“Wonders never cease.” Hobbes looked at him shrewdly. “You really like this guy, don’t you?”
Likewas certainly one word for it. By now Hobbes had heard enough stories of Jax’s misspent youth—and seen his phi tattoo, which had begun life as aYfor Yolanda—to know all about Jax’s habit of falling in love too hard, too fast. “I do,” he admitted. “And for once, we seem to be on the same page.”
“Yeah? Glad to hear it.” Then he cleared his throat and put on an authoritative voice. “You just make sure he treats you right and has you home by ten.”
Well, if the intentional dad impression didn’t kill off any lingering sex feelings, nothing would. Jax shuddered internally, but he couldn’t let on that some part of his brain was screamingaugh, noand reaching for the bleach, so he batted his eyelashes instead. “Don’t worry, we’ll be sure to get to bed early.”
He was gratified when Hobbes groaned and tilted his face skyward. “Can’t believe I walked into that one.”
ARI HADonly just changed into his good clothes—dress pants he’d been reliably informed showed off his assets at their best and a wine-red cashmere sweater—when Jax knocked on the door.
Jax looked positively delectable in a blue button-up the same shade as his eyes and gray slacks Ari wanted to peel off with his teeth. Jax gave him slow elevator eyes. “Yum.”
“The sentiment is reciprocated,” Ari said. Then he pressed a sensual kiss to Jax’s mouth.
Jax was tangling his fingers in Ari’s loose curls when Ari pulled back. “As much as I would love to rip you out of these,” he murmured, “we did talk about doing a proper date this evening.”
With a groan, Jax stepped back and straightened his clothes. “Okay, right. Date. Not starting with the bed.”
“I made a reservation at Pepitas. If we leave now, we should arrive within plenty of time.”
Ari guided Jax from the apartment with a hand to the small of his back and led him to the sidewalk. “I thought it might be best to walk. It’s only five minutes.”
Jax waved for him to lead the way. “So how did you manage to get a reservation at this place on such short notice?”
Pepitas was one of London’s hottest restaurants. “I know a guy.”
“Being mysterious, huh? All right. I can wait.”
Jax asked after Ari’s family as they wound their way to the restaurant. Not wanting to talk about the awkward meal he’d spent with them on the weekend—Afra had invited Theo—during which his parents cast unhappy looks in Ari’s direction but refused to discuss the tension in front of a guest, Ari shrugged and said they were fine.
Jax accepted the answer and, to Ari’s relief, didn’t ask any more questions. Instead he launched into the story of the time he met Hobbes’s parents for a home-cooked meal, which took them the rest of the walk.
At the restaurant, Ari gave his name, and Hello, I’m Sophie gave a cheery grin.
“Right this way, Mr. Darvish. As I’m sure you’re aware, the chef’s table is located in the kitchen.”
Jax jerked and looked over at Ari with wide eyes. “Chef’s table? Someone wanted to impress tonight.”
“Perhaps.” He shot Jax a sly look. “I know I promised to show you off, but… would you think less highly of me if I admitted that it was the only table left?”
Jax tapped his chin. “Nah. Just more charmed.”
Sophie led them into a hot, busy kitchen and guided them to a corner and a slim countertop with barstools behind it.
“Here you are.” She motioned for them to have a seat and poured two fresh glasses of water. “I won’t be asking your drink order because Chef can be picky about that. She’ll be with you in a moment.” She gave them one last smile, wished them a pleasant dinner, and ducked back out of the kitchen.
A fortyish woman with crinkled eyes and a bright pink ponytail mostly hidden by a wrap stepped up to the table. Paloma finished drying her hands and flung the towel over her shoulder. “So you made it, I see.”
“Of course, Paloma. I said I would.”
“Yes, you also mentioned bringing a date.” She gave Jax a long up-and-down look. “But you didn’t mention he was so handsome. You sure you want to waste your time with this idiot?” she asked Jax, jerking her thumb at Ari.
Eyes wide, Jax grinned. “Pretty sure. His is the best offer I’ve gotten so far.” He winked at Paloma, ever the flirt.
She barked a laugh. “Is that so? Well, I own this restaurant, handsome, and could afford to keep you well-fed.”
“Judging by the smell in this kitchen, that is a highly tempting offer.”
