"You couldn't come up with a better lie?" he asks with a chuckle.
I snort again. "Youcouldn't come up with a better lie." My laughter settles, and I finally look at him with curiosity. "Whyareyou here? Clearly, it's not to gather materials for a shadow box."
He winces. "Real quick, though, what the fuck is that? Let's sync stories before she comes back and catches me lying about how the real reason I came over is to bend her sister over because I can't stop thinking about how sweet her pussy felt the other night."
At that, all laughter fades away. I swallow nervously, my body heating from his words. Images of him doing exactly that immediately wipe all other thoughts from my brain, leaving me distracted and panting.
"Hailey," he says with a chuckle, pulling my attention back to him.
I snap out of my daze. "What?" I ask, the word escaping my lips on an exhale.
"What's a shadow box?" he repeats, amusement coating his tone.
"It's like a photo frame but for items instead of pictures," I answer automatically. "You know that clear box one of your fighters made for Coach for his big career win? The one that's on the wall at the gym with all the belts and medals?" Understanding dawns in Jax's expression. "That's a shadow box. Which you now have to make for Tristanandfor Remy."
The panic starts to return. "How am I supposed to make one of those? I have no idea where to even start with that." He groans and drops his head back. "This is what I get for being so infatuated. Now I'm stuck with an art project when all I wanted was to see you."
My heart flips over in my chest. "Really?" I ask quietly.
His gaze focuses on me again. "Of course. I haven't been able to think of anything else since you left my bed on Monday. I've been dying to see you again, baby girl."
My cheeks pinken at his words. "I missed you too," I whisper.
Jax chances a look over his shoulder to make sure Remy is still in her room. Then he takes a step forward and cages me in, his hands bracing next to my hips against the counter.
"Yeah?" he breathes against my lips. When I nod, he lets out a heavy exhale and asks, "When can I see you again? I'm going crazy without you."
"Umm, I think—"
"Found them," Remy calls from her bedroom. In an instant, Jax is stepping back to create some distance between us. By the time my sister walks back into the living room, I've managed to disguise my flustered expression by turning back to the drinks I had already pulled out of the fridge.
Remy drops her gold medals on the kitchen counter. "Does Tristan know you're making these?" she asks Jax.
"Uh, no," he admits. "It was a spur of the moment idea."
I just barely cover my grin with a cough. But when Jax gently kicks my foot where we're hidden behind the counter, I have to erupt into a coughing fit to keep my laughter from slipping out.
Remy gives me a confused look but doesn't comment on it.
"So... what're you two doing tonight?" Jax asks quickly in an attempt to change the subject.
At that, Remy grins and says, "We're going to play old Illenium rave sets and relive the shows we've gone to. Wanna join?"
Jax winces. "I think I'll pass, that's not exactly my kind of music. But you two enjoy."
Remy shrugs. "Suit yourself."
Jax grabs the gold medals, and I grab a tote bag for him to carry them in, swallowing my laugh when I realize I grabbed the one that saysshe believed she could, so she did. When he takes the bag from me and starts to turn toward the door to leave, I see him pause, indecision warring in his eyes. Then, as if making up his mind, he quickly leans forward to kiss my cheek.
Just as quickly, he turns away and leaves with aBye, you two have fun.
And even though Jax has kissed me in front of people dozens of times, I'm still fighting the blush that wants to flame my cheeks as I avoid looking at Remy.
I can still feel her studying me when she says, "Sometimes I wonder how you ever started dating with Jax around. I have no idea how any guy looks at how he is with you and thinksthat guy's not threatening at all." She shakes her head and reaches for one of the loaded Coronas in front of me. "I guess it's probably a good thing for now, since I assume you want to take a little time away from guys, right?"
I frown. "Why would I need time? It's not like I'm heartbroken and need to get over Steve. It's actually the opposite—I've been sick of that guy for months. I just didn't know how to get out of the relationship."
Remy nods in understanding. "I know, I know. But you still only got free of him three weeks ago, right? There's a difference between being over a guy and being single. Don't you want to live for yourself for a little while? Isn't that why we're putting house music on and getting drunk right now?"