“It’s about time,” he teased, sliding his arms around me and placing a warm kiss on my mouth.
I closed my eyes, willing myself to have the strength to keep from melting into him.
“You smell amazing,” Jax said when the kiss broke, then placed another kiss at my temple.
I couldn’t help the giddy smile that settled on my mouth as he led me into the restaurant. The delectable scent of coriander and cumin that graced the air outside only intensified as we entered. The ambiance on the inside was darker, and there was Punjabi music playing.
“Can we eat outside? It looked nice out there,” I said over my shoulder as Jax led me forward by placing his hand lightly on the back of my waist.
“Actually, I’d prefer inside today, sweetheart. I have something I want to talk to you about. Would that be okay? We can come back another day and sit outside, I promise.”
“Okay.” I reached back for his hand when we came up to the hostess podium at the front of the room. It was void of anyone standing there, so the host or hostess must have been seating someone. I turned toward Jax. “Are you curious about my meeting with Marcia? Is that what we need to discuss?”
“Not particularly,” he dismissed with a grin. “I’m certain you handled it perfectly.” He had pulled off his sunglasses and his deep blue eyes sparkled with mischief. “Did I tell you how beautiful you look today?” He leaned in to whisper in my ear. “I love taking off that dress.:
I cocked my head and smiled again. “What are you up to?” I questioned, squeezing his hand after our fingers laced together.
“You know me so well,” Jax said in a low tone that was so sexy it rolled over my skin like honey.
He was standing close, but somehow it wasn’t close enough. I wanted his arm around me. I couldn’t help wrapping my free hand around his bicep and laying my head against his shoulder for a brief second. “I love you.”
Jax’s smile broadened. “I’m counting on it.”
“May I help you…” the words trailed off as the hostess returned to her post.
Jax and I were absorbed in each other, but when we looked away from each other in the direction of the voice, we both froze.
Gloria stood in front of us a look of shock and hatred flashing across her face before being quickly replaced with a stoic expression. “Two?” she asked, picking up some menus.
“Gloria,” Jax acknowledged her, stiffly. “What are you doing here?”
“Working. I should have thought that was obvious. I mean, you made sure I couldn’t get another job in publishing,” she huffed. Nodding toward the dining room. “This way, please.”
“We’d like a table with privacy, please,” Jax stated.
“Certainly.” She preceded us to the back of the room to a small table for two in the corner, waiting until Jax pulled out my chair for me, and we were both seated before she placed a dark brown leather menu in front of each of us.
I was speechless. She still looked the same, except she looked defeated. I knew she had gotten what she deserved, but I still felt bad for her.
When Gloria retreated, I glanced after her.
“What’s that sappy face? She only has herself to blame.”
“Don’t you feel bad at all? At least a little?” I asked sadly.
“No,” he shook his head, a wry expression settling on his face.
“I think she is in love with you, Jax.”
“Pfft,” he scoffed. “Bullshit. She was in love with how rich I made her. You’re too generous, Addison. Remember, she tried to fuck us both. I wish I could have proven the forgery. She’d be in jail.”
“I don’t think you realize the effect you have on women. Especially those who get to know you.”
His expression softened and he reached across the table for my hand. “I’m only interested in one. Can we stop talking about Gloria, please?”
That familiar thrill that always shot through me at his touch and when he looked at me in that smoldering way, did so now. “Yes.” His fingers began to stroke mine as our hands entwined on the tabletop.
“Good.”
The waiter appeared and set down some sparkling water with lime before Jax ordered a bottle of Gamay; a light bodied red wine that would pair well with many of the dishes on the menu. The waiter left us to peruse the menu while he went to retrieve it from the bar.
Jax continued to hold my hand and stare at me from across the table.
I couldn’t help the small smile that slid across my lips. “What?”
“Just… you’re very beautiful. Did you wear that dress for me?”
I had on a short dark blue dress and I had my long hair up in a messy bun. Paired with some cute wedged sandals. My makeup was sheer and minimal, and the only jewelry I wore were my diamond stud earrings.
“I did. As well as what’s underneath,” I teased. I was feeling very fine, and I loved the affect I was having on Jax. He was practically beaming.
“Mmmm… perhaps we should have just gone back to my apartment.”
“We have all afternoon. And night,” I said suggestively, cocking one of my eyebrows.
Interrupting the intimate moment, the waiter came with the wine, opened the bottle, offered Jax a taste and when he was given acceptance filled two glasses a third full. I picked up mine to take a sip of the dry red wine.
“May we have a few minutes before we order?” Jax requested of the waiter, though never breaking eye contact with me.
“Certainly, sir.” The young man nodded and left us alone.
“Aren’t you hungry, babe?” I asked.
“Starving.” Jax smirked.
My body reacted involuntarily. My nipples hardened against the soft lace of my bra and warmth spread through my lower body. I felt a warm flush creep up on my cheeks.
“I love it when I make you blush.”
I sipped at my wine and then set the glass down. “Is that all?”
Jax’s face sobered suddenly. “No. I love every part of you. I’ve never felt this way about anyone before, Addison.”
Our hands had separated when the waiter poured the wine and I found myself reaching across the table for his again. “Me, too.”
“But you’re younger. I’ve had more time to explore relationships. I know how I feel… How this is different.” His thumb stroked the top of my hand, his eyes boring into mine.
“Just because I haven’t had a million relationships, doesn’t mean I’m not sure of you,” I assured softly. “I know that you’re it for me.”
“Move in with me. I don’t want to be apart from you.”
My mouth dropped open in a barely audible gasp. Part of me knew this was coming, but hearing him say it, made it mean more. The lease on the studio was up at the end of the month and Michelle was moving in with Mark.
I didn’t hesitate. “Yes.”
His eyebrows lifted. “Yes? I thought you might say something about your parents objecting.”
“Well, I mean…” I smiled. “If you want it that way, I’m sure I could muster a little disapproval from my dad, but my mom is gaga over you. She might even be slightly jealous.” I laughed softly.
“I don’t think so. I saw how proud she was of you.”
“Hmmph!” I snorted. “She was totally bonkers over you! My dad might not want his little girl shacking up, though.”
“You’re right. He doesn’t.” Jax’s response surprised me.
“He doesn’t? You spoke to him about it?”
“I did.” He was watching me closely; gauging my reaction.
My eyebrows shot up. “Wow.”
Jax held my left hand with his right, then reached inside the breast pocket of his suit jacket with the other. He leaned forward over the table, his gaze intense.
“Addison…I know I’ve already asked but I didn’t have a ring and I hadn’t asked your father’s permission, so…” A large, colorless diamond solitaire sparkled between his index finger and thumb. “I will love you forever. Will you do me the hono
r of being my wife? Your father has given his blessing. If you’ll have me, you’ll make me the happiest man on earth.”
Jax waited for my response but I couldn’t make my voice work because emotions were flooding through me. My right hand came up to my heart and tears flooded my eyes. I nodded.
“You will?” he asked anxiously. I didn’t think I’d ever seen Jax nervous, but he seemed a little, now.
“Yes,” I managed as tears started to fall, then Jax slid the large brilliant diamond onto the ring finger of my left hand, then got up, pulled me from my chair and gathered me close. My arms slid around his neck and we were full-on kissing each other amongst claps and massive cheers of other patrons and staff in the restaurant.
When the kiss broke, Jax pulled me into a big bear hug and kissed my neck, then temple. “I just… I didn’t expect it this soon,” I said.
“I couldn’t wait.” He used his thumbs to wipe the tears away from beneath my eyes. “It’s been killing me to keep our relationship secret these past few months.”
The restaurant fell silent as all eyes were trained on us. Neither of us cared. Jax cupped my cheek. “I don’t want to let go of you, but I think we should order. I have the entire day planned. In fact, I have the next two weeks planned.”
“You do?” I asked, surprised. My heart was an explosion of love. Could this man be any more perfect?
Jax still held my hand as we sat down then lifted it to brush his mouth across my knuckles.
“The ring is incredibly beautiful. I’ll never take it off.”
“It’s simple. Perfect, but simple. I thought if you wanted something more elaborate, you could have the stone reset.”
I shook my head. “Nope. I’m never taking it off.”
“I know I should have gotten down on one knee. I wanted to wait until tonight, but I couldn’t wait another second. I was just bursting to know you’d be mine.”
“Always. Don’t you know that? Since the first time you touched me… you were my heart’s only option.”
“Would you listen to us? You’d think we were romance novelists or something.” He winked with a small chuckle.
A gleeful laugh burst from my chest. “Or something. Tell me what you have planned!”
“We’re going to Greece for two weeks. Our flight leaves at four.”
Once again, he stunned me. “I can’t pack by then.”
He laughed again. I loved seeing Jax so stress free. I’d never been to Greece, but I’d heard it was absolutely beautiful.
“That’s been taken care of. I had a personal shopper at Bloomingdales select things, pack up a couple of bags and had them delivered to the airport. They’ll already be checked when we get there.”
“You’ve thought of everything.”
“We’re going to have a great life, Addison. We can live anywhere you want; do anything you want… have a huge wedding or elope. Have ten babies or just one. I don’t care, as long as we’re together.
My heart thrilled at his mention of babies. I loved that he was thinking about us in such a permanent way, and nothing would make me happier than having his child growing inside me, but I’d tell him that later… when next we were in bed, alone.
“A huge wedding,” I murmured. The thought seemed so daunting, but incredible. “My mother might forgive me for taking you off of the market if she can plan the wedding, but it doesn’t matter to me how big it is.”
“I’m good with just us, but I’d love to see you in full bride regalia.” His sensuous mouth slid into a small smile. He was so beautiful, his face so full of love. If I loved him any more I was sure I’d explode into the universe.
“I love you so much, Professor Panty-Melter.” I couldn’t help saying it. I wished I could shout it at the top of my lungs. He smirked at the softly spoken endearment.
“I just want to make you happy,” Jax said sensuously. “So, yes; I promise, a lifetime of melted panties on demand.”
My heart was so full of him. I never dreamed this amazing man, that every woman wanted, would want me or love me so much. I never dreamed my life could be so perfect in every way.
This man was every woman’s dream come true. And he was all mine.
About the Author
“Kahlen Aymes is a USA Today bestselling author who writes steamy romance novels that cross genre lines between New Adult, Adult Contemporary, and Erotica.”
Kahlen has been on several bestseller lists including Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Smashwords, Publisher's Weekly, iBooks and USA Today!
She began her writing career without ever planning on publishing a single word and won multiple awards in the world’s second largest fan fiction community, including BEST Author, BEST RealPersonFiction, Best All-Human that Knocks You Off Your Feet, and several others! Encouragement and support from her readers prompted her to publish.
Her interests include reading, as well as writing, movies, theater arts, cooking, roller skating, and going for long walks. She is the proud mom to one teenage daughter and two golden retrievers, who basically rule her world.
Kahlen has a strong love of writing and romance! Count on her to deliver strong, relatable characters, deep and detailed plots, sexy love scenes, and emotion overflow in every book! She strives to make her last in series is as good, or better than the first book!”
Also by Kahlen Aymes
The Remembrance Series - A best friends to lovers, soulmate romance.
1. Before Ryan Was Mine: https://amzn.to/2Xsyst2
2. The Future of Our Past: https://amzn.to/2XqUpZr
3. Don’t Forget to Remember Me:
https://amzn.to/2X2dwtq
4. A Love Like This: https://amzn.to/2Nlpo5t
“Kahlen’s MOST BELOVED SERIES, The Remembrance Trilogy is now available in a BOX SET!! This complete edition includes the PREQUEL and the EXTRA SCENES at the end!
Hurry and get Ryan and Julia’s complete story on KINDLE UNLIMITED!!: https://amzn.to/2IX4hAQ
#RyanIsMine
BEST ROMANCE OF 2017! THE TRADING YESTERDAY SERIES
The Trading Yesterday Series! A deeply moving, sexy series of stand-alone, but connected novels.)
TOUTED BY bloggers and readers as Top Romance of 2017!
1. Trading Yesterday (Sexy second chance, secret baby, sports romance.) : https://amzn.to/2FrjCZu
2. Finding Tomorrow (Hot, single dad, sports romance): https://amzn.to/2WXEt1k
3. Embracing Today (Firefighter, alpha hero, protector romance) Coming latefall 2019.
4. Always & Forever (Best friends, sports romance, medical romance) Coming winter 2020.
“Trading Yesterday is a roller coaster of emotion; ultimate loss, longing, betrayal, and forgiveness that will restore your faith in unconditional love and leave you gasping for more.
Start reading, now! You'll love Teagan, Chase, and Remi will steal your heart! You won't be disappointed!”
#TrueLoveCannotBeDenied
ONE STEP CLOSER ~ a stepbrother story to end them all… Because EVERY GIRL NEEDS A SUPERHERO!
Caleb always took care of Wren, especially after he learned her carefully guarded secret. He protected her from everything, except when jealousy and pent-up desire led them both to give in to what they’d been wanting for years. Ashamed and guilt-ridden Caleb leaves Wren and their fragile relationship in shambles.
AmazonUniversal: readerlinks.com/l/690159
#EveryGirlNeedsASuperhero
THE AFTER DARK SERIES!
Get IN BED with Alexander Avery!
Sexy, hilarious, snarky throw down between a beautiful and sassy psychologist and an alpha CFO!Contemporary, romantic suspense series!
It’s a FIGHT TO THE MATTRESS!
If you love Christian and Gideon… You will FLIP over Alexander Avery! After Dark is Kahlen’s HIGHEST RATED SERIES!
Reading Order:
1. Angel After Dark: https://amzn.to/2N8zLcF
2. Confessions After Dark: https://amzn.to/2N8zLcF
3. Promises After Dark
: https://amzn.to/2x8aDbb
AFTER DARK, ALEX AND ANGEL’S SMOKIN HOT LOVE STORY is NOW AVAILABLE IN A BOX SET!
BOX SET : https://amzn.to/2N8lE73
Also Available in Audiobook, and French & Italian Translation!
#AlexWillOwnYou
The FAMOUS NOVELS
A HOLLYWOOD ROMANCE SERIES ABOUT REAL LOVE!
Reading Order:
1. FAMOUS: https://amzn.to/2Y7OGEW
2. More than FAMOUS: https://amzn.to/2J02YkL
3. Beyond FAMOUS: https://amzn.to/2Fsyk2q
CONNECT with Kahlen!
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kahlen-aymes
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kahlen.aymes.author?fref=ts
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5768062.Kahlen_Aymes
Twitter: @Kahlen_Aymes https://twitter.com/Kahlen_Aymes
Instagram: Kahlen.Aymes https://www.instagram.com/kahlen.aymes/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/kahlenaymes/”
“For merchandise, signed books, Julia’s recipes, missing scenes, events, my blog, and series playlists: OFFICIAL WEBSITE: KahlenAymes.com
For exciting news, giveaways, appearances, and book discussion sign-up for Kahlen and many more of your favorite authors, sign up for our weekly newsletter! https://app.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/v7t7k0
Smut University - Volume 4 Page 11