Dustin and Cody hoot and burst out laughing like it’s the funniest thing in the world.
“Sometimes, I don’t know,” Jax says flatly, not really paying them much attention.
When Cody grabs two coconuts and starts acting like he’s groping breasts, I start guiding us far away from them.
“How are you friends with them?” I ask, ducking my head when Dustin starts groping the breasts—er, coconuts, I mean—and moaning like he’s on the brink of orgasm.
“We went to high school together,” Jax says, picking up speed as we try to ditch them.
“I’m guessing they didn’t graduate.”
“They did. With honors, too.”
My eyebrows go up, and he shrugs. “Public education. Gotta love it.”
Laughing, I shake my head and move toward the sound of music. I love the way this town has troubadours and street performers.
Jax slides his arms around my waist like it’s the most natural thing in the world when we reach the edge of people who have gathered around a man singing. A woman dances slowly to keep with the rhythm of the music. Before I know it, I find my body swaying with Jax’s, and my head falls back on his chest as I watch the way the hula dancer gracefully demonstrates her power and poise.
By the end of the song, my eyes have closed, and Jax’s chin is resting on top of my head. It really does feel natural, even though it shouldn’t.
“You hungry?” he asks.
I start to nod, but Dustin and Cody find us, and I end up tucked against Jax’s side instead when Cody hip-checks me to take my place in front of Jax.
“Wings and a strip club would be great. Know the way?”
Yeah, I really don’t like Cody.
“And beer. Don’t forget beer,” Dustin adds.
Jax arches his eyebrow. “First of all, I don’t know if they have wings. Secondly, I’m not taking Bo to a strip club. Third, it’s still too early for you jackasses to start drinking. I’m not carrying either of you home.”
Jax keeps his arm around me, holding me to him, or I would wander off and call a cab. I think he must know that.
“First of all—Hawaii is still ‘Merica,” Cody points out while putting a hand over his heart like he’s about to pledge allegiance to the flag. “So that means no wings would be sacrilegious. Secondly, it’s a three-to-one ratio here. Unless you want to share your girl, a strip club is a must. Third, we can hold our alcohol, jackass.”
He ends his argument with an extended bird finger and a smug grin. Jax bristles beside me, and I glare at Cody for his share your girl remark.
“Go get your wings, make it rain for some strippers, and drink your beer. Bo and I are about to grab something from the café we just passed. We’ll catch up with you guys tonight or something. Don’t bring chicks back to the house though.”
Cody’s smile wavers, and he gives me a look I don’t particularly appreciate. Pretty sure he’s pissed at me, but it’s not like I’m the one twisting Jax’s arm. Dustin groans while looking back at Jax.
“Serious, dude? We flew to Hawaii to hang with you, and you’re ditching us on day one?”
“You flew out here for a free trip,” Jax says, laughing lightly. “Told you I had a girl here. I also told you it was low key to begin with since it was originally Mick’s home. No girls were going to be allowed there either.”
Cody’s jaw ticks, but he rolls his eyes.
“Whatever. Let’s find some fun. Girls, wings, and booze. Doesn’t have to be in that order.”
He casts one last cold glance at me, then he flips Jax off with a smile as the two head off in search of their “fun.”
“I wonder how long it will take them to realize there aren’t any strip clubs or wings on this side of the island,” I muse aloud.
Jax starts laughing, and I smile as he shakes his head. “At least they’ll find beer.”
“I don’t think Cody likes me too much.”