“And he said no, so I went home with him. To the dark.” She said it like she was in a horror movie, and I couldn’t help but chuckle at her. “Damn ice storms are no fun.”

  “They don’t happen all that often here, but when they do, they’re bad. That’s why we have a generator.”

  Turning to look at me, Gabi said matter-of-factly. “If I’m staying, you’re getting a generator.”

  Both Luke and Alex’s mouths fell open.

  “Deal.”

  12

  Gabi

  Jax tapped his fingers on the steering wheel as he drove us back to his house. He’d been mostly quiet the entire time we’d been at Luke and Alex’s, but I’d come to realize Jax was a quiet man. He had either been that way all his life, or it stemmed from being alone for the past two years.

  We’d stopped by the grocery store and loaded up on food. I may have gone a little crazy, but I hadn’t been to a grocery store in I don’t remember how long. In LA, going to the grocery is a hassle with fans and paparazzi around every corner, so when I was home, which wasn’t very often, I either had someone get whatever I needed, or I ordered it online.

  I never knew going to the grocery store could be fun and relaxing. The only contention was when it came time to pay. I had put way more into the cart than Jax had, but he refused to let me pay. I was so used to everyone around me expecting me to pay, so in a way, it was sweet. I could get used to someone wanting to take care of me. To be my partner.

  “Is it always so low key at the grocery store?”

  Jax burst out laughing. Putting a hand to his stomach, he continued to laugh for a good full minute. “That was it when it’s bustling. You won’t see it any busier than that on any given day unless the forecast is for snow or ice. Then you better get there early because all the bread, milk, and beer go fast.”

  My surprise was evident from my gaping mouth. The local grocery store barely seemed to have anyone in it, and that was when it was busy.

  “I’m not sure how Luke lives here.” Coming from LA to Fairlane must have been a culture shock.

  “It’s not too bad,” Jax countered, staring at the road. His jaw ticked, and I knew I’d hurt his feelings by my remark.

  “It’s not bad. It’s just so different and unexpected, but I understand its appeal.”

  “Riverside is bigger and is probably more up to your speed. Lots of people go there to shop, but I wasn’t sure the condition of the roads getting there, otherwise I would have taken you.” He shrugged, and I had a feeling Jax might have been embarrassed when he shouldn’t have been.

  “Next time. I definitely don’t want you to wreck your truck or be stuck in a ditch. I’ve had enough of that for a lifetime. So,” I drew out the word, smiling over at Jax. His gaze flickered over to me, but he kept his eyes on the road. “I thought today went well.”

  “You mean with your friends?”

  Of course, I meant with my friends. Me not leaving to go back to LA went well beyond okay. At least in my book.

  Jax let out a loud sigh. “I told you, I don’t do well with new people or people in general.”

  “You did great,” I assured him. “I was shocked when Luke asked you to go watch soccer, and you said yes.”

  My eyes might have almost fell out of my head while I’d watched Jax follow Luke out of the kitchen.

  “I was trying for you.”

  “Well, I appreciate you trying for me. Luke really is an easy-going guy.”

  Jax smiled over at me. I felt a little flutter in my stomach at the sight of his devastating smile. He had no idea that his smile could make panties vanish off any woman he shined it at.

  “Did you like Luke and Alex?” I desperately wanted him to like my friends so we could spend time together.

  “Yeah, baby I liked them. don’t worry.” He winked at me. “I like how they look out for you like family.”

  If it was possible, I would have melted into the seat right there and then.

  “That’s how they feel to me, like family. I hadn’t felt that in a long time. Not until I met them. Alex doesn’t have any besides her son Mason, Luke, and her friends. She’s made a family out of those who are dear to her.”

  His eyes softened as he looked at me. “Does Luke have family?”

  “He does, but they live in Sweden for the most part, so he doesn’t get to see them very often.”

  Reaching over, he wrapped my hand in his and placed them on his thigh. “When he took me downstairs, he threatened to kill me if I ever hurt you. Once I told him I had no intention of ever hurting you, he softened some. After I cheered for his soccer team, I was golden.”

  “I’m glad he’s got someone to watch his soccer with. I know Alex watches it with him and said he can be very intense.”

  “That’s one word for it,” he laughed. “I can’t imagine what he’d be like if he was actually there with all the people and charged atmosphere.”

  “Thank you for going out of your comfort zone.”

  I couldn’t imagine how difficult it must have been for him, but I knew the more he got out and saw that no one cared or noticed his scar the more he’d open up.

  Bringing my hand to his mouth, he kissed my knuckles and smiled. That was enough for me. I looked out at the snowy landscape we passed by. Who would have thought I’d enjoy this winter wonderland?

  We were quiet the rest of the way back to his house. I was lost in thought on what I was going to do with my life now that I was no longer in a band and had met Jax, who I was sure I was already in love with. I didn’t really have a life back in LA. I had a place to stay when I was in town, but that’s it. I used to have my band and the only real friends I had lived most of the year in Fairlane. Would it be so bad to live in a small town where no one would know me or bother me?

  As we hopped out of the truck and took the groceries inside, I asked myself one simple question: would it be so bad to live in a small town where no one knew me or bothered me?

  I took the groceries out and placed them on the counter, and Jax put them away since I had no clue where anything went. We worked together well even if it was a simple task. Once I was done, I continued to stand in the kitchen, looking around at all the work Jax had done. His house was old, but it was beautiful. Even with snow and ice covering every inch of the backyard, it was picture perfect. I could imagine spending summer days lounging by the pool and nights staring up at the stars, all with Jax by my side. I could see myself here for the long run.

  Feeling a tug on my hand, I looked up into the worried eyes of the man who’d come to mean so much to me in only a matter of days. “Are you regretting your decision to stay?” His voice was quiet and laced with sadness.

  My heart sank at his words. “Jax, no.” Lacing our fingers together, I led us into the living room to sit in front of the fire.

  Jax’s hair fell in front of his eye, and for the first time, I realized he might keep his hair longer to help cover his scar.

  “Since we left the store, you’ve been deep in your head.” It wasn’t a question but a statement.

  It was strange because in so many ways, I felt as if I knew everything there was to know about Jax, but once I said I’d stay, I realized how little I really knew.

  “I’ve been thinking about my life in LA.” Jax’s face fell, and I wanted to crawl into his lap and show him how much I wanted to be here with him.

  So, what’s stopping me?

  Crawling into his lap, I cupped Jax’s scarred cheek. Closing his eyes, he leaned into my touch. “Gabi.” My name on his breath felt like a caress.

  Brushing our lips together, his hands gripped my hips, pulling me closer until I could feel our hearts beating as one.

  “Tell me what you were thinking.” His dark eyes begged.

  “I’ve lived in LA for as long as I can remember, and yet I only have my condo there. A condo that I’ve barely spent more than two weeks a year in. My only friends were my bandmates and Luke and Alex.” His eyes brightened at my confession. “Luke plans to spend most of the year here, and now that I’ve met you—”

  “Now that you met me?”

  “I’m trying to figure out what I’m doing with my life now that I have all the time in the world and no job to fill it. I can’t think of a better place than Fairlane to spend my time.”

  Jax opened his mouth about to speak, but I placed my index finger over his plush lips to quiet him. “I’ll need to go back to LA at some point to get more clothes and a few other things for my stay here.”

  “I can live with that,” he said against my finger. He bit the tip, smiling mischievously. “Now,” he thrust his hips up to meet my core. “I can think of better things to do while we sit in front of the fire.”

  “Oh.” I ground myself against his denim bulge. “I like the way you think, and I can’t think of a better way to work up our appetite for dinner.”

  Jax growled as he flipped me over to lay on the floor. “I’ll have my dessert now.”

  Whipping his Henley over his head, I stared at his muscular chest. The sparse hair that covered his pecs and happy trail glinted in the sunlight. Even when it had been dark, I’d known he was gorgeous, but I’d had no idea the true magnitude of his beauty.

  Throwing my boots over his shoulder, Jax slipped my jeans and thong down my legs.

  Laying down on the floor, his hands caressed up my legs as he kissed up my inner thigh. Strong hands gripped my hips, his thumbs spread me wide open. “You have the prettiest pussy I’ve ever seen.”

  Never with all my lovers had I heard such words, and I’d never been more turned on than in that moment. My fingers tangled in his hair, and I pulled him to my aching core. “Stop talking and fuck me with your mouth.”

  Jax’s eyes flashed with lust the moment before his warm tongue licked up my center. His mouth made love to my sex. His skill was unparalleled. With only a few well-placed licks and his finger rimming my hole, my back arched off the floor, and I moaned his name like a prayer.

  Panting, I ran my hands through his overly-long hair that was smooth as silk. Kissing my inner thigh, Jax rested his head on my leg as he looked up at me. “I could do that all night.

  “Let me return the favor.”

  13

  Jax

  I watched as Gabi packed whatever she needed from her bathroom. The urge to ask her to move in with me on the tip of my tongue. It was too soon, but I knew if she ever left, I'd never be the same.

  Every few minutes, she looked over her shoulder at me and smiled, then went back to shuffling around and throwing something new into her bag.

  Looking back at me, she dropped whatever was in her hand and quietly made her way to me. Settling herself on my lap, Gabi smoothed her thumbs over my brows. Her eyes following the movement. Shifting back to see me better, she frowned.

  “What’s going on? You've been abnormally quiet the whole day.”

  We’d caught an early flight yesterday and planned to stay a few days. I’d never been to California, and since Gabi was a native, she wanted to show me everything I’d been missing. Tomorrow, we’d drive up the Pacific Coast Highway and find a secluded beach to enjoy. Yesterday, she’d showed me all over LA in her convertible as the sun kissed our skin. After one day in her city, I understood why Gabi had been hesitant to stay in Fairlane. California had everything to offer… but me.

  Should I ask and risk getting my heart broken?

  Why not? I took a deep breath to center myself. “What would you say if I asked that we pack everything up?”

  Tilting her head to the side, her long hair fell over her shoulder. “I’d ask why you want me to pack everything up.”

  Shit. Why didn’t I just ask her? Stop being a pussy!

  Clearing my throat, I brushed my thumbs across her sun kissed cheeks. “I want you to move in with me. Permanently. You can… you can keep your condo and rent it or whatever you want to do with it. Sell it, and I’ll build you a studio. Or keep it, and we’ll visit as often as you’d like, but I want us together. Always. Sorry, I’m rambling.”

  “No,” she shook her head. Her grin was so big, this time I was certain her cheeks would split in two. “You’re speaking from the heart and that’s what I love about you. You don’t speak often, but when you do, you mean what you say, and it comes from right here.” She rested her hand over my rapidly beating heart.

  Had I misheard her words?

  “You love me?”

  “I think I’ve loved you from the moment I heard your voice on the side of the road. Did you think I was some silly girl with no self-preservation instinct?” She threw her head back, laughing. I joined right along with her.

  Gabi loved me!

  I knew my smile matched hers from only moments before. Today was the best day of my life. But just as quickly as my smile had appeared, it slipped from my face. Gabi hadn’t agreed.

  “Angel,” she cooed, “let’s turn that frown upside down. I just told you I loved you.”

  “I know.” I brushed her hair behind her ear and pulled her closer to me. “It’s the best day of my life.”

  “Then why are you pouting?” Slipping her thumb into my mouth, I sucked on it hard until she moaned my name. She squeaked as I bit the tip.

  “Tell me my home will now be our home,” I growled playfully at her, knowing how much she loved it.

  “I thought saying I love you was yes enough, but if you want to hear the words then yes, Jaxson Stone, I’d love to move in with you.”

  I pounced. There was no better way to describe the animal that overtook me as I twisted and threw her down on the bed. Whipping her t-shirt over her head, my mouth crashed into hers. It wasn’t soft or sweet. I was claiming Gabi as mine for always and forever. My hands palmed her lace covered breasts roughly. Feeling her nipples pebble at my touch, I yanked down one cup and latched onto with my mouth, swirling my tongue around her stiff peak until she pulled my head away and directed me to the other. I couldn't wait any longer. Sitting up, I tore her black lace thong from her body as Gabi undid my belt. We were frantic to connect as one. I needed to be inside her like I needed my next breath.

  Pulling out my cock, Gabi’s thumb glided over the bead of moisture that was already there for her. Bringing her thumb to her mouth she sucked the pre-cum off and moaned around her digit.

  “You taste so fucking good.”

  Impaling her in one swift movement, she let out a sharp breath. I stilled only for a second before gripping her hips and angling her higher. I thrust my hips with savage force as I dug my fingertips into her smooth, silky flesh.

  I watched as her hand went between her legs and one finger circled her clit. I loved watching Gabi touch herself, and she knew it. She had to be close and wanted me right there with her. Pumping faster, I leaned down licking up the column of her long neck.

  “Jax,” she moaned, “I’m so close. I want you to come with me.”

  I kissed her, desperately seeking the pleasure we were both crashing toward. Pulling away, Gabi bit down on my shoulder as her walls clenched around me.

  Wrapping her in my arms, I stilled deep inside as she milked my cock of every ounce of pleasure. Only when I’d finished did I pull her with me as I fell onto my back.

  I ran my fingertips up and down her back as we both caught our breath. The feel of her warm breath fanning over my chest slowed my heartbeat even more. When I felt her shiver, I leaned down and pulled the comforter up over us. Gabi snuggled deeper into me and the bed and I knew in a few short minutes, she’d be asleep.

  Kissing the top of her head, I murmured. “In case you didn’t already know, I love you, Gabi.”

  She kissed my chest and let out a soft breath, instantly falling to sleep.

  I wanted to get up and celebrate, but instead I stayed in bed and enjoyed her warm soft body next to mine.

  One day, I’d ask her to marry me. I knew we were moving fast, so I’d wait until the time felt right, but I knew Gabi was the woman for me. Too many, I’m sure, will doubt our love after only knowing each other for a couple of months, but I didn’t care. I only cared about the woman snuggled up in my arms.

  My destiny.

  14

  Gabi

  New Year’s Eve

  The next year

  * * *

  Pulling me flush against his long, lean body, Jax asked huskily, “Are you going to find me under the mistletoe at midnight?”

  “You bet your sweet ass I am. Why tempt destiny?”

  My hand gave that sweet ass of his a slap before it slipped underneath the black button-down shirt he’d left untucked, skirting up his muscled back, feeling each muscle tighten and ripple at my touch.

  He kissed me behind my ear on the spot that always made me melt for him. His gravelly voice sent shivers down my spine. “I thought you didn't believe in destiny.”

  My hands roamed to the front of his shirt, feeling the light smattering of hair along his rock-hard abs and traveled up his smooth skin until my hands covered his pecs. Jax smiled down at me knowingly. I couldn’t get enough of him or stop touching him when he was near.

  Leaning up on my tippy toes, I kissed the side of his neck. “It brought me you, didn’t it? Let’s not tempt fate.”

  “I like the way you think,” he murmured as our lips touched. My hand cupped his cheek as my thumb traced along his scar. Pulling back, he smiled down at me. “Say hi to Alex for me. I’m going to go find Luke and the guys. See you at midnight, if not sooner.” He gave me one last kiss before sauntering off to find his friends.

  I stood watching as Jax moved through the crowd, how his dark jeans hugged his tight ass with every step. It wasn’t lost on me how many women at the party turned their heads as he walked by.

  I was still in awe at how quickly Jax had done a complete one-eighty after I’d decided to stay a year ago. After only a month, his whole demeanor had changed, and he’d become more outgoing. From the impression I’d gotten when I’d met him, and the way he’d talked, Jax had seemed extremely anti-social. His ex leaving him had nearly destroyed his self-esteem. Now, you’d never know that Jax had once had a complex about his scar. From the beginning, I’d thought it was hot, so I made sure to let him know every chance I got, which was daily.

 

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