“I love it,” she says as her arms encircle my waist and she smiles up at me. The smile is exactly what I was hoping for. It makes the ribbing I’ve been getting all day from Jax, worth it. “Thank you, Jax.”

“Don’t thank me. Just doing what the big fella asked,” he replies, flicking his head in my direction. The look Indi gives me when Jax says that has my heart thumping against my ribcage. I know in that moment, that everything Jax has said today is true. I’m well and truly fucked. “I’m going to duck off and pick up the food,” Jax adds looking at his watch. “Then I’m out of here.” I pull out Indi’s chair for her. Once she’s seated I lean down and place a soft kiss on her hair.

“I just need to speak with Jax for a second,” I tell her before Jax and I take a few steps away from the table. “Thanks for all your help,” I say extending my hand to him. He’s really gone above and beyond. I owe him big time. “I appreciate it. You did well for an arsehole.” He laughs at my comment.

“No problem. I aim to please,” he says pulling out a cigarette and lighting it. I haven’t smoked since I was seventeen, the day Ross found my cigarettes in the car. I don’t miss it at all, but I could do with one right now. Anything to calm my fucking nerves. “For the record, I’d probably turn pussy for her too,” he replies, soft enough so only I can hear.

“Keep your eyes off her, she’s mine,” I grit out, and he laughs. Christ, he gets me every time.

“Fuck, you really have done your nuts over this one.”

“Fuck you,” is all I say. No point denying it, because it’s true. He’s just trying to rile me up because he’s a stirring prick. Even though he’s given me a hard time about tonight, I know he’s happy that Indi and I are finally working things out. He’s had to listen to me grumbling about the one I let get away a number of times when we’ve gotten drunk over the past five years.

He’s shaking his head and chuckling as he walks away. I make my way back towards the table. He’s set it up so I’m opposite her, but I move my chair around to the side before I sit. I want to be as close to her as I can get.

Yep, I’m a pussy.

“You okay?” I ask reaching for her hand.

“I’m great. I can’t believe you went to all this trouble for me.”

“There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you,” I say, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear. Fuck me if I don’t mean every word too. She smiles and my stomach does a flip-flop. Jesus, I’m a goner. Leaning forward, I brush my lips with hers.

“Who knew you were such a romantic?” she replies when I pull back and lock eyes with her. Her words make me squirm in my seat as I tug at my tie, trying to loosen it. Great, she thinks I’m a pussy too. I’m far from a romantic. “Hey,” she says, reaching out and running her hand down the side of my face when she sees my reaction to her words. “I love this side of you. It’s very sweet. It beats the douchebag I usually get.” The playfulness I see on her face makes me chuckle. I guess my behaviour towards her has been pretty deplorable at times.

“Like I said the other day, you bring out the best in me.”

“I’m glad,” she says bringing her face towards mine. “You bring out the best, and sometimes the worst in me.” She giggles as her lips meet mine. That’s true.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Indiana

Words cannot express what tonight has meant to me. It’s the perfect distraction. I didn’t think it was possible to love him more than I do, but the more he lets his guard down, showing me his vulnerable, sweet side, the harder I fall.

“Okay, you two lovebirds,” Jax says when he gets back. “You do realise you’re in a public place.” Carter and I pull away from each other. We made out the whole time he was gone. I’m so frustrated and turned on like you wouldn’t believe. Carter’s hands have not moved passed my face. I need his hands all over me, desperately. Why can’t he see that?

I clench my thighs together when he looks at me with hooded eyes. I can tell he wants me as bad as I want him. When Jax clears his throat from beside us, I tear my eyes from Carter, looking up at him. I feel my face flush when I see he’s smiling. “Get a room you two.”

“You’re just jealous, arsehole,” Carter says with a chuckle, making my blush deepen.

“Nope. I’m happy with my balls being exactly where they are, thank you.” Jax’s comment makes me laugh. I love the banter between these two. I’m glad Carter has a good friend like him. He was such a loner when he was young.

Jax places the box in his hands on the side of the table, opening the flaps. I have to hold in my giggle when I see what’s inside. With the elegant setup of the table and the location, I was kind of expecting something a little more than burgers and fries, but that appears to be what we’re having. It’s very Carter, and very us, I guess. Since that’s what we always seem to eat when we’re out together.

“Thank you,” I say when he places it on my plate.

“My mate owns a restaurant not far from here, so they’re not just any burgers, they’re his speciality. You won’t find better,” Jax explains as he places Carter’s food in front of him. They smell delicious. Next, he pulls out a metal thermos and passes it to Carter. “Since this is an alcohol free zone, Carter insisted on chocolate milkshakes as the beverage of choice.” I let out a small laugh. I think it’s very sweet.

“It’s perfect,” I say as my eyes meet Carter. He’s smiling as he watches me.

“Yes, it’s a perfect choice for a five year old,” Jax replies sarcastically. I burst out laughing when Carter growls at him. Ignoring his torments, Carter pours the chocolate milk into the wine glasses that are sitting on the table.

“I’m out of here,” Jax says as he picks up the empty box. “I’ll be back later to pack everything up. About ten?” he asks, looking at Carter.

“Sure. Thanks, mate,” he replies, fist pumping him.

“It was nice meeting you, Indiana,” Jax says shaking my hand.

“You too. Thank you for everything you’ve done tonight,” I reply.

“It was no trouble. I’m glad you two finally got your shit together.” My gaze moves back to Carter when he says that. I’m glad we did too. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” Jax adds with a wink as he turns to leave.

“Well that means we can do pretty much anything,” Carter retorts to his retreating back. Jax laughs, flipping him off over his shoulder.

Once he’s gone and we’re alone again, Carter picks up his wine glass filled with chocolate milkshake and raises it in the air. “Cheers to good times ahead,” he says with a sweet smile.

“Cheers,” I reply clinking my glass against his. I have to fight the tears that threaten to come. I hope we have many more years ahead. I take a sip before placing the glass back on the table. “So how long have you known Jax?” I ask, trying to block all the uncertainty out.

“Five years. He helped me a lot when you know … I left. He gave me a job and a place to stay until I got on my feet. I owe him a lot.”

“He seems like a good guy. I’m glad you had him. I used to worry about you being alone,” I confess reaching for his hand.

“Well I’m back now, and I’m no longer alone. Now, let’s eat before it gets cold. As you can see I’ve gone to a lot of effort organising this gourmet meal.”

“Yes you did,” I reply, popping a fry in my mouth. “It’s perfect. Just like you.”

••••

After we eat, we talk and laugh. I’m having a great time. If only he’d touch me, it would be perfect. He caresses my hand, my arm, my face, but his hands go nowhere near where I want them to. I’m not sure if he’s purposely trying to drive me insane with anticipation, but knowing him, I’m sure that’s his plan.

Leaning towards me, he places his lips on mine. I’m not sure how much more I can take. I’m hot and ready for him. I’m so ready that I’m even tempted to touch myself if he doesn’t damn well hurry up and do it. I fist my hands in his jacket, pulling him even closer. “How much longer until we can get out of here? I need you.” I feel his lips curl up against my mouth. He’s driving me crazy on purpose. Arsehole. I slide my hand up his inner thigh, cupping his manhood. I’m pleased to find him as hard as a rock. I guess he’s driving himself crazy as well. I clench my thighs together as my fingers stroke over his thick length. I need him inside me. I wish we weren’t in a public place right now so I could straddle him. “Touch me, Carter.”