Before You (Before You #1)(76)

Jax scooted in next to her and ran his hand up the inside of her thigh, resting it just inside the hem of her black and white full skirt. Her mind immediately flashed to her not so innocent guitar lessons earlier that morning.

And now she was cursing Jax for making her go to lunch. She would have preferred to stay in his bedroom for the rest of the day ignoring reality.

Jax made small talk with the waitress, who had obviously waited on him several times before. As he discussed his version of the perfect burger with the waitress, Bre stared at his lips and the way his faded black t-shirt stretched so perfectly across his chest. All she could think about was running her hand through his shaggy brown hair and pulling him toward her so she could explore those lips a little more. Now that she decided to let go of her guilt and uncertainty in order to make things work with Jax, she admitted that she might be slightly obsessed with him, not in a nutty stalker way, but in a she wanted to be around him all the time way.

“Bre,” Jax said, interrupting her thoughts. “Does that sound good to you?”

“What?”

He smiled in amusement, and an answering smile pulled on her lips almost as is if his happiness were contagious. “Were you even listening to a word I said? I ordered for you.”

“I guess I was thinking about something else.”

“I ordered us both a California Burger, medium.” Jax pulled the menu out of her hand and gave it to the waitress.

“That’s fine.”

The waitress stuck her pencil behind her ear and walked away without comment.

Jax leaned his forehead against hers. “Did you want to know what’s on it or do you trust my judgment?”

“You said this was the best burger, so I’m taking you up on that challenge. I seriously doubt it could beat the place down the street from my gallery, but I’ll keep an open mind.”

“Now, I’m nervous. I might need to go into the kitchen and supervise to make sure everything is perfect.”

She laughed a light carefree sound that made her feel happy. “Oh no. No interference or coaching is allowed.”

“Well, the same goes for you when you take me to the place in Aspen.”

Bre looked away and busied herself unrolling her silverware from the white paper napkin. For some reason, the idea of Jax coming to Aspen made her surprisingly uncomfortable. No, that was a lie. The thought of people seeing her out with Jax near her home where everyone knew Cam made her cringe. She didn’t want people to start comparing her to her mother.

“Jax, what are we going tell everyone about us?” Bre questioned, placing the napkin in her lap.

“Why do we need to tell anybody anything? We’re dating. I don’t think explanations are needed.”

“People are going to say really mean things about me.” Bre twisted her fork in circles.

Jax grabbed her hand. “Like who? Alec and Marc won’t say much as long as I’m able to keep the band on track, and I’m sure Sara and Michael will support you. Beyond that, nobody matters,” Jax said.

“I don’t want people talking behind my back at home. Everybody gossiped about my mom when I was a kid. They still do. I don’t want be like her.” Bre looked down at her lap. “And I don’t want Cam’s parents to hate me or think less of me,” Bre whispered candidly.

Jax squeezed her hand lightly and then released it. “Then we won’t tell anyone about us right now. You can tell people you and Cam broke up because the long distance thing wasn’t working. I live in LA, you live in Colorado, so we don’t need to announce anything until we’re ready.”

Bre adjusted the salt and pepper shakers on the table. “You don’t mind?”

Jax leaned back against the booth and looked away momentarily. “Honestly? I do mind, but I know this is complicated. You and Cam have been best friends for a long time and Cam’s part of the band. We should be respectful and not throw our relationship in anybody’s face, so waiting to say anything is probably the right decision, even if it feels wrong.”

Bre released a deep breath and hugged her arms around her body. “Thanks.” Her voice came out shaky. “It’s just for a couple months.”

“When do you leave?” Jax said, changing the subject.

“Tomorrow morning.” Bre dropped her head in her hands. “Oh shit. I left my wallet at Cam’s house. I need my ID and money.”

“I’ll go get it tonight.”

“No,” she said, dropping her hands from her face. “I should be the one to get it. You guys will fight, and I don’t want to cause more problems.”

“Then we’ll go together,” Jax said, pushing her hair away from her face.

“No!” Bre yelled a little too loudly, panicking. She couldn’t visit Cam with Jax. She hated that Cam cheated on her and lied to her, but that didn’t erase their history or the countless ways he and his family supported her throughout her life. “That’s a million times worse. Cam and I have been friends for a long time. I can drop by and get my wallet. Besides, it will give me a chance smooth things over.” Bre sighed miserably.

Jax didn’t talk for a long moment, his breathing rough. “I won’t let you go alone.”

“Why?” Bre asked, puzzled. “He’s not going to hurt me.”