3

Jaxon

I poured a glass of whiskey and placed it on the table, ready for Margot when she emerged from the bathroom wearing my shirt. The sight of her took my breath away. Her auburn hair cascading down her back, those striking green eyes, and the soft curve of her body under the worn fabric—I was done for. She looked like a goddess who didn’t even realize her own power, and I wanted nothing more than to show her.

She hesitated for a second before moving closer, eyeing the whiskey. “If you’re breaking rules, I might as well join you. Besides, it’s one less glass for you to drink alone.”

Her soft smile made me chuckle, though I had to remind myself to keep things steady. This was Margot, sweet and selfless Margot, the woman who had stayed with Braxton far longer than he deserved. I wanted her, had wanted her for years, but I couldn’t rush this. She had to see that my feelings weren’t some fleeting impulse.

When she reached for the glass, I held it just out of reach, smirking. “Catch up with me first. Then it’s yours.”

With a shrug, she agreed, and we ended up side by side on the loveseat. Her legs crossed over mine, her presence warm and intoxicating. She sipped the whiskey, immediately scrunching her nose and coughing.

“How do people drink this? It’s awful! And expensive for no reason.”

Her reaction had me laughing. “Still prefer fruity cocktails, huh?”

She gave me a mock glare, her freckles peeking through her makeup. “I like what I like. Simple tastes.”

I leaned closer, my voice softer. “There’s nothing simple about you, Bubba.”

She leaned forward to set the glass down, and my eyes caught something new: a small tattoo on the inside of her thigh. I couldn’t stop myself—I reached out, brushing my fingers over the delicate bow. Her breath hitched, and I felt a surge of satisfaction.

“That’s new,” I murmured, forcing myself to look at her face rather than linger too long.

Her voice was quiet. “Got it last year. Something private, just for me.”

I couldn’t help but smile. “I know it’s new because I’d remember it. The last summer you spent with Braxton, I saw you in that black swimsuit. Covered up like you thought you had to be. I hated that he made you feel that way, but I couldn’t take my eyes off you. If you’d had a tattoo back then, trust me, I would’ve noticed.”

Her cheeks flushed, and she looked down, tracing the tattoo with her finger. “You noticed me that much?”

“I noticed everything.” The words came out rougher than I intended, but I meant every syllable.

Margot seemed to be processing my confession. She tied her hair into a loose bun, her gaze flickering back to mine. “I had no idea.”

“Because I couldn’t let you know. You were with Braxton. But I hated how he treated you. He didn’t deserve you.”

Her lips pressed into a thin line. “It doesn’t hurt anymore. When he says something rude now, I just want to hit him.”

A low growl escaped me. “It still pisses me off. You deserve so much better.” I hesitated, then decided to just ask. “Can I ask you something?”

She tilted her head, curiosity in her eyes. “Sure.”

“Why agree to this wedding? Why put yourself through this?”

Her expression shifted, and I quickly added, “I’m not judging. I just want to know—it’s not because you still have feelings for him, right?”

Her face twisted in mock disgust. “God, no. I’m doing this because I need the money and exposure for my business. If I can pull it off, it might save everything. Dealing with Braxton is just…part of the deal. Even if he is a total bridezilla.”

Relief coursed through me. “That’s Braxton, all right.”

She laughed softly, then reached out, her hand resting lightly on my knee. “Jaxon?”

The way she said my name made my heart race. “What is it, Bubba?”

Her gaze was steady, though a little unsure. “You’re being…different tonight. Open. I feel like you’re trying to tell me something.”

Screw taking it slow. I grabbed her waist and pulled her into my lap, her legs straddling me as I held her close. “You’re damn right I am. For years, I kept my hands to myself, watched from the sidelines while you were with him. Do you know how hard that was? I was jealous, Margot. Painfully jealous of him for having you, for touching you. And now? He’s out of the picture, and I’m not wasting another second.”

Her eyes widened, her breath hitching as my words sank in. I waited, my heart pounding, hoping she’d see the truth in my eyes.

“Jaxon…” Her voice was a whisper, but the way her hands tightened on my shoulders told me everything I needed to know.

She gasped softly when I cupped the back of her head and brought her lips to mine. Her mouth was warm and soft, fitting perfectly against mine. The kiss sent a jolt of electricity through me, but I stopped the moment her hand pressed gently against my chest.

I immediately pulled back, my heart pounding as panic set in. “Damn it, Margot. I’m sorry. I’m rushing you, aren’t I?” I ran a hand through my hair, frustration creeping in. “It’s just…having you here, it’s hard not to want everything at once.”

She shook her head, licking her lips like she was trying to find the right words. “Jaxon…I don’t think I understand.”

I took a steadying breath, deciding there was no point in holding back anymore. She deserved honesty. “I want you, Margot. I want to spend the night making you feel things you’ve never felt before. I want to lose myself in you, in every way possible. That’s how much I’ve wanted this—for years.” My voice was rough, filled with the rawness of my feelings. “Does that make it clear?”

Her eyes widened slightly before she nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. “Crystal clear. I just… I didn’t expect this. But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want it, too. If you’re sure…”

I didn’t wait for her to finish. Wrapping my arms around her, I lifted her easily, holding her close. “I’ve been sure for six years, Margot. Six long years.”

Her laugh was soft, almost disbelieving. “That’s…a long time, Jaxon.”

“It is,” I murmured as I laid her gently on the bed, leaning over her. My lips brushed hers in a series of teasing kisses, just enough to leave her breathless. “It’s also been six years of imagining what it would be like to be with you. And now that I have you here, I’m not wasting another second.”

She surprised me then, her eyes flashing with something I hadn’t expected—hunger. Her fingers tangled in my hair, holding me close. Her voice was low, filled with determination. “Then tell me, Jaxon. Tell me what you’ve imagined, and I’ll make every one of those dreams come true.”

Her words sent a surge of heat through me, and I realized this wasn’t the sweet, innocent Margot I’d always thought she was. This was a woman who was ready to meet me where I was, with the same fire and intensity.