Page 75 of Kiss Marry Kill
The server came out to take their food order and since Jax and Megan had come in after everyone else, Megan ordered a cocktail. Jax ordered a water.
“Going to the bathroom. Be right back.” She gave him a peck on the cheek as she placed her napkin on the table, pushed back her chair, and walked to the restroom. He had to remind himself that there was no exit from the restrooms without passing his table first. His eyes still stayed on her until she disappeared into the bathroom.
The group talked and laughed all around him, but he couldn’t relax or join the conversation. These were her people, he should be trying to make a good impression, but he couldn’t muster the strength to even try. His priority was Megan’s safety, not making friends. It was an asshole thought, something he’d likely regret later, once everything was over, but what choice did he really have?
He looked around. Maybe he was overreacting. He’d scoped out the restaurant beforehand, and so had his team. No stalker would dare fuck with Megan with so many eyes on him. There were paparazzi nearby as well as security.
What was the saying? Count your blessings and don’t go looking for trouble?
He finally had Megan back by his side and tonight he wanted to enjoy her company. They would have enough to worry about once the tour began. In fact, since he was going to be working nonstop for the next two weeks finalizing the preparations for the tour, this might very well be their last night of fun for a while. Megan’s soft kiss on his lips when she returned reminded him that this was what was important, and he promised himself that during dinner, he’d make an effort to get to know her friends and her life and trust that his team had his back.
A lot of food and laughter later he felt a bit more relaxed. Being with Megan, even with the threat of danger hovering over their head, was soothing. It made him remember that there was a life after the military. He hadn’t died that ill-fated night in Baghdad, and it wasn’t his fault that his friends had.
Ro and Taylor were still there laughing and drinking, but the rest had already left for the night. There was a second concert tomorrow and they had an early morning.
Which seemed like the perfect cue for Jax to lean over and whisper in Megan’s ear. “I want to get you home and naked so bad. . . .”
Without missing a beat, Megan pushed her chair back. “We’re gonna get going, guys. It was great to see you.” She rounded the table and hugged her friends while Jax texted his team a heads-up so they could check the car and cover the area. “It was nice finally putting a face to the man who brought Megan to tears every time she drank too much,” Ro said, with a hug.
Jax looked down at Megan, his eyes furrowed. “Tears?”
“I’m a sappy drunk, what can I tell you?”
“It was great meeting you all too.”
Holding hands, they walked to the door of the restaurant, but he stopped her before they walked out. From the glass door he looked around the area, his eyes on all the pedestrians and cars. Everything was in order.
He dialed Robbins, one of the two men he’d had detailed to the area, and the one charged with the front. “Leaving. Anything going on?”
The man, whom he could see from the corner of his eye though he was trained to blend in, replied, “Nothing, boss. It’s been quiet.”
“And her car?”
“Nothing to report. Just swept the valet parking myself. No one unusual in or out, just the valets.”
“Good job. We’re on our way. Once we’re in the car, you’re off the clock,” Jax said, tucking the phone back into his pocket and taking Megan’s hand in his. “Ready?”
“Seems like a lot of hoopla, for nothing, no?”
“No. I’d rather be safe than sorry,” he said, looking around as they stepped out. There were a few clicks from cameras nearby and one in particular was almost blinding. “Damn it,” he grumbled, holding her hand to the valet station, where he handed the ticket and paid the guy.
“Thank you for tonight,” she whispered into his ear. Her arms were around his neck and his around her waist as they waited by the restaurant door for the valet to bring the car around. “It was fun. I’m glad we did it. I’m happy I got to meet your crew.”
“I am too.” She smiled brightly and as she kissed him two men came by and took photos of her, blinding them both.
“Jesus,” Jax said, rubbing his eyes. “Get the fuck outta here before I take those cameras.”
“One more photo, Megan! Come on, where’s TNT?” they asked, just as he saw, between the irritating blindness from the flashes, the car pull up.
“Sorry, guys. Next time,” Megan politely declined.
Robbins was a few feet away, opening the door for Megan. “Get in the car,” Jax gestured to Megan as he rubbed his eyes one more time and ran around to the passenger side, vigilantly scanning his surroundings.
* * *
As he reached for the Porsche’s door, the tires of the sports car spun out. If he hadn’t taken a step back, it would have run over his foot.
What the fuck!
