Текст книги "Beautifully Shattered"

Автор книги: Courtney Kristel

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Текущая страница: 13 (всего у книги 31 страниц)

After another minute or two, blissful silence fills the apartment. Apparently my “grown-up” tactics do work. Go me! I smile then drop the pillow to the other side of the bed, ready to finally go to sleep. My smile disappears as quickly as it appeared when I feel the bed dip.

FUCK!

He’s here.

Chapter Thirteen

“It’s nice to see you too, Ads,” he says with a chuckle. “Oh, and thanks for the warm welcome.”

My body stiffens and I make a show of moving as far away from him as possible. Half of me is leaning off the bed; one sudden movement and I’ll be on the floor. Not a good idea for an accident-prone person like me. I scoot a little closer to the middle so I don’t tempt fate.

Hatred laces my voice. “Why didn’t you just leave? You didn’t catch the fact that when someone slams the door in your face, they don’t want to see you?”

I sit up in bed and glare at him. I can’t believe after all this time he is here, as if he hadn’t slept with me and acted like I didn’t exist. I hate that I’m completely and utterly aware of him. I hate that he smells mouth-watering, how sexy his stubble looks from not shaving in a few days, and how striking his green eyes are as they stare back at me.

“How did you even get in here? I don’t want you here! LEAVE!”

I push him as I jump out of bed. He holds his hands up in surrender.

“Ads, just listen, okay? I didn’t come here to fight.” I raise an eyebrow at him and he runs his hand over his face. “Tomorrow is Logan’s party. I’m here for that, to go over our plans.”

He’s here because of my brother, not because he wants to fix us. Of course. I don’t even know what I expected but it wasn’t that. Why couldn’t he have just slapped me? It would have hurt less. In bitch mode, I cross my arms over my chest, and I smile on the inside when he glances down at the cleavage exposed in my sheer white tank.

“The plans are exactly the same since the day we made them. Since you’ve ignored all of my calls, I assumed that you didn’t intend on helping. Kohen can step in on your part, which he will do happily.”

His fist clench together at his sides. Good. I move closer to him so there is only an inch between us. I can feel the heat rolling off his body. I have to control myself not to react so I don’t end up throwing myself at him.

Smiling sweetly up at him I ask, “Oh, and Jax?”

He blinks a few times as if coming out of a dream. “Yes?”

“Last time I checked, the name on my birth certificate says Adalynn not Ads. Try to remember that for the next time you decide to talk to me.”

Shoving past him, I leave my bedroom and march all the way to my front door. I wait about twenty seconds until I hear him finally starting to follow me. When he gets close, I open the door and maneuver out of his way so he doesn’t brush against me as he passes the threshold.

He looks as if someone just ripped out his heart and I’m glad. I will not be the only one hurting over his actions. He was the one who decided to leave me, to ignore me, after sleeping with me again. I’m done. I want him to know how pissed off I am. I will not let him just walk into my life with his sexy emerald eyes. That won’t work this time. I won’t be his doormat.

Jax pulls on fohawk, and begins to speak, but I cut him off, ignoring that he just used his nickname for me. “There’s nothing more to say. The plans are the same and Kohen will help me.”

I stop myself from closing the door. My eyes seek his. I wish that I had more self-control and can turn away from his eyes. His visible pain matches mine. I remind myself that this is his doing.

“I don’t need you anymore Jax,” I whisper.

I shut the door and lock it before he can mutter anything else. I sink to the floor, wondering if I just made the biggest mistake of my life. I know that I did the right thing, but at the same time I wish that I was a little nicer. He could have wanted to fix everything. Ugh! No, I will not do the whole “what if” game. I do enough of that without adding the Jax drama to it. If he was here for anything besides my brother’s party plans, then he would have said something. God! That is all I am to him, his best friend’s little sister.

I just wanted to be someone that he could love, I wanted him to want me as much as I want him. I don’t even think we can get past this and become friends again. Then again, he’s probably only been my “friend” because of my brother.

Pulling myself off the floor, I head back to my room with shaking legs.

After applying minimal make-up, I curl my hair and walk over to my closet. I select the sleeveless ocean blue Valentino lace dress, my studded nude Saint Laurent heels, and my matching nude Michael Kors clutch.

As I grab Logan’s freshly wrapped present someone knocks on my door. With heavy footsteps, I approach it, I remind myself not to make this awkward. It’s just Jax. No big deal. Only one of the many lies I’ll tell myself to get through today.

I awkwardly hold the door open for him, but don’t move out of his way as I stare at The God. Only he can make a simple pair of dark blue jeans and a navy long-sleeve polo with the sleeves pushed up to his elbows, displaying his tattooed arms, look sinfully delicious. My eyes travel the length of his body twice.

My tongue darts out to moisten my suddenly dry lips when my gaze meets his. He is so handsome I forget to breathe. He shouldn’t be be this sexy; it messes with my emotions. I want to wrap my arms around him, bury my nose into his chest, and relax into the man that reminds me of home.

“Breathe, Ads, I’m not going anywhere,” Jax says.

And just like that, my emotions are back in check. Maybe I should high-five him for helping me out? No, that would be awkward because then I would have to explain why. I go for option two. I attempt to shut the door, but his foot stops it from closing.

“I don’t have time to deal with your crap today,” I tell him once he comes inside.

Jax jaw tightens, a clear sign that he’s uncomfortable. He does realize that he doesn’t need to be here, right? Before I can voice this, Jax surprises me by closing the distance and wrapping me into a bear hug. I breathe in his all too familiar scent, welcoming the brief reprieve his presence brings me. Stepping out of his hug, he keeps me at arm’s lengths. How fitting.

“You look beautiful, Ads.”

I don’t miss how he makes a point to enunciate Ads again. I take a step back. His arms fall to his side. “Shut up and let’s gets this over with already.”

I return to the living room to retrieve everything I need.

“Someone’s in a chipper mood today,” he says from behind me.

I hand him the presents and glare at him. “That could be because someone decided to break into my place last night. Oh, and that same someone scared the crap out of me and I shattered the screen on my phone!”

Jax’s smile widens as if he’s proud of himself. It’s not nice to hit. It’s not nice to hit.

“I don’t know who you’re trying to fool. We both know you attempted to walk and text at the same time and it fell.”

He maneuvers away to avoid getting punched. Smart man.

“You’re an ass.”

He laughs. When we’re in the elevator, he pats my head as if I’m a child. I remind myself to keep my hands to myself and instead focus on texting Kohen.

Me: Hey I won’t be needing your help after all. Thanks though, I’ll see you in a few hours. . . I’ll be the one in the dress that matches your eyes.

I don’t wait for a reply, rather I slip my phone into my clutch and watch the elevator descend slowly to the lobby.

“I love you too, Ads,” he says as he strides out of the elevator.

I’m glad I’m behind him so he can’t see that my steps falter.

Almost two hours later, we finally have everything set up. We even had time to deliver everything to Connor’s for the “after party” that will be just the four of us. It’s been a tradition for the guys since they were kids and I started crashing them after the accident. By crashing, I mean dragged, of course, but I’ve been going willingly after the first two years. The only reason why I didn’t want to go in the first place is because I thought I was intruding on a guys’ night type of thing.

As guest filter in, I text Connor asking their e.t.a. I want to make sure that we’re all ready when he arrives with Logan. Jax and I worked too hard for the surprise to be ruined.

I find Jax talking up a leggy blonde, big surprise there. I tap his shoulder a little harder than necessary. “Connor said they’ll be here in twenty, but I can see you’re busy so I’ll let everyone know.”

I lean to the side and smile brightly at the blonde. Gosh, she reminds me of the skanks Connor usually bags. Jax rushes to my side when I start to walk away.

“Don’t be silly, Ads, we’re in this together,” he says way too loudly, linking our arms together as if we’re best friends.

Once we’re away from Jax’s blonde, I pull my arm roughly out of his. “Um no, that’s not going to work for me. I’m not here to be your wing woman.”

He laughs. Wrong move, Jaxon. I yank his face down by his chin so he’s forced to look at me.

“I’m not here to help you dodge unwelcome sluts! Connor will be more than happy to fill that role for you.” I pause, not wanting to make a scene. I stand up on my tiptoes so I can whisper into his ear. “We’re not friends anymore. You’ve made that abundantly clear. I’m only putting up with you because of my brother.”

Well, there goes all pleasantries. I didn’t even know I was going to say all that. I opened my mouth and the words spilled out, my tone sounding more pissed with each syllable. Jax hisses in a breath as if in pain. I grip his massive bicep with my dainty hand, because I’m not done. I’m going to get all of this out now.

“If you want to go back to being friends, you can let me know. But until then, I’m only tolerating you because of Logan. That’s it. I will not be your doormat anymore. I will not let you pretend to be here for me when we both know you’ll leave again once the condom is off.”

I step back, glad that I finally told him that it’s not okay to treat me that way. I’m surprised how true every word is. I march to the opposite side of the room without waiting for a response.

The surprise goes flawlessly. I even surprised Logan and Connor by capturing the whole thing. Logan’s delight when he saw the camera around my neck made me smile shyly at him. It’s wonderful moments like when I’m taking pictures of everyone having fun that I’m reminded how great of a friend Jax has been to me.

He pushes me to do things that I would never have been able to do without him. It hurts that much more since he’s been avoiding me all night. I know what I said was harsh, but it was the truth and I don’t regret it. I just wish life were like a movie or a book. He would whisk me away to proclaim his unbreakable love. Or at least say he’s sorry and that he wants to still be in my life. Of course neither will happen, life isn’t that simple, or that cheesy.

Before my mind can carry on with more unrealistic expectations, Kohen pulls me into his side. I snuggle into him and kiss his neck. Without turning around, I sense Jax scowling at us. I can feel his eyes on me, like I’ve been able to all night. I rub my hand down Kohen’s chest and make a show of slipping it into his back pocket. Pleased with my affection, Kohen kisses me square on the lips. Even the feel of his lips on mine isn’t enough of a distraction from Jax’s eyes boring into my back.

As Kohen helps Connor load the presents into the car, Jax joins them. Tension between him and Kohen has escalated throughout the party. I stand wide-eyed as Jax practically shoves a heavy present into Kohen’s stomach. Kohen grunts, but surprises me by setting it calmly into the trunk. Still his back stiffens, all the muscles tight, anger radiating off him in waves. Jax’s fist tighten at his sides, he makes a move to step closer but halts when Connor places his hand on his shoulder. Connor whispers to him, and then those green eyes are trained on me.

I become trapped by his predatory gaze. It feels as if I’m being drawn towards him. I’m vaguely aware of my feet moving in his direction. Jax attempts to step around Connor, but freezes in his tracks. It takes a few seconds for my mind to work again. I flick my gaze away from Jax’s face to see Kohen seething. With no thought at all, my fake smile is in place and I march over to him. As I near him, I hope that he doesn’t lose his temper in front of the guys. That would be stupid on his part. I sigh in relief as his begins to relax. He takes a deep breath and as he exhales, all the earlier tension leaves his body. He pulls me into him. I don’t hesitate as I kiss him on his lips.

This kiss is unlike any of our past ones. It’s possessive, forceful, jealous even. I feel badly that I’m the reason why he’s acting like this. If I could get over my unrequited love, then we wouldn’t be in this position. As I hear footsteps retreating, Kohen squeezes my hand until I yelp into his mouth.

“Do I need to remind you who you’re dating?”

I shake my head. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

His eyes darken and I know I need to say something to lighten the mood. I do not want to be the reason to ruin my brother’s party. I swallow my fear and hold his hand again.

“I’m here with the only person I want to be with.”

He gives me a charming smile, but underneath it hides something darker. I can relate. I’m not as well put together as the world thinks I am, either. He folds his arm around my shoulders and leads me over to my brother.

Logan stands near Jax’s car, with the passenger door open. It takes a second to realize that he’s waiting for something . . . me. For some reason, I know I’ll be riding with Jax back to Connor’s. My suspicions are confirmed when he waves his hand for me to get in. The one time Jax decided to drive one of his many cars and I’m forced to ride with him. Kohen stiffens beside me but luckily he doesn’t say anything. I think it’s because of my brother’s presence.

“There’s no room for you in Connor’s car with all the presents so Jax offered to drive you over,” Logan explains when I make no move to get in.

“I can take her.” Kohen says.

“I thought you had to be at the hospital . . . five minutes ago.” Jax leans over the center console to talk to us.

I give Kohen a quick kiss on the lips to stop his protest. Jax is right, he’s late. He reaches behind me and shakes Logan’s hand.

“Happy birthday,” Kohen says.

Logan nods. “Thanks.”

Kohen gives me a hug before helping me into the car. He closes the door with more force than necessary. As I watch him climb into the cab in front of us, my anger emerges. My hands shake at my side with barely controlled temper. I’m fed up with the games Jax likes to play. Jax has no right to treat Kohen like he did today. Kohen isn’t the problem here; he is.

“You could have at least said goodbye to him.”

“I’m sure the boyfriend doesn’t mind.”

Uncomfortable silence fills the rest of the ride. I hold my breath as much as possible because his scent wafts all around me, invading my senses. Thankfully the ride doesn’t take as long as usual. When he parks in an empty space, I sigh in relief.

I jump out so fast that I nearly fall flat on my face, but I catch myself on the doorframe just in time. I don’t wait for him. I stride to the elevator and press the button, urging it to hurry up. Since I’ve run out of all my luck today, Jax strolls up, ignoring that I’m trying to ditch him. He waits with me for the elevator to arrive.

When it does, we both enter. His arm brushes against mine and I fight with everything in me not to react. I bite my lip in agitation from my traitorous body. The tension in the air intensifies. It’s now a mixture of anger and sexual tension. I hold my clutch up to my chest as a barrier and a way to keep my hands to myself. When the bell chimes, signaling we’re at the penthouse, we both exhale the breaths we we’re holding.

I run into Connor’s as fast as my feet can carry me without falling on my face. Connor sets a beer bucket on the coffee table when I enter. Yes, an actual beer bucket, heaped to the brim with ice and beer. There’s a stack of action-packed movies on the table. Of course he has the poker table set up in full view of his flat screen television. It’s perfect!

Logan walks in with his hands full of junk food. I rush over to him and take the precious food out of his hands.

“Sit down, it’s your birthday!” I give Connor my no-nonsense look. “He shouldn’t be doing anything but having fun, Connor!”

Immediately I take charge of the evening. I order Jax to put a movie on and line all of our presents on the poker table. Connor attempts to help him, but I shake my head. He smirks and moves to take the seat that I saved for Jax, the chair furthest away from me. I shake my head again, but he ignores me and hands Logan his gift. As Jax comes to the poker table, he pauses mid-step when he realizes that he’s going to sit next to me. I’m the only one who notices, since I’m the only one paying attention to everything he does.

I glance at my brother, wondering if I can play sick so I can go home. That thought leaves as quickly as it appears. There’s no way I’m ditching just because I have to be near Jax. I can handle anything he throws my way. I scowl in Jax’s direction. His eyes sparkle, as if he just read my mind, and I know that will take a lot of self-control to avoid a scene.

Jax winks at me as he takes his seat. His leg brushes against mine. I suck in a breath and frown at him. Our stare down is broken by Logan tearing through the blue wrapping paper. His face lights up when he sees whatever is inside.

“Thanks, man!”

He springs up and gives Connor a hug. Not a one-arm man hug either, a real hug. He must really like it.

“Well, are you going to show us what he got you or not?” I ask.

“Concert tickets to Cheap Trick the second weekend of November!”

I jump out of my seat so fast the chair falls to the ground. Please say we’re all going, I chant in my head. To my relief Logan, holds out four tickets! All thoughts of Jax are momentarily forgotten. Until he picks up the chair. It doesn’t escape my notice that Jax moves my chair closer to his. I eye him, wondering what his game is, but he doesn’t give anything away.

“I think this present is more for Adalynn than me,” Logan says, distracting me from The God I’m forced to sit beside.

“Oh shut up. You’re the one who got me into them when we were little.”

When Logan picks up Jax’s present, Jax fidgets in his seat. I watch him from the corner of my eye, not wanting him to catch me staring. Hmm . . . What can be in the bag? Logan’s mouth drops open as he removes an old shirt. He sits there, immobile.

“An old shirt? Really Jax you couldn’t get him something better than one of your old jerseys?” Connors asks him.

I agree with Connor. I mean, come on, Jax has more money than anyone I know. Anything else would have been better than that. Still silent, Logan slowly turns the jersey around so I can see it better. My breath catches. Holy shit.

“Is that really his?” I ask Jax.

Connor gulps loudly. He seems ashamed from his comment earlier as he studies his beer with a forlorn expression.

Jax looks more than uncomfortable as he runs a shaky hand over his face. “Yeah . . . if you want something else, I’ll get you anything you want . . . I just . . .”

He stops his rant when Logan sweeps him into the biggest bear hug I’ve ever seen. Can Jax even breathe? Composing himself, Logan sits back down and traces the number twenty-three on the back with his finger in awe.

“How did you get this?” Logan and I ask at the same time.

It’s our dad’s jersey from when he played soccer in college. The one signed by everyone on his team the last year he played.

“I went through your storage in California. Found it and brought it back . . . I thought you would rather have it then it being kept somewhere in a box,” Jax explains.

WOW! I’m speechless and so is my brother. I don’t know what’s in storage since Logan dealt with all that, but I can only imagine there are millions of boxes everywhere. Give or take. I don’t even want to think about how much time that took. It’s incredible that he did that especially with his work schedule. He is an amazing friend to my brother and I think I just fell in love with him a little more.

“When?” Connor asks.

Jax shrugs. “I’ve had time lately and I wanted to give you something meaningful. Not that Cheap Trick tickets aren’t.”

“Thanks man,” Connor says sourly.

Jax winks and I can tell Logan is getting all choked up.

“I don’t...I don’t...even—”

“Don’t even worry about it. Happy birthday,” Jax says.

Knowing my brother needs a mood-lifter, I hand him his present. Naturally, I wrapped it in the brightest shade of neon pink wrapping paper I could find.

“Really Addie? They didn’t have any other color?” Logan accepts the box from my hands.

Giving him my cheesiest smile, I say in a sing song voice, “Nope, they only carry this color. I know it sucks!”

“Oh I’m sure that’s why, not because you’ve enjoyed giving me presents wrapped in pink since we were kids.”

“Why break tradition?”

We smile at each other. Logan tears into it and slides the lid off of the box. He picks up one frame after another, not saying anything. He sets each frame on the table and stares at them. I hold my breath. The guys can now see exactly what I got him. They look at the pictures, to Logan, to me, and back to Logan again. It’s eerily quiet and I can hear Logan’s heavy breathing from across the poker table. When I glance up, my brother blue eyes are pinned to my face.

I can feel how much pain he’s in now because of me. I can’t believe I’m such an idiot. Of course he doesn’t want a reminder of everyone that isn’t here on his birthday. I open my mouth to apologize, but stop when I see his eyes glistening with tears. Crap! I’m the worst gift-giver in the history of the world. I really thought he would love this. I turn away from him, and run though ideas to flee without being insensitive.

Emotions . . . I can’t do them.

Logan slowly stands and makes the few steps around the table to me. Bending down so we’re at eye level he whispers, “Thank you.”

He says it so earnestly that I immediately feel better.

“I can’t put into words how much this means to me, sis. I love it.” He folds his arms around me. “I’m so lucky to have a sister like you.”

I hug him back just as fiercely. “That’s good since you’re kind of stuck with me.”

Logan excuses himself to use the bathroom, but I think it’s more to rein in his emotions than anything else. Connor glares at Jax and I.

“What?” we ask at the same time.

“Maybe next time you two do a themed gift, let me know, okay?” he jokes.

I don’t find it funny, but I laugh alongside Jax anyways. I was thinking the same thing earlier when Logan opened Jax’s present. He bumps his shoulder against mine. He’s being playful, hopefully attempting to sweep whatever this is between us under the rug. That’s what I’m going to believe he’s doing, anyways. I’m tired of fighting with him. So he slept with me and then fled. Wouldn’t be the first time. I give him a small smile so that he knows I’m done with all the hostility between us.

It’s almost three in the morning when we’re all more than ready to leave. We’ve played way too much poker and drank even more. Thank goodness for taxis, or we would all be crashing here tonight. Logan leaves his gifts except for mine. He refuses to keep them here and retrieve them in the morning with the rest of the presents. Drunken logic, got to love it. I peer at Connor and Jax with my head held high. It there was a competition for best present, I so would have won. They both know me too well because they shake their heads at me.

Connor says, “You cheated with pictures!” at the same time Jax says, “It’s not a competition, Ads.”

“Obviously since I blew you guys out of the water. You’re just mad, Evans, because you’re a sore loser. Bring your A game next time, Chandler,” I taunt them.

We all laugh as we make our way to the lobby after saying goodbye to Connor. I stop in my tracks when I notice only one taxi. I stand next to my brother, glaring at Jax.

“Why is there only one taxi?” I ask him.

“We’re going to share a taxi,” Jax says as if it’s obvious.

“You and me? Why? You don’t live near me.”

“We’re gonna make sure you get home safely,” Logan says.

“You two do realize I’m not a child, right?”

Logan sighs loudly. “Get in the car, Addie.”

I really, really do not want to be crammed in a taxi with Jax. That does not sound like a good time to me especially in my drunken state. I’ll do something to embarrass myself. I know it.

I stomp my foot. “No! I can get home all by myself. Thank you very much.” The words jumble together. Stupid alcohol.

They both laugh at me. Screw them! I will not ride with Jax. I refuse! Jax’s eyes widen and he shakes his head in frustration. Logan stops laughing and stares at me and then Jax in question. Crap! Stupid alcohol, I said that out loud. I can only stare open-mouthed at my brother, hoping that he doesn’t piece together what’s happening with his little sister and best friend.

“Why can’t you ride with Jax? What did he do?” He asks the other question to Jax, stepping closer to him.

This is not good. Jax chuckles. Does he have a death wish? I seriously think there’s something wrong with him.

“Ads is just mad because she shattered the screen on her phone last night and blames me instead of her two left feet.”

They both turn towards me. I open my mouth to tell him off, but stop. He wins, I can’t yell at him because if I do, then Logan will know something is up. After a few more choice words, I follow behind my brother and sit in the middle of the taxi.

“Nice save,” I whisper to Jax.

He nods but doesn’t say anything. Maybe he’s back to ignoring me? I would ignore me, too. When the cab takes off, my eyes drift shut. I feel my body being moved, but I can’t open them to see why. I feel protected. I rest my head on something hard and welcome the pleasant woodsy scent.

I count to five slowly, hoping that I’m dreaming, but I know I’m not. I’m not that imaginative, I can’t dream up Jax’s scent. I’ve tried and failed. As soon as I breathe in his scent again, my brain wakes up from its drunken slumber to let me know I’m in Jax’s arms. I open my eyes and I’m met with the most beautiful green eyes in the world. Just being this close to him makes me moan in pleasure. His jaw tightens.

I hear the distant click of my door unlocking and become instantly aware of my surroundings. Logan attempts to hold the door open, but settles for leaning against the doorframe for support. I’m not surprised by my brother’s drunken state. He shouldn’t have done those shots with Connor. Logan barely makes it to the couch before passing out. Guess he’ll be sleeping here tonight.

I am surprised how sober Jax appears, though. When we reach my bedroom, I struggle out of his arms, wanting to be as far away as possible from The God, but he grips me closer to his chest. I want to stay here forever wrapped in his arms. But reality is a bitch and this isn’t a dream. I don’t belong in the safety of his arms.

“Put me down,” I demand quietly.

Ignoring my protest, he continues to carry me.

“Jax, please, I just want to go to bed. You’re going the wrong way.”

He flips on the light to my bathroom. I squeeze my eyes closed and bury my face deeper into his warm chest. That was bright. He finally lets me go and deposits me on the counter. I watch him make himself at home in my bathroom. He squeezes toothpaste on my toothbrush, runs it under the sink, and holds it in front of my mouth.

To my shock he says, “Open.”

I’m too stunned to do anything but obey. His complete focus is on my mouth. I sit immobile while he brushes my teeth. I’m so entranced as he takes care of me that I barley notice that he’s stopped brushing my teeth.

He points my toothbrush towards the sink, humor evident in his eyes. “Spit.”

I want to spit in his face, but I of course I do what I’m told. He rinses off my toothbrush when he’s finished, then puts it back in its rightful place. He grabs my make-up removal cloths next. I put my hand up to stop him.

“I’m capable of doing this myself, Jax.”

He swats my hand away, takes my chin in his huge strong hand and starts wiping off my make-up. “I never said you weren’t,” he says once he’s done.

Thanking him, I slide off the counter but he moves too fast and suddenly I’m in his arms again. I sigh dramatically, trying to pull off the “I’m annoyed sigh” but it comes off more as a moan than anything else. Lovely.

“Just so you’re aware, I can actually use these to walk.” I kick my legs to prove my point.

He chuckles as he nears my bed. I think he’s going to set me down and leave, but nope, that would be too kind of him. Instead he drops me on my bed. Roughly.

“Ouch,” I say in mock anger.

He laughs as he strides to my dresser to get me something to sleep in. If I wasn’t fully aware that my brother is in the living room I would taunt him by stripping, but instead I settle for studying him. He wears a smug grin when he gives me a jersey. I don’t even need to see it to confirm it’s one of his. Wanting to get rid of his stupid smile, I stand up and turn away from him. I’m done being waited on.

Glancing over my shoulder at him I ask in a sultry voice, “Get the zipper?”

His Adam’s apple bobbles up and down a few times before he reaches out slowly to unzip my dress.

“Thanks,” I whisper.

I saunter into my closet with the jersey in hand. I strip out of my dress, unhook my strapless bra, and slide a long shirt off the hanger. Once I’m dressed, I throw his jersey into my hamper before rejoining Jax in my bedroom. When I say walk I mean stumble since I’m still drunk. When I finally reach my bed that I swear has moved, it dawns on me that I didn’t grab boy shorts to sleep in. Awesome. I start to stand, but the stupid floor starts to move. What the heck is that about? Jax steadies me and bends down so his face is lined with mine.

“Get into bed before you hurt yourself, Ads.”

I close my eyes to prepare myself for what I’m going to say next. He couldn’t have just left me to fend for myself, could he? No, of course not. Jax lives to confuse the crap out of me.