“I’ve been known to tear up a dance floor or two.” He grinned, holding out his hand.
She took another drink of beer before letting him pull her from the chair. “Oh, I bet you have.”
******
Jax stood in the shadows watching Sloan approach Caroline and then lead her out to dance. The low growl building in his chest escaped when Sloan pulled her close saying something that made Caroline laugh.
“I think it would be really bad for you to kill your boss.” Hunter had appeared at his side, a beer in one hand and a shot glass in the other. “Here, you need this more than me.”
Looking down at the shot, Jax grabbed it and downed it in a second flat. “Thanks.”
“Welcome.” Hunter gave a short nod. “Yeah, your sweet little Caroline pretty much ruined my night.”
Jax looked away from Caroline for a split second. “How so?”
Hunter told Jax what Caroline had done, all the while a small grin of respect curved his lips. “So now all the pretty ladies here think I’m a player.”
“Aren’t you?” Jax raised an eyebrow.
“Ah, yeah.” Hunter snorted. “But it was a secret until your girl blabbed.”
“Caroline is not my girl.” Jax wished he had another shot of whiskey.
“They have a history?” Hunter pointed his beer toward Sloan and Caroline.
“No,” he answered, but then realized he wasn’t really sure.
“Then you better make a move my friend, before they do.” Hunter gave him a parting look before walking off.
“You’re still on the job,” Jax called out after him. “You need to worry about that instead of playing matchmaker.”
Hunter just threw up his hand in a wave, indicating he heard him loud and clear.
“Asshole,” Jax grumbled, his eyes focused back on Caroline who was walking back to her table, alone. Jax headed her way. He’d be damned if he left without dancing with her at least once.
As soon as he made his way to her, she bent to pick up her shoes. His eyes automatically went to her ass which was cupped beautifully in her pale blue summer dress that fit her body perfectly. She straightened without the shoes and turned around, a small smile blooming across her lips.
“Hi.” She smoothed her dress, her eyes never leaving his.
“You look beautiful.” Jax’s voice was deep with a rough edge.
“Awe, thank you.” She gave him a once over. “And you are very handsome in a tux, Jax Wheeler.”
Jax cursed himself for being so awkward, his hand fidgeting in the pocket of his slacks as he stared at her. “Dance with me.”
“I thought you’d never ask.” Caroline’s voice turned husky, making his desire for her soar.
Instead of taking her where others were slow dancing, he pulled her in his arms and danced her into the shadows. Her softness against his hardness was almost more than he could stand. Sloan’s scent still lingered on her, his alpha side reared its ugly head. “You and Sloan have a thing going?” he asked a little more harshly than he intended.
“Sloan?” Caroline moved her head off his chest to stare up at him. “No. I mean he’s very handsome, but...”
Anger consumed him. “It’s a yes or no question, Caroline.”
“Oh, then no.” Caroline touched the corner of his mouth gently. “You really shouldn’t frown so much, Jax.”
“Then don’t tell me you find other men handsome,” Jax replied, surprised the words came out of his mouth. What the fuck was wrong with him? He knew exactly what was wrong with him and he was holding her in his arms.
––––––––
CHAPTER 21
Jill finally found a minute to sit down and glared at the pack of crackers sitting on the table. With a huff she grabbed one while her eyes roamed. Spotting Slade talking to Jax and Caroline, she looked back at her cracker.
“Let me have one of those.” Adam sat down grabbing a cracker and glared at it.
“To us.” Jill held up her cracker for a toast.
Adam chuckled, tapping her cracker with his. “To us.”
They both took a bite and chewed. “Mmmmm.” Jill tried to sound like the cracker was the best thing she’d ever eaten, but her face of disgust said otherwise.
“It tastes like ass,” Adam grumbled, tossing the cracker down on the table.
“Don’t know what ass tastes like, but thanks for making the only food I can eat less appetizing.” Jill threw the cracker aside.
“Sorry,” Adam said with a sheepish grin. “Thanks, Jill. What you’ve done means so much to all of us.”
“Don’t thank me, Adam.” Jill sighed with a happy smile. “It’s what I wanted to do. This is my family and sharing this with you all has been awesome.”
Adam nodded, but kept silent.
“Can I ask you a personal question?” This was going to be awkward as hell, but she needed to know before tonight.
“You can ask me anything, Jill. You know that.” Adam closed his eyes leaning his head back. “Shoot.”
“Did Slade tell you not to...you know...” Jill cringed in embarrassment. “...with Angelina tonight?”
Adam opened one eye to peek over at her. “Have sex?”