Caroline’s POV
The office felt quiet with Draven and Ryan away on their business trip, I finished my work and left the office on ti.
I headed ho to spend ti with my son.
"Higher, Mommy! Higher!" Liam squealed as I pushed him on the swing in our apartnt’s courtyard. His happy laugh made all my worries lt away.
"Not too high, sweetie," I said, but gave him another push anyway. His giggles were the best sound in the world.
After playing outside,we went ho for dinner.Liam tried to "help" cook spaghetti, mostly just getting flour everywhere while I smiled and praised him. Once dinner was done and he had his bath, we started our bedti routine.After storyti and plenty of cuddles, he drifted off to sleep.
I gave him a soft kiss and quietly left his room. That’s when I rembered my phone had been on silent all afternoon. I picked it up to check my ssages.
The pack girls’ group chat was buzzing. Ruby had asked where I’d disappeared to, and Ava had inford everyone I’d been buried in etings all day. There was a ssage from Eleanor saying she was spending the night at Nate’s apartnt. My parents had texted, and I quickly replied to assure them I was fine.
Then I saw a ssage from Jax, "Counting down the seconds until I see you again. I miss you."
I couldn’t help but smile. Jax was always so sweet. He’d been in California helping his father, but he sent ssages daily and sotis even made video calls.Thoughtful, fun, and easygoing... that was Jax. Just as I was about to reply, my phone rang. It was Jax.
"Hi, stranger! How’s California treating you?" I answered cheerfully.
"Beautiful and sunny," he replied, his deep voice warm. "But it’s no fun without you around."
"Then you must be terribly bored," I teased.
"Devastatingly so!" He laughed."How are you doing, beautiful Caroline?"
"I’m good. Had my phone on silent all afternoon, so I just saw your ssage. Sorry about that."
"No apologies needed. Are you very tired?"
"A little. Why?"
"Because I’m standing at the entrance to your building right now, hoping to say hello in person."
My heart skipped. "Are you serious?"
"Completely serious. But if it’s not a good ti, I understand."
"No, co up! I’d love to see you," I said, surprised by my own eagerness.
After we hung up, I rushed to change out of my pajamas, slipping into white shorts and a loose lavender tank top. I quickly checked my reflection, brushed my hair, and went to wait by the door.
When the elevator doors opened, there stood Jax, carrying several bags, dressed casually in jeans and a black t-shirt that hugged his muscular fra. His tan made his smile even more brilliant against his white teeth.
"Caroline," he said, shaking his head slowly as he approached. "You should never wear those shorts."
"Why not?" I asked, suddenly self-conscious.
"Because those legs are absolutely unfair to the rest of womankind." His playful complint made my cheeks warm.
"Don’t be ridiculous, Jax!"
"I’d be ridiculous not to notice. How do you get more beautiful every ti I see you?"
I rolled my eyes but smiled as I stretched up to receive the kiss he planted on my cheek.
I led him inside."Make yourself comfortable. Can I get you anything?"
"Two wine glasses and a corkscrew," he replied, setting his bags down. "I brought so wine to enjoy while we catch up. I promise not to stay too late."
While I fetched the glasses and corkscrew from the kitchen, I realized how thoughtful Jax always was—never presuming, always considerate.
When I returned, he handed two bags before taking the glasses.
"This one’s for Liam, and this is for you," he explained, pointing to each bag.
"Jax, you shouldn’t have," I said, touched that he’d thought of my son. "Liam can open his tomorrow morning."
"I hope you like yours," he said as he worked on opening the wine.
I reached into my bag and pulled out a box. Inside was the most beautiful cocktail dress I’d ever seen—nude lining with sheer overlay decorated with delicate crystals, a tasteful V-neckline, and long sheer sleeves. It was elegant without being ostentatious, exactly my taste.
"Do you like it?" Jax asked.
"It’s stunning, but I can’t possibly accept sothing so expensive."
"Of course you can. It’s a gift. And I’d love to see you wear it tomorrow night when you let take you dancing. What do you say?"
"That sounds wonderful," I admitted, accepting the wine glass he offered. But guilt niggled at , and I knew I needed to be honest. "Jax, I know you’re trying to win over, and I’ve always been straight with you."
"And I appreciate that honesty. But unless you’ve gotten back with Draven, I’m not backing down," he said with a confident smile.
"I haven’t gotten back with him. But there’s sothing you should know."
"Tell . You can tell anything, Caroline."
I took a deep breath, worried he might judge . "How do I say this... A few days ago, sothing happened."
"You had a mont of weakness with Draven?" he asked directly.
I nodded, unable to et his eyes.
"That’s not surprising. You’ve been clear about your feelings for him. It’s natural you two would have a... connection."
"I feel terrible about it. He’s engaged, and you deserve better. I feel cheap."
"Caroline," he said firmly, lifting my chin with his finger."You’re not cheap. My opinion of you hasn’t changed one bit. Your history with Draven doesn’t affect what’s between us. You’re not mine, so I can’t expect exclusivity." He smiled ruefully. "That doesn’t an I’m not jealous. It’s killing inside."
"I’m sorry."
"Stop apologizing. If anything, I shouldn’t have stayed away so long," he said with a smile that made my heart flutter. "But now I’m here, and maybe I can show you that there are other n worth loving." He traced his fingers gently across my cheek.
Setting aside his wine glass and taking mine from my hands, Jax moved toward slowly, deliberately, and when he was close enough that I could feel his warm breath, he whispered,"Caroline, may I kiss you?"
I swallowed hard and nodded. When his lips touched mine, they were gentle yet hungry, conveying emotions I hadn’t expected—longing, passion, tenderness. I found myself responding, my lips trembling slightly before lting against his. His kiss was confident but not demanding, his tongue moving against mine in a slow dance that left breathless and confused.
My heart raced as Jax effortlessly shook all my certainties.
"I felt that," he murmured against my lips, his voice husky with satisfaction. "My chances are looking pretty good." He smiled and kissed again.
His lips found mine as we sank into the couch,our bodies pressed together.The kiss was soft and sweet, his fingers gently running through my hair. He tasted like wine, and for a mont, I let myself forget everything else.
As our kiss got deeper, I felt his hardness against , his hands roaming over my body, making want more.We kept kissing and touching until Jax pulled back slightly.
"I should go," he said, his voice rough. "It’s late, and if I don’t stop now, I won’t be able to control myself."
He sat up, pulling onto his lap for one more light kiss. "So, beautiful Caroline, are you mine now?"
I laughed softly. "Jax, we’re getting to know each other. If you’re asking if we’re exclusive, the answer is still no."
"Really?" he asked with mock disappointnt. "I gave it my absolute best effort and I’m still just a friend?
"Jax," I said, laughing at his playful tone."I can’t start sothing serious when my feelings are still so complicated.But I enjoyed being with you. Maybe we can... continue exploring this."
"Oh?" His smile was breathtaking. "Can I kiss you again?"
"Yes. Including tomorrow night when I wear my new dress and you take dancing," I teased.
"It’s a date!" He kissed once more before standing. "Now I really should go."
As I walked him to the door, Jax suddenly turned back. "I almost forgot—would Liam like a stuffed wolf? I saw it in California and thought of him."
He pulled a beautiful, soft gray wolf plush from one of his bags. It was high-quality, with careful detailing and amazingly soft fur.
"He’ll love it," I said, genuinely touched. "You’re very thoughtful to rember him."
"I adore kids," Jax said sincerely. "And Liam is special,he’s part of you."
For the first ti, I seriously considered the possibility. Ruby had told about her brother—how his previous mate had cheated on him, leaving him heartbroken but still capable of love. He was loyal, dependable, without the complicated history and entanglents that ca with Draven.
Maybe a stable, drama-free relationship with soone like Jax was exactly what Liam and I needed. As I closed the door, I realized I was smiling.
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