Page 33 of Undeniable Love

Why? Why did I have to start noticing these things now?

As soon as they sat, they were joined by Travis and Declan. After all the introductions, the two of them sank into a deep conversation with her brother, leaving Lucy and Jax to talk amongst themselves.

Their waiter poured everyone glasses of water while another put warm bread out for them. Jax immediately took a piece before offering Lucy the basket. “So, you had a good time?”

Nodding, she reached for the butter. “I really did. Actually, this entire weekend has been a lot of fun.” Pausing, she wondered if she should ask about the extra day or if she should wait for Ty to do it. But when she glanced over, he seemed deeply entrenched in conversation with Jax’s teammates. Facing him, she smiled. “We were thinking about staying an extra day. You know, if that’s okay with you.”

Maybe it was her imagination, but he looked pleased. “Yeah, of course! I felt bad about not having a lot of time to hang out, so with no practice tomorrow…”

“I know! Ty has to see about changing our flights and he wants to make sure there are no crazy fees for changing at the last minute…”

Waving her off, he said, “Don’t worry. I’ll make sure everything works out.” After taking a bite of bread and finishing it, he added, “Just tell me what you’re interested in doing and I’ll make it happen.”

You. I’m interested in doing you…

Of course she didn’t say that, but her mind was saying it on an almost continuous loop.

“I’m not sure at the moment. I’ll need some suggestions.” And then, because she was feeling a little bold, she added, “Maybe if we have another late-night chat in the hot tub, you can tell me your favorite places to go.”

And it could have been wishful thinking, but this time she swore she saw a flash of heat in his gaze. It made him even more attractive, and she wished they were back at his place in the hot tub right now.

“Hey! What are we ordering?” Travis called out, effectively ruining the moment.

Another one of Jax’s teammates joined them with his wife and after that, they all ordered their meals and talked about the game. Lucy was happy to sit back and observe while enjoying some amazing food. When they were done eating and finished their dessert, it felt like they had been there forever. She almost sagged to the floor with relief when people started leaving.

Finally!

When Travis and Declan stood, as if on cue, a woman walked over to the table. She was petite and utterly stunning, and she only had eyes for Tyler. Her brother turned and looked at her, and then Jax, and Lucy swore they were having a conversation without uttering a single word.

“C’mon. I’ll take you home,” Jax murmured close to Lucy’s ear, causing her to practically shiver with delight.

“Really?” she whispered breathlessly.

Jax laughed softly, his breath warm on her skin. “You’re staying at my house, so it only seems right.”

All her girly parts tingled at his words and his closeness. She knew he was just being a good guy, but everything about him attracted her.

“Dude, we’re heading out. We’ll see you back at my place,” Jax said casually to Ty. Then he looked at his friends. “None of you should be driving tonight. Be sure to get rides unless you’re ready to leave now.”

They all waved him off, barely acknowledging that he’d spoken. With his hand resting low on her back, he led her away from the table.

Ty absently waved and said he’d see them later, but with the way he was smiling down at his lady friend, she doubted they’d see him before breakfast. And with that, Lucy tried to hide her excitement over how she was potentially going to be alone with Jax all night.

It was crazy how nervous he was. The entire ride home was filled with casual conversation, and there was nothing awkward or stilted about it. And yet all he could think about was getting her back to his place, into her bikini, and into the hot tub.

And praying that Tyler stayed out all night with his…his…casual fling? That sounded awful, but honestly, he had no idea what to call her. All he cared about was being able to relax with Lucy back at home.

When they walked into the house, Jax tossed his keys and phone on the counter and wondered if it would sound weird if he immediately suggested they change into their bathing suits. He was about to when Lucy sat down on his sofa with a soft smile.

The kind of smile that silently asked him to join her.

So he did.

Twisting slightly, she looked at him curiously. “There was a time during dinner when the guys were talking about real estate and the camp project and how it was all for a good cause. I was curious why you weren’t more involved in the conversation. I mean…this is your baby, right?”

Resting his arm along the back of the sofa, he nodded. “Your brother and I have been talking about it for weeks now. Dec and Trav definitely want in, but they have questions that only Ty can answer. I figured it would be easier if I just let them talk and stayed out of it.”

“Oh.” She sighed softly, but didn’t seem to have anything else to say. While they had been completely at ease since he got home Friday, suddenly things felt a little strained. Maybe it was his imagination, but he refused to let their night end like this.