“Likewise. Well, Karma, I have to take care of customers, but if you can wait twenty minutes, I’d love to finish this conversation when Lacey returns from her break.”
“I’d like that.” Karma grinned and picked up her drink.
A few minutes later out of the corner of his eye he saw her walk away, and his heart sank. Did he blow his chance? He’d really tried to keep a straight face but maybe he didn’t pull it off as well as he thought. Damn, he wished Lacey would get back from her break. He glanced at his watch; it seemed like time was dragging. He really didn’t want her to slip away. Although what the hell was he thinking? Did he really want to have a one-night stand with someone like her? Short answer...hell, yeah! After his last disaster of a relationship, he needed to get back out there. He still got pissed thinking about Sarah. That bitch had been two-timing him for months, and he had no idea until he went to surprise her one night and caught her with her legs in the air being pounded by some skinny dweeb. What the fuck? Jax shook his head as if he could shake the horrifying image away. That girl really messed him up. What a fucking joke.
Someone tapped on the bar, bringing him back to reality. “Sorry,” he mumbled under his breath and made his way to the guy who came regularly to drown his sorrows over the loss of his girl.
“Hey, man, I think you’ve had enough for tonight,” Jax said carefully. If the woman he loved had been killed by cancer, he would probably do the same thing Marc was doing—drowning his grief in a bottle. However, they had a responsibility to cut people off when needed.
“Just give me the drink, Jax. I’m not driving.”
“Fine, but it’s the last one. We’ll be closing soon anyway.”
He shrugged and didn’t argue, thankfully. Jax couldn’t imagine having to kick the poor guy out.
Jax scanned the club, looking for Karma, but she wasn’t in sight. Maybe she’d already left. Oh well, maybe it was for the best. He wasn’t quite sure he was up for someone new. Yet once again he looked around, hoping to see her. Who was he kidding? He was ready when he first locked eyes with her. It had been a long time since a girl had sparked that much interest in him so quickly.
Jax poured the drink and went back to Marc. “I hope someday you don’t need to come back here.”
“I doubt it,” Marc said sadly. “I feel like she’s here with me. You know?”
“Yeah, I know,” Jax said, unable to meet his eyes. There were times he swore his dad was looking over his shoulder, or he could smell his aftershave. Death sucked. And no matter how hard you wished for the person to come back it wasn’t going to happen. He could still recall the image of his father lying in the huge mahogany casket in his uniform. They had tried to paint over the burnt flesh, but it was still obvious even to a child. To this day he could still smell the lingering odor of burnt flesh.
Jax shook off the memory. “Sorry, man. Alexis was the best.”
“Emphasis on was,” Marc said and gulped down the drink. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “If you find the one, hold on as tight as you can, man, because it can be gone in an instant.”
Jax had to look away; the tears in the guy’s eyes made him uncomfortable.
“If I ever find her, I’ll do just that,” Jax said and turned his attention to the next customer.
CHAPTER 6
While Jax was busy with customers, Karma stumbled to the bathroom and rinsed out her mouth with the travel-size mouthwash in her purse, sprayed on her favorite perfume, and checked her make-up. Her eyes were a little red-rimmed from drinking too much. Now she wished she hadn’t had quite so much. Her heart fluttered at the thought of going home with that sexy beast. But she didn’t want to get too far ahead of herself. This was where things tended to go haywire.
Maybe he wasn’t even interested. Seriously, that would be her luck. She needed to find a four-leaf clover or something because it was just absurd at this point. Maybe even carry around a rabbit’s foot. Her luck had to change at some point. Didn’t it? Unless she really was cursed...
Stop it, Karma scolded herself. He seemed interested enough, and he said they could finish the conversation later. That was a positive sign, wasn’t it? Damn, she wished she wasn’t so awkward with guys. She’d read countless magazines on reading the signs of attraction, but damned if she could figure it out. However, he did smile at her—kinda.
Karma pulled out her phone and sent Eva a text. I think I found one. And he’s hot as hell; like scorching hot.
OMG really? What’s he look like?
Yeah really, and remember the bouncer?
Vaguely.
How could you forget that beef cake? Try to recall black hair, pale blue eyes, and muscular chest.
You know I’m not into guys who spend too much time in the gym. I’m more of the skinny emo kinda girl.
Karma looked at the phone and laughed. Well, I’ll let you know either way. Just in case I need a ride home.
Good luck.
Thanks. Knowing me I’ll need it.
Her pulse quickened at the thought of getting naked with Jax. Hopefully, he didn’t think she was too chubby. Whatever, she’d probably never see him again. Christ, she’d never had sex before, what if she was horrible? What if she did it wrong? Okay, panic attack setting in. Deep breaths. She needed to pull herself together. She recalled what her therapist said: think of something else and take deep calming breaths.
She tried to think of the beach and calming waves, but her mind kept drifting back to his beautiful face. Okay, not helping. She needed to focus on something else.
His name was kind of odd—Jax. Inhale and exhale.
She took another deep breath before her mind wandered again. The name fit him though.
A few more breaths and she was back in control. She could do this. After all, this was what she’d wanted for years. Karma scrubbed her hands all the way up to her elbows in the sink and wished she could take a shower. She probably smelled like ass from being in the club for so long. Her only consolation was that Jax had to smell the same.
“Tonight, I will lose my virginity,” Karma said out loud.
“Right on!” someone yelled from one of the stalls.
Crap! She hadn’t realized someone else was in here. Oh well.
She did a little happy dance in the mirror. After tonight, she would no longer have her virginity hanging over her head. If everything went as planned. Please, god, goddess, or all-knowing universe. Whoever is listening let everything go as planned.
Famous last words. More than likely she’d do something to screw it up.
Jesus, she wished she could get rid of that negative voice that was always in her head. Insecurity and self-doubt had plagued her all her life.
She could do this. Jax had no idea who she was. And she would never see him again after tomorrow morning. Tonight would be about making a wish come true and hopefully a lot of pleasure. Although she’d heard the first time hurt like hell, but only for a moment. She prayed that was true because she didn’t have a very high pain tolerance. Karma sighed as she gazed in the mirror. Her hair looked like she stuck her finger in a light socket.
Happy thoughts. She thought about Jax’s athletic body, tattoos, dark hair, and pale blue eyes as excitement once again coursed through her. I wonder if he has a motorcycle, he for sure looked the type. Who would have thought her first time would be with a bad boy? A sexy-ass bad boy to be exact. Karma grinned like a loon.
Taking a deep breath, she practically skipped out of the bathroom. Jax was still busy, so she drummed her fingers on the bar, constantly sneaking peeks at him. His eyes went to her more than once, making her feel less like an idiot for her gawking. Her face flushed at the attention. Maybe he really did like her. At least enough to take her back to his place and wet his wick. It was going to be so incredible. It had to be. She’d been anticipating this moment for so long.
Eventually, Lacey came back from her break.
Jax came around the bar and grabbed her hand. She felt ca
lluses at the bases of his fingers as they closed warmly around her hand, sending a shiver down her spine. He leaned in and yelled, “It’s too loud in here.”
Could this really be happening? If it was a dream, she would be pissed if she woke up before they made friction between the sheets.
He pulled her through the crowd into the back down a narrow hallway. There were large double doors that said “Employees Only.” He pushed through and the noise ratcheted down considerably once the door closed. Suddenly, Karma was extremely nervous. Her palms were sweaty, and her stomach did multiple somersaults. Maybe she should say “Just kidding” and run away. Then she looked up at all his perfection and knew there was no way in hell she was backing out.
“So, Karma, looking for a one-night stand, huh?” His gaze was sexual; the brazen look in his eyes sent a flutter in her stomach that traveled straight between her thighs.
“Why, are you offering?” Karma shot back, not missing a beat and grateful that her voice sounded more confident than she felt. She’d had years of practice putting on a front, hiding behind humor and snarky comebacks. The shell had taken years to perfect. In this moment she was thankful for the ability.
Jax took three steps forward, closing the distance between them. Her heart dropped to her toes. “Oh yeah, I’m offering,” he said in a gruff whisper that made her toes curl.
Holy shit!
One of his rough hands trailed softly down the side of her face. Karma tilted her head up and his lips explored hers, gently at first and then more urgently. His hand tangled in her hair, and his tongue stroked hers. Karma threw her arms around his neck, pressing her body to his, her panties already wet, and got lost in the kiss. It was the best first kiss in history. At least in her history. Her mind was spinning, and her knees felt like jelly.
The door swung open, and they jumped apart as a tall, slim guy walked through the door. Karma tried to get her breathing under control, but it was useless. One kiss made her come completely unglued. Her body had never felt so alive. They made eye contact and Jax looked just as flustered as she felt. Could she really have that effect on this gorgeous stranger?
“Seriously, Jax?” the guy said and shook his head with a laugh.
Jax didn’t take his eyes off her. “Hey, man, I’m taking off early. Tell Anderson for me. He can dock my pay.”
“Sure, whatever.” As the guy continued back into the room he glanced back once and shook his head again laughing.
She couldn’t help but wonder if Jax did this kind of thing often. Or was the guy surprised because it was so unlike him? Either way she was glad that tonight he was interested in her. She wasn’t naive enough to think anything more would come out of this than a one-night stand and losing her virginity. And honestly, she didn’t really care. She would take what she could get and be happy about it. Ecstatic really.
Karma looked up at Jax, and he smiled down at her. Hard to believe, but he was even sexier when he smiled.
“It’s nice to see you actually do smile,” Karma said, her voice softer than she expected.
“On occasion. Let’s get the hell out of here.” He reached for her hand again like it was the natural thing to do and laced his fingers through hers.
Karma’s heart felt like a rock skipping water. “Let me text my ride, so she’s not worried. Do you think you could take me home tonight? I live kind of far away.”
His eyes drifted down the length of her body. The look in his eyes told her he liked what he saw. “I’ll take you home tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow sounds good,” Karma said as she reluctantly pulled her hand away to get her phone. She sent Eva a quick text telling her she didn’t need a ride, and she’d call her tomorrow with details.
“My apartment is close by.” He grabbed her hand again and led her out a back door and into the cool evening air. She loved the feel of his skin on hers. It was dark and kind of creepy outside, shadows dancing on the pavement from the dim street lights, but she felt safe with Jax. Even though he was a total stranger. He was a bouncer after all.
“That’s good,” she managed to choke out. Oh my god. Tonight really was going to be the night. It was equally as thrilling as it was terrifying. She was so giddy she wanted to scream out and announce to the world she would no longer be a virgin. But that would probably be a bad idea.
CHAPTER 7
Jax couldn’t believe his luck. He looked over at her again. Damn, she was sexy. “You do know you shouldn’t go home with strange men from bars.” A statement more than a question as he opened up the door to his beat-up Chevy truck.
He looked up at her innocent eyes, and it nearly stopped his heart. She was such a contradiction. She looked shy and sinless, but she talked with such an air of confidence. “Yeah, yeah, I know. But how else can you have a one-night stand with a stranger. It’s on my bucket list.” Karma grabbed the handle and pulled herself up. She didn’t seem to mind the truck. A lot of girls were hung up on fancy cars. The truck might be beaten up on the outside but it was spotless inside.
“Well, there is that.” He grinned, shut the door, and hurried over to the other side to jump in. He was going to have to be careful not to speed all the way home. Last thing he wanted was to be pulled over and waste even more time before getting her to his place.
“So this isn’t something you make a habit of. That’s good to know.”
Karma laughed and it was music to his ears. “Definitely not something I’ve made a habit of. Or plan on making a habit of. Just something I figured everyone should experience at least once.”
“Bucket list, huh? What else do you have on your list?” Jax turned his head slightly in her direction as he started the truck. Her eyes widened and she bit her lip. He wanted to bend down and suck on her lower lip but didn’t want to appear too eager. They would be at his apartment soon enough. Patience, he reminded himself. Good things come to those who wait. Although there was a lot to be said for instant gratification too.
“Oh you know, the usual: skydiving, rock climbing, traveling, swimming with the sharks...I could go on and on.”
“Adrenaline junky? Me too. I’ve crossed off all the ones you named except swimming with the sharks. It doesn’t sound too appealing to me. You might want to rethink that one.”
“Really? I guess you’re right. Swimming with sharks does sound pretty outrageous. I must have seen it on TV or something.”
“Just a bit crazy.” Jax put the truck in reverse and headed toward his apartment. He was glad he still had a stash of condoms, so they didn’t have to make a stop at a gas station. He wanted to get her naked as soon as possible before she changed her mind. Like she just did with the sharks.
“Are you from this area?” Karma asked.
“Lived in D.C. all my life. What about you?”
“I live almost an hour away, outside the city.”
“Ah, a country girl. I should have known by the sweet vibe you give off.” Not to mention the sex appeal that oozed off of her in waves. This damn girl had him tied up in knots just from one kiss and a little conversation.
Karma glanced over at him. “Do you like working at the club?”
Jax shrugged. “My brother-in-law owns it. I just help him out on occasion. It’s good money and not exactly hard work.”
They made idle chitchat for the fifteen minutes it took to get to his place. Jax tried to act calm and cool, but wasn’t sure if he pulled it off or not. Karma didn’t seem the least bit nervous. That made him wonder if she was telling the truth about the one-night stands. Not that it was any of his business.
“This is my place.” Jax pulled the truck into a gated apartment complex. It wasn’t much, but it was all he could afford. He gave a big chunk of his pay to his mother to help pay for his sister’s college.
“You’re not some kind of creeper, are you?” Karma asked and finally looked a little anxious. It made him smile. She should be concerned. Going home with a stranger wasn’t the smartest thing in the world. And yet people did it all
the time.
“It’s a little late to be asking that, don’t you think?” Jax smiled, his face softening. He pulled into a parking spot, cut the engine, and extinguished the headlights. “You’re safe with me. Scout’s honor.” He’d cut off his right arm before he’d ever hurt a female. His mother would skin his ass. She’d raised him better than that.
“I guess you don’t look like a serial killer.” Karma laughed nervously.
“Looks can be deceiving. Remember Jeffery Dahmer.”
“Not helping.” Karma bit her lip and glanced at him from the corner of her eye.
“It’s not too late to change your mind. I can take you back to the club or bring you home.”
She took a deep breath and blew it out. Damn, she looked so cute. But he wanted to wipe the hesitant look off her face. The idea of her finding him untrustworthy rubbed him the wrong way. He grabbed her hand and ran his thumb across her palm. “I would never hurt you.”
“For some reason I believe you.” Karma gave him a hesitant smile.
Jax jumped out to open her door before she changed her mind. The cool evening air felt good on his skin. Hopefully, he could give her a one-night stand to remember.
They walked up the concrete pathway and climbed three flights of stairs before Jax stopped in front of a door marked 3107. He fumbled with his keys and held the door open for her, flicking on the lights.
Karma crossed through, and he watched as she took in the small apartment. It was clean and smelled of lemon. Jax was glad he had tidied it up before going to work. Not that it was a mess to begin with. He was sort of a neat freak. He knew the place looked like a bachelor’s pad. A big-screen TV sat off to the left with a black leather couch. No coffee table or end tables. Small kitchen just off the living room. But it was enough for him. Just a place to crash.
“This is nice,” Karma said, running her fingers across the faux marble counter top. When she finally brought her eyes back to him she smiled and said, “I like your plants.”
The XOXO New Adult Collection: 16 Full Length New Adult Stories Page 249