by Susan
Here's the next chapter. I'l try and get another one out this weekend.
Chapter 5
Brenda slid into the soft leather seats of Jax's jaguar convertible. The top was down since it was a warm day. She glanced over at him. Big mistake. His rich blonde locks were blowing in the wind. She wanted to run her hadns through it so badly. She glanced at him discreetly through the rearview mirror. His blue eyes were trained on the road ahead. She said a silent prayer that no one she knew would see her.
"So, where are we going anyway ?" Brenda asked him, watching him out of the corner of her eye. Afraid of him catching her stare at him. She couldn't help it. She had never met anyone like him.
"I thought you said you liked surprises." Jax teased her.
"I do. It's the waiting I have to do for them I hate." She muttered the last part to herself.
"Ah, the impatient one. I don't think that was an Aries characteristic."
"It's not. One of my many rare distinctions."
"Somehow I don't think they're all that rare." He said softly, looking at her quickly before returning his gaze to the road.
She smiled at him as thanks but quickly returned to the task at hand.
"You're sweet. So, where are we going ?" She repeated.
He laughed.
"Persistent to a fault too. I'm learning more about you every second we spend together."
She lifted her gaze back at him.
"Is that a good thing or a bad one ?" She asked questioningly.
He paused to look at her again.
"Definitely good." He said, amusement and admiration in his eyes.
She smiled at him again.
"Are you going to tell me where we are going or keep me in suspense?"
"A tad bit melodramatic, aren't we ? Wouldn't you rather be surprised?"
Her lips pursed together in deep thought. She looked like she were trying to solve a big problem, not like she was deciding about dinner. He thought she looked adorable. All of a sudden, she undid her seat belt and turned to face him.
"Can I at least have a hint ?" She prodded, gazing at him with her big brown eyes.
"Maybe, right after you buckle up again."
Brenda bit her bottom lip and reluctantly scooted back to her own seat. She carefully buckled her seat belt again. Her lips formed a little pout when he didn't speak .
"Are we going somewhere private ?"
Jax had to smile. She had the patience of a five year old. It was really endearing on her. So was that pout. The mouth that lived in his dreams the previous night was curved into a cute one.
"Yes."
The one word response wasn't enough for Brenda.
"Private as in just the two of us or private as in a dining room full of people plus waiters ?"
"Which would you prefer ?"
Brenda got goosebumps thinking about being alone with him. Bad idea, she
thought. But a bunch of people around isn't very romantic....Romance ? She
glanced at Jax again. Definite possibilty.
She nervously brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear. He mistook her
nervousness for discomfort.
"Brenda, if you aren't comfortable being alone with me we could go somewhere else."
Brenda quickly reassured him when she saw he was ready to turn the car around.
"No, I trust you. Wherever you had planned is fine I'm sure. So, are we almost there ? I don't recognize this road." Brenda mentioned, trying to get a clue by looking out the window. She gave up and looked back at Jax who was watching her with great amusement and an enigmatic grin.
"You really are an impatient one aren't you ? You know I bet you shook your presents before you were supposed to open them when you were little."
Brenda was about to say something but grew quiet instead. Jax pulled the car over and parked when they reached their destination. He gently turned her face to him and brushed her hair away from her face.
"Brenda, what's wrong ? Did I say something because if I did-"
She shook her head.
"No. It's nothing. I'll be all right...I'm sorry. I'm probably dampening your spirits-"
"Hey, don't apologize. I understand if you don't want to tell me about it but I bet I can get your mind off of it for a few hours."
She took his hand in hers and smiled. She tried to ignore the tingling sensations the contact was causing.
"Thank you."
"You don't have to thank me."
"I want to." She said softly. He was being so kind to her. He really was sweet. She rose her eyes to his and was fascinated by him. He really was like make-believe. She slowly inched closer and kissed him on the cheek, near his lips. She slowly pulled away. There was a thick charge of electricity in the air.
"Well then, feel free to thank me like that anytime."
Brenda lowered her head and then returned her gaze to him. Her brown eyes trained on his blue ones.
"I think it's time to roll."
Jax opened the driver's side door and swiftly walked to Brenda's side to open the door for her. Hesitantly, she slid out of the Jaguar. She glanced around, trying to identify the surroundings.
"We're here ?"
"Yes."
"Where is here exactly ?" Brenda asked, following him as he started walking. Soon, her foot hit solid wood and she could smell the ocean air.
"Docks ?" She said aloud.
He stopped suddenly and turned to face her.
"My boat is docked here for the time being. I was hoping you'd join me for a candlelight dinner and a short sail after desert."
The sparkle in her eye came back as quickly as it went.
"That sounds wonderful..."
A crease formed on his forehead.
"Please don't tell me you get seasick. If you do then we can-"
She interrupted him before he could offer an alternative for the evening.
"No. I mean, I wouldn't know. I've never been on a boat before."
Brenda revealed, looking out at the calm waters.
Jax smiled gently at her.
"Then we'll just have to make this a memorable evening, won't we?"
It already is. I'm with you, she said to herself. Not daring to say it aloud.
"I think the night has already shaped up to be a keeper."
"Baby, you haven't seen anything yet." He teased, his accent thick. It was like music to her ears. She could listen to him for hours and sitting still for that long was a feat for her.
Jax held out his hand to her and she slipped hers into his without a pause. Jax took her hand in his.
"I believe we have a boat and a warm meal waiting for us."
Her soft laughter floated behind them as they continued down the docks. An elderly man waved at them when he spotted them. He was wearing a cap and some sort of uniform.
"Is that a friend ?" She asked when she realizd he was waving at Jax.
"Yes. He's also the ship's captain."
She turned to look at the huge ship. Her eyes widened.
"Jax, this isn't a boat. It's a yacht."
His eyes filled with amusement.
"It is ? Now who hasn't ever been on a boat, I'm sorry, yacht before ?"
She hit his arm playfully with her free hand, not wanting to lose physical contact.
"Hey, no attacking your host."
"No making fun of the guest." She responded immediately as she followed him onto the deck of the yacht.
"Feeling okay so far ?" Jax asked her, watching her. She looked beautiful. Her eyes were bright and he could see the flecks of hazel in them.
"Perfect." She said.
"Watch your step."
Brenda was peering over the railing and turned too late to see what he was talking about. She fell right into his arms. He slowly steadied her and helped her stand up. He carefully examined her from head to toe.
"Anything broken ?"
"No, I'm okay, Just a little bruised."
His blue-green eyes filled with worry. His grip on her tightened.
She brushed her hands down her skirt.
"I was only joking. I'm fine."
"Are you sure ?"
"Yes. I'm really okay. Now, you promised me dinner."
He grinned down at her.
"Bossy one, are't you ? It is..right here."
They were on the other side of the yacht. There was a small round table in
the center set for two. Candles provided the only light.
Champagne chilled in an ice bucket. It was eerily similar to her dream. The
one she had had earlier that day.