“Yeah.” I wasn’t sure what else to say. This was getting way too close to the talk I wasn’t ready to have yet.Just finish the damn list and finally get the courage to say the things you need to say.
“At least I get to see you. Next best thing to touching you.”
“I can’t wait. See you tomorrow, Jax.”
***
When I got to Olivia’s apartment the next day, Jax was already there. It took all of my self-control to keep myself from running over to her and wrapping her in a tight hug. I wanted nothing more than to be close to her, and it sucked that we were in this situation right now.
I kept my distance from her while we hung out at the apartment with some of Olivia and Quinton’s other friends, onlypeeking at her quick enough to share a secret smile before going back to whatever conversation I was having with someone else.
The only time I was actually part of the same conversation as her was when she interrupted Olivia and me to ask Olivia why she had found a pair of handcuffs in one of her drawers.
Olivia laughed. “I wish the reason was as exciting as what you’re imagining. Quinton and I sometimes watch our friend’s son so they can have date nights, and he’s currently obsessed with playing cops and robbers. We bought a police set to keep here so we can play with him when he comes over.” She lifted an eyebrow. “I might need to consider other uses though.”
I walked away while they continued their conversation, because I didn’t feel the need to hear the details of my sister’s sex life, especially when she was talking to the girlIwas currently having sex with.
I was happy when it was time to go to the bar, because I knew everyone would couple up once the drinks became stronger and dance music was booming throughout a dark room.
Jax and I ended up in different Ubers, so I didn’t see her again until we were all standing by the bar preparing to take a shot. Everyone tapped their shot glasses together, but when Jax tapped hers against mine, she made prolonged eye contact and gave me her trademark smile.
My body heated up from that smoldering look alone, and I really wished we were anywhere but the bar right now. Suddenly, Jax dramatically grabbed her side. “Shit. I don’t feel very good.”
Olivia gave her a look that was half concerned, half amused. “I told you that you were pre-gaming too hard. You shouldn’t have taken that extra shot back at the house. We’re not as young as we used to be.”
Jax bent over and winced. “Fuck. I think you’re right.”
Shit, what is happening?I had never seen Jax like this and worried she might actually throw up. I brought my hand to her arm and rubbed it. If my sister thought that was weird, I didn’t care. All I cared about right now was making sure Jax was okay. “Are you alright? What do you need? Tell me what I can do.”
Jax shook her head and winced again. “Nothing. This is my own fault. I’ll just take an Uber back to the apartment.” She turned toward Olivia. “I’m really sorry.”
Now Olivia looked fully concerned. “Do you want me to come with you? I hate the thought of you being alone.”
“I’ll go with her,” I said reflexively. “You should stay. All of your friends are here. Plus, we all know this is much more your scene than mine.”
Olivia nodded. “If you’re sure. Just take care of my bestie, okay?”
“Of course.” That was my full focus right now.
I put my arm around Jax and supported her as we walked out of the bar. The farther we got from the group, the better her gait seemed to become. By the time we were outside, the smile had returned to her face. “You heard Olivia. You bettertake care of mewhen we get home.”
What the hell?“Wait! You’re not actually sick?”
“I am sick. I’m sick ofyouhaving clothes on.” Her grin widened. “And it looks like I just got us a bunch of alone time.”
“You lied so we could go back to the apartment and have sex?” Why did I find thatsoincredibly sexy. “You’re right. I’m going to take good care of you.”And I know exactly how I’m going to do it.
As soon as we were inside the apartment, I turned toward Jax and ran my hand down the front of the super tightunfairly sexy dress she was wearing, as I prepared to get myself into character. “You were bad tonight.”
Jax must have realized what I was getting at, because she licked her lips. The fire in her eyes burned brighter than ever as she waited to see what I would do next, and the feeling was so empowering. “Oh yeah?” She leaned in and lightly bit down on my ear before whispering into it. “Am I in trouble? Are you going to punish me?”
Fuck, this is hot.I took a deep, shaky breath as I tried to keep myself in character. “You’re in big trouble. Go to the guest room now. When I get in there, youbetterbe naked.”
The smile that came onto Jax’s face was in stark contrast to the fire in her eyes, which had somehow intensified even more. “Yes, ma’am.” She brought her hand up to her forehead and saluted me before skipping away.
I needed to give Jax time to get undressed, but I knew exactly how to occupy myself while I did. I went into Olivia and Quinton’s kitchen and searched through all of the drawers until I found what I was looking for. After counting to sixty, I finally went to join Jax in the guest room.
I opened the door with one hand while letting the newly acquired handcuffs dangle from one finger of my other hand. I almost lost it when I saw Jax spread out across the bed, completely nude as instructed, but I was able to reel myself back in enough to continue our role play.
