Fighting Temptation (Men Of Honor) (24 page)

A few days later I’m standing at my kitchen sink cursing up a storm. I try to pry the handle on the tap up, but can’t, the damn thing is stuck.

“What’s wrong?” Jaxson asks, walking up behind me.

“The stupid tap is jammed. Ugh! I should just buy a whole new sink, the damn thing is like 100 years old anyways.”

Jaxson pushes me to the side, “Watch out, I got this.”

I roll my eyes at his arrogance.

At first he tries to pull it up firmly but not too hard, finally he gives up and decides to really reef on it. All of a sudden there’s a loud pop… oh no! I yelp and jump out of the way quickly as water sprays out everywhere, all over Jaxson.

“Fuck!” Jaxson tries screwing back on the handle that he just ripped off, all the while water is soaking his chest and face. Finally he gets it back on.

“Shit,” he says breathing heavily, looking a little stunned.

I stand frozen with my hand cupped over my mouth, my body shaking as I try to hold in my laughter.

Jaxson turns and glares at me, “Are you laughing?”

I shake my head, but a snort escapes me, proving my lie.

“You think this shit is funny Julia?” he asks annoyed, but has a gleam in his eye.

Uh-oh, I know that look. I turn around and bolt as fast as I can, I hear Jaxson close behind me. I speed up and try running up the stairs into my bedroom so I can lock my door, of course I’m nowhere near fast enough.

He grabs me from behind and carries me up the rest of the stairs into the main bathroom.

“Oh my god, what are you doing!?” I shriek, trying to kick free.

Jaxson holds me against him with one arm while he leans over with the other one, turning on the shower.

“Oh my god, you wouldn’t!” I squirm and manage to get free from his grasp. Yet again I don’t make it far before he has me back against him.

“Jaxson don’t you dare! I mean it, I will kick your ass.”

He grunts, then lifts me into the warm water with all my clothes still on. I gasp and try to escape but Jaxson comes in holding me under the spray till I’m soaked.

Ugh! My hair looked really damn good today too. “I hate you, I hate you, I hate you!”

Jaxson snickers and I give him my best glare. “What are you going to do about it Julia?” he asks arrogantly.

Warm water pours down me while I look him over, his wet shirt is plastered to his hard body… Suddenly something perfect comes to mind.

He loses his smirk and looks nervously at my smug smile.

I saunter closer to him, “I can think of a few things to do.” I make my voice breathless as I run my finger slowly down his chest to the waist band of his jeans.

“What are you doing?” he asks gruffly.

I look down and grab his hard length through his wet jeans and squeeze.

“Shit!” he sucks in a sharp breath and drop his head back against the wall.

Holy crap! I forgot how big he is.

“You know Jaxson, I owe you for the other day and I’m thinking now would be a good time to repay you.”

I drop to my knees in front of him and unsnap his jeans.

“Oh fuck!” his breathing is harsh and his muscles tense. Although I’m only messing with him I can’t help it when my own breathing speeds up with desire.

Once I unzip him I push open the flaps of his jeans. Leaning in I press a soft kiss to his hard length through his black boxer briefs. He groans loudly and, I’m not going to lie, it’s not just my clothes that are wet now.

I look up and see Jaxson’s jaw clenched, his eyes shut, waiting for me to take him in my mouth.

“Oh wait, what am I doing?” Jaxson’s eyes snap open as I stand up, “I totally forgot… friends only.” I give myself a little tap on the head, his eyes narrow dangerously at me.

I let out a big dramatic sigh, “Well I guess I better go and change now.” I give him a quick pat on the chest then I turn around to step out of the shower.

“I don’t fucking think so,” he spins me around and crushes his mouth to mine roughly. And I’m a total sucker, wrapping my arms around his neck I kiss him back with everything I have. He picks me up easily and I wrap my legs around his waist, as he slams us against the shower wall.

He tears his mouth away from mine, his expression savage, “It’s time you learned just who is in control here Julia.” I moan loudly when he slams his hips against the spot I crave him most.

Oh god he can be really sexy when he’s arrogant. He bends his head down and grazes his teeth over my stiff nipple through my thin wet tank top. I whimper and dig my nails into his shoulders.

All of a sudden Jaxson tenses under me and freezes.

“What?” I ask breathlessly.

Then I hear it… a knock on my door.

Oh my god. This is not happening right now.

Jaxson speaks my thoughts, “Are you fucking kidding me?” He looks at me now, “Are you expecting someone?”

I shake my head, someone bangs on the door again and not all that gently. “Ignore it,” I say crashing my mouth to his again. I rock my hips against his hardness making him groan and kiss me back.

They finally stop knocking and decide to ring the doorbell.

“Shit!” Jaxson says harshly, prying his perfect mouth from mine. He looks at me with regret. “We should answer it, it may be Cooper.”

I decide if it is Cooper again, I’m going to kill him.

I slide down Jaxson’s hard body as he releases me. “Who’s going to answer it?” I ask, taking in our wet state.

Jaxson looks at my plastered tank top and grunts, “Definitely not you. I’ll answer it, go change.”

I giggle and grab a towel as I dash out of the bathroom into my room. I dry my hair as best as I can with the towel. My wet clothes are a bit of a challenge to get off. I trade my wet tank and capris for a light denim jean skirt and a sage green lace tank top that shows some cleavage. I’m not going to lie, I’m hoping this will tempt Jaxson to finish what we started. I know I said he had to be the first to make the move from now on, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to make it easy on him.

As I open my bedroom door and make my way downstairs I hear a couple of male voices that I don’t recognize. Wondering who it could be I walk quickly into the kitchen.

“Jaxson, who’s at the…” my words die in my throat as I stand and gape at the two beautiful men in my kitchen.

“Oh my god! Sawyer? Cade?” I can’t stop the smile that transforms my face.

“Holy shit girl, you went and got hotter. I didn’t think that was even possible,” Sawyer says with a grin, opening his arms.

I run up giggling and jump into his outstretched arms. He hugs me tightly and I get tears in my eyes, happy that he’s here and ok.

He slides me down his body slowly, not letting go and grabs my wet hair, “Did you get nice and wet just for me Julia?”

“Oh you!” I slap him in the chest and laugh.

“Fucking watch yourself Evans!” Jaxson says heatedly.

Sawyer chuckles as I roll my eyes.

Once Sawyer lets me go I turn to Cade. He hasn’t changed a bit, neither of them actually. His expression still cold and hard but he nods his head at me, “Hi Julia.”

“Oh Cade,” I walk up to him with a teary smile and wrap my arms around his waist. He stiffens under my hug but pats my back uncomfortably not wanting to be rude.

“I’m so glad you’re ok, I’m glad you both are ok,” I say blubbering as I reach over for Sawyer too and hug them both at the same time.

“Want to get in on this group hug Reid? I’ll be nice and share Julia.”

I giggle and look over at Jaxson to see him glaring fire at Sawyer. I guess he doesn’t find it as funny as we do.

I release them and grab a tissue to wipe under my eyes.

“What are y’all doing here?” I ask sniffling.

“We came to see you and figured while we were here we would see what this jackass has been up to.”

I laugh and shake my head, telling Sawyer I know better.

“We went to see Jaxson at the hotel we thought he was staying at, but they said he checked out. Then we ran into your sheriff and he told us he’s living with you now,” Sawyers says it with a smirk but there are questions in his eyes.

I look over at Jaxson with a smile, he doesn’t smile back. He’s still pouting.

Whatever!

“Jaxson is staying with me, for a little bit… in the guest bedroom, by his own choice.”

I feel Jaxson’s glare on me now but I ignore it. Sawyer chuckles and Cade’s lips twitch.

I decide to change the subject, “How long are y’all here for?”

Sawyer shrugs “I don’t know, we’re playing it by ear, but so far I like it here, I may stay a while,” he says wiggling his eyebrows at me.

“Oh fuck off,” Jaxson mumbles under his breath but we all hear it. I glare at his rudeness while Sawyer chuckles, not letting it phase him.

“Well you both can stay here.”

“No they goddamn can’t!” Jaxson shouts rudely.

I whip my head in his direction, “Yes they can! I have more than enough spare rooms and it’s my house.”

“Ya it’s her house and if there aren’t enough rooms I will just stay with her, in her bed… since you aren’t,” Sawyer adds with a smirk.

I burst out laughing. I know I shouldn’t but I can’t help it.

“You’re seriously pissing me off Evans.”

I roll my eyes, “Oh lighten up Jaxson. Are you boys hungry? I was going to see if Jaxson wanted to head to the diner in town for supper, want to come?”

“I could eat, I can always eat,” Sawyer replies.

Cade shrugs his reply saying he doesn’t care either way.

I look over at Jaxson’s scowl, “Are you coming grumpy, or are you going to stay here and pout?”

I really don’t know why I’m antagonizing him so much. I guess I feel annoyed at the way he acts all territorial with me but then tells me we can only be friends.

He glares at me but mumbles, “I’ll come, just let me change.”

Sawyer chuckles at his retreating back then looks at me, “This is going to be fun Julia.”

I giggle and shake my head.

Jaxson comes down in record time, still with a scowl in place. Sawyer slings his arm around my shoulders as we start walking to the door.

Jaxson shoves him off me, “You asshole can drive yourself. Julia and I will go in my truck.”

Sawyer looks offended, “Why don’t I take Julia and you take Cade?”

Jaxson stops and glares at Sawyer again.

I roll my eyes, “Why don’t we all just drive together?”

“Sounds good. Julia can ride in the back with me, I’ll be nice and give Cade shot-gun.”

“Jesus,” Jaxson whispers in frustration, shaking his head.

I barely contain my laughter, this is going to be a long night, but I couldn’t be happier.

We arrive at the diner and are lucky to get a booth, the place is packed. I look over and see poor Grace running her butt off. They must be short staffed, again.

I look over across the diner and my stomach drops when I see Ray Jennings, Wyatt’s dad. Jaxson notices my tension and follows my gaze.

He grabs my face, forcing my eyes to his, “Don’t worry about it.”

I nod and open the menu, chewing my nails nervously.

“What?” Sawyer asks looking over at Ray.

“Later,” Jaxson says, ending the topic. Sawyer can tell the seriousness of it, so he lets it go.

Grace comes speeding over with her head down trying to find her pad of paper, “Hi y’all sorry about the wait. What can I…” she looks up and notices me, “Julia, hi,” she says with a sweet smile.

“Hi Grace,” I say getting up, giving her a hug.

Her smile vanishes and her eyes go wide when she looks over at Cade and Sawyer.

I smile because I totally get it.

“Grace this is Sawyer and Cade. They’re friends of Jaxson’s from the Navy. Guys this is my good friend Grace.”

“Hi,” she says waving shyly, her cheeks pink.

Cade gives her his typical greeting by nodding his head. Of course Sawyer lays on the charm.

“Well hi there Grace, nice outfit,” he says winking at her.

She looks down at her uniform dress then frowns at Sawyer, “Thanks… What can I get y’all to drink?”

“Sweet tea for me please,” she smiles at me knowingly when I order my usual.

Everyone else gives their order. When she walks away to fill her drink I notice Sawyer’s gaze follow her, his brow is furrowed like he’s deep in thought.

Jaxson starts chuckling, “What’s wrong Evans, losing your touch?”

“I don’t know, that’s never happened to me before,” he says seriously.

Jaxson looks smug, “Well there’s a first time for everything.”

Grace comes back and takes our order, in all the chaos she doesn’t glance at Sawyer once and I can tell it bothers him. Hmmm this could get interesting…

“So the Admiral got a hold of me, he’s wondering why you aren’t answering his calls?”

I feel Jaxson tense, “Not now Sawyer.” It’s the first time I’ve heard Jaxson refer to Sawyer by his first name.

I look over at him and feel annoyed that he doesn’t want to talk about it in front of me, I’m wondering what he’s keeping something from me…

I snap out of it quickly though when I see Ray Jennings make his way over to us. I grab Jaxson’s arm nervously while Ray glares at me. I hate confrontations.

He comes to stand right beside Jaxson, since he’s on the outside, but he only looks at me. “Well Miss Julia, I can’t say I’m surprised, disappointed maybe, but not surprised.”

“Ya well no one asked you asshole, so get the fuck out of here.”

Ray ignores Jaxson, “I tried to tell my son you are who you hang out with but he assured me you had enough class to be seen with him. I’m sad he had to learn the hard way.”

Jaxson tenses and goes to get up but I tighten my hold on his arm, “He’s trying to goad you, don’t take the bait.”

Ray smiles smugly when Jaxson listens to me, “I remember your mother Julia, she too was so beautiful. I can only imagine the disappointment she feels from beyond the grave.”

Before his words can even register Jaxson is out of the booth and has Ray by the lapels of his expensive suit. Sawyer and Cade both stand and flank him.

Oh lord!

“I told you to get the fuck out of here…”

“Jaxson stop!” I stand up and try to pull him back. We didn’t get the charges dropped by Wyatt just so Ray can go and press them.