Laughter erupted in the other room. Jaxson’s hands came to my face bringing my attention back to him. “London, I’m a grown man. You’re a grown woman. My parent’s adore you even with the misconception of your past. They trust you with my son. I trust you with my son.”
“Jaxson, London. You’re here.” I stepped back from Jaxson as Pam walked in. I felt like a teenager being caught kissing. What was wrong with me? I was an adult? An adult who slept with this woman’s son all night long. Stop. Get a grip.
She brought me into a hug. “I’m so glad you guys are giving this a chance.”
I nearly choked at her comment. “Me too.”
Maybe things weren’t awkward after all. I was a mess and out of practice with the whole dating thing. “Be aware Ty’s been asking numerous questions about boyfriends and girlfriends.”
On cue, the little man ran in here. “Dad! London—” He stopped. “You found her. I went to see if she wanted breakfast and she wasn’t there. Where were you?”
I tensed at the question and heat flooded my face. How was Jaxson going to answer him?
Jaxson picked Ty up and brought him to the office off of the front door motioning for me to follow him. “Ty, I took London to breakfast. She’s my girlfriend. But we’re going to eat with you guys again.”
Well, we hadn’t had food for breakfast. A light heat graced my cheeks at the thought.
“Are you getting married?”
Both men’s eyes darted to mine, Ty’s full of curiosity. The question made me fiddle with my hair while Jaxson answered him, “No, son, we’re not getting married. We like each other a lot. We’ll be boyfriend and girlfriend at first. Like Mallory has her boyfriend.”
A huff escaped. “Don’t take too long, Dad. Mallory and her boyfriend broke up. She told us this morning. Aunt Sydney and Mallory are here for breakfast.”
“I promise I won’t take too long.” There was a definite vow spoken that had nervous, excited flutters racing through me.
“Good. We don’t want to lose her, Dad.”
“We won’t.”
Ty grabbed my hand while Jaxson’s went to the small of my back before going into the living room. The family sat around while Mallory stood in the middle with her dark hair in a ponytail. I remembered my days of being a teenager and dancing. Pam clapped. “Oh good, Jaxson and London can see your routine you learned at dance camp.”
“I’d love to see it.” The excitement in my voice was evident.
Mallory, wearing a pink and black dance shirt, centered herself as Pam hit play for the music to start. The routine was fairly standard with a few free spins, kicks, and heel turns. During the heel turn, Mallory’s balance faltered slightly and she stopped. “Sorry that part keeps throwing me.”
“Turn your right heel out slightly to help counteract the weight balance on your supported foot.” Mallory’s brow crinkled. The attention turned to me, but I ignored it as I walked free of Jaxson’s embrace. “If you keep the weight more balanced it won’t throw you off. Try this.”
Slowly, I demonstrated the step and she mimicked it, executing the maneuver perfectly. I loved that feeling—when a move became fluid to the point it was merely an extension of your body. “Now try that and see if it transitions into your next move easier.”
I took a step back. The music played again and Mallory executed it with perfection. Quitting the dance, she ran to me. “Thank you, London. Where did you learn that?”
“I used to dance a lot back in the day.”
“Will you help me with some other moves?”
With Jaxson’s hand on my lower back, I felt complete. Another piece of what I’d given up slipped into place. “I would love to.”
TWO MONTHS PASSED SINCE JAXSON and I had our first night together. Nothing new had been discovered about the accident and who was behind it. It was frustrating, but at least whoever it was hadn’t bothered me anymore.
The heat of late August was upon us. Before I came, Ja
xson decided to wait a year for Ty to start kindergarten since he was in the gray area for age. Made complete sense to me. Pam supported Jaxson’s decision, but thought Ty should try it and if he was too young, repeat it. Jaxson wanted Ty to have an extra year at the farm.
My eyes drifted to the flowers on the counter from the two men I loved. Every week, Jaxson and Ty brought me flowers. The word perfect was subpar to how the last couple of months had been. Everything was falling into place. Jaxson. Ty. Dancing. On the side, I helped Mallory and a couple of her friends with dance moves. I was in heaven.
Dad arrived last night and was sleeping in the guest room. My phone vibrated on the counter as I made biscuits for breakfast. Jaxson and Ty were joining us in about forty-five minutes.
Jaxson: Good morning, beautiful. How was your night?