
Ella’s eyes droop then flutter open. “Daddy, I think I just want to go back to sleep.”
“Okay. Let’s get a little more medicine in you, and I’ll tuck you in,” I suggest, and she nods her agreement.
Jax shakes out the nasty pink tablet and hands it over to Ella. She chews the tablet and swallo
ws it down, making a yuck face and shaking her head.
“Can I have some water please?” Ella asks, sticking her tongue out.
Picking Ella up off the counter, I carry her out of the kitchen, stopping at the fridge to grab a bottle of water for her. She quickly twists the cap off and sips from the bottle before she closes it and lays her head back down on my shoulder.
“Come on, baby girl. Time to tuck you in.” I pat her back and continue walking toward her bedroom.
Before I enter Ella’s room, she’s asleep on my shoulder. Getting her in bed and under the covers is a bit tricky, as she wiggles around when I put her down.
“Daddy, I love Jax. Can we keep her forever?” Ella murmurs, her eyes still closed, and she rolls over on her side.
I kiss her head. “Night, sweetie. I’m working on it,” I whisper into her hair.
When I get back out to the kitchen, I find Jax sitting at the bar waiting for me. Taking the seat next to her, I lean down to kiss her shoulder. We both pick up a spoon and dig into the soups, sharing half of them all but still leaving some for Ella.
“So, besides having to help me with Ella, how was the rest of your day?” I ask as I pull the desserts toward us.
“Let’s have these with Ella in the morning,” Jax suggests. “I think it will brighten her day––if she can keep down food.” Jax places her soup on the bar.
“Dessert for breakfast...that sounds like a great plan. Now, can I talk you into taking this conversation into my room and staying there the rest of the night?”
“Yes. That’s something I want to talk to you about as well,” she responds, picking up the desserts and walking over to the fridge.
Following her lead, I grab the soup containers and the spoons, dropping the latter in the sink and the former in the fridge next to the desserts. As Jax moves away from the kitchen, I grab her arm and pull her back toward me, pinning her against the fridge, caging her in. Using the tip of my nose, I lightly caress her neck, her jawline, and up to her nose. Sliding my nose up and down hers a couple of times, I decide I have to have my mouth on her.
I’d had plans to be gentle and romantic, but with her here like this, gentle isn’t going to happen. Jax fists my shirt in her hands, pulling me even closer until there’s no space between us. I press a hard kiss on her lips that forces her mouth open on a moan. Taking the kiss deeper, our tongues twist and twine together until we break apart panting.
“Why don’t I go grab a few things from my room so I don’t have to leave your bed too early in the morning,” Jax suggests, pushing my chest away.
Taking a step back, I give her room to move. “You do realize Ella comes into my room some mornings and crawls into bed with me, right? She promptly falls back to sleep, but there is a chance she’ll find you in my room if you sleep with me...are you okay with that?” I ask, needing to know, considering the rules she wanted in place less than a week ago.
“I’ll be right in. Tonight, let’s remake the rules and talk about our day. We can fool around another time.” Rising on to her tiptoes, she kisses my lips then my nose before pulling away and heading toward the spare bedroom.
While she’s doing what she needs to do, I get the apartment locked up and shut down for bed, leaving three lights on in case Ella wakes up in the middle of the night needing anything. Jax hasn’t returned when I finish, so I make my way into my room, leaving the door cracked for her as I get myself ready for bed.
I hear the bedroom door close when I step from the bathroom. Jax, once again, is in what I can only call booty shorts and a tank. While the shorts do cover her ass, they are very form-fitting and hug her body in all the right places. As for the tank, it’s a little looser, but it shows off her tits beautifully.
“Well hello, gorgeous.” My grin is huge. “Have I told you how hot your pjs are?”
Jax shakes her head in the negative. “Let’s get in bed so we can finish our conversation. You look as exhausted as I feel, and if you’re going to make good on your comments from this morning, we don’t have much time.”
“Oh, so you’re up for round three?” My grin turns mischievous.
“With you––always.”
In a few quick strides, I’m next to Jax, lifting her into my arms and carrying her like I would if we’d just gotten married, and we’re crossing the threshold. When we get close enough to the bed, I toss her on it and move to my side as she scrambles under the covers.
She cuddles in close, crossing her arms on my chest and resting her chin on her hands. Making sure to keep eye contact, she takes a deep breath and begins.
“Before you ask any questions, let me get everything out...deal?”
I nod and play with her silky hair.
“You asked me to move in, and at first, I was going to say no. Not because I didn’t want to, but because we had just started dating. But after this morning, and picking up Ella, I was already changing my mind, though I didn’t realize it until Ella asked me if I considered this place home. And I do. Every time you and I texted, I called this home. Home is where you and Ella are for me, so yes, I’d love to move in. Which pretty much makes the rules obsolete. Ella’s already seen us kissing. Granted, she doesn’t need to see more than that, but if I’m moving in, she’s going to see us kiss, hold hands, and more, so the rules don’t really apply. That said, you’ll need to decide if I’m moving in just as a friend and my room is the spare, or if I’m moving in, and we’re truly making this happen as a couple?” Her voice softens on the question, and I wait a second to make sure I can respond.
Holy fucking shit! She’s moving in…and she’s all mine.
I want to scream it from the rooftop, but I play it cool. However, I’m positive she’s feeling my rapid heartbeat. It feels like it’s going to beat out of my chest and smack her in the face.
“If you’re moving in, you’re moving in as my woman. You’ll be sharing my room. Yes, you can use the spare if you need extra space. But Joclyn, you’ll never sleep in that bed again. This will be your room too,” I reply without hesitation, lifting slightly to kiss her and more.
Before more can even get started, Jax stops me. “There’s one more thing that happened today. Well, two, actually. I spoke with my dad, and he thinks he has the issue of my safety, along with yours and Ella’s, under control. So, I won’t have a police detail following me around anymore. He didn’t tell me all the details, just that it was handled. And I need to meet with C.J. soon. He’s finally ready to talk and is feeling better. So...depending on how Ella is feeling, that may happen this weekend. And last––sorry, I know I said two, but this one we touched on a little when I picked up Ella. I would really like to be on the list to pick her up some days. Okay...that’s it. You can ask questions now.”
“I’m glad your dad has everything under control. I was starting to get worried. Whatever time you need to meet with C.J., we can make it all work. Mom and Dad will take Ella, even if she’s still sick. Monday morning, we will drop Ella off together––if your schedule will allow––and put you on the list.” I kiss her again. “Now, the only question I have is...are you going to be on top tonight, or am I? Oh, and I love you.”
Tears fill her eyes as she smiles from ear to ear. “I love you too. I have since the day you asked for my help.”
“You had me from the day we laid Hailey to rest. Thank you for everything you’ve done for Ella. You fill the the remaining half of both of our hearts. We’re a family with you, and I can’t imagine a life without you in it.”
Pulling her up my body, I kiss her hard and passionately. “I love you,” I murmur into our kiss.
Epilogue
Rex
I still can’t believe it’s been eight months since Wes finally pulled his head out of his ass and realized how much a relationship with Calla is worth. There for a while, I thought I was going to have to ask her out in order to shake Wes up some. Though, not only would I have gotten my ass kicked by Wes, but also by her brother, Ben...and possibly Wes’s bro
thers too. Thankfully, I never need to think about doing that again.
In fact, the loving couple should be arriving any minute, along with the rest of the gang from Belladonna. I’ve been dying to show them the new speakeasy section of the club.
Thank fuck Wes talked me into purchasing this building.
“Hey, Rex! When are your friends getting here?” Teagan yells from the bar.
Wes was right when he called her a spitfire, but she won’t admit to it.
I glance at my watch. “Anytime now,” I respond.
Teagan’s a godsend, and the perfect addition to my team. She’d also be a perfect addition to my bed, but she keeps saying no. Frustrating woman. However, that's not going to stop me. Sooner or later, I will wear her ass down.
“Yo dude, where the fuck are you?” Wes’s voice calls up the staircase, pulling me from my Teagan-centered thoughts.
“Over here, asshole,” I answer.
Wes rounds the steps, Calla right behind him, followed by the rest of our friends. At least, those that play poker with us. It’s only fitting, since that is how I want to christen this place. Normally, we play at Belladonna on Sunday or Monday nights, depending on our schedules. Those are the two nights both places are closed, which makes it easy to play at a decent time for those who have kids, or those who are trying to have kids.
“We brought food too,” Calla tells me as she places a bowl of something on a side table.
I’m a little shocked Wes let her carry anything, but once she removes the lid, I understand why. It’s one of my favorite dishes. It's also one that Wes would never have let out of their place if he’d known she’d made it for me. Back in the day, before we modified the recipe, it would take us months to talk her into making her stuffed peppers. Now that she makes it into a dip, we have it all the time, and I still can’t get enough. I’ve asked for the recipe a million times, but she always tells me, “Hell the fuck no!” Seriously, if she wasn’t Wes’s, I’d make some kind of arrangement with her...sex in exchange for food. We’d both be happy.
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