CHAPTER 120: CHAPTER 120 DELICIOUS

Caroline’s POV

Jax was waiting by his black sports car, and I stopped breathing for a moment. I’d always known him as that nice, beach-loving bar owner with a big smile, but today he looked different. He wore gray dress pants with a matching vest over a white shirt, sleeves pushed up showing his tanned arms. The top buttons were open, making him look cool but nice. His red hair shone in the sun, fixed well around his good-looking face. Unlike his sister Ruby, he had no freckles, just smooth tanned skin that made his green eyes stand out. When he saw me coming, his face lit up with that young smile that could make any woman like him.

"My goddess, Caroline," Jax said warmly as he walked to me. "You’re even more beautiful than when I saw you last time."

"You look really good too," I said, truly surprised by how the nice clothes showed off his strong body. The man who usually wore beach clothes and music shirts looked very handsome in nice clothes.

He came closer to kiss my cheek, and I smelled his scent, sandalwood mixed with something spicy that made my wolf notice. Not the strong feeling Rory had with Alaric, but something nice.

"These are for you," he said, showing a bunch of white flowers with purple centers he’d been hiding. "Moonlight orchids, they made me think of you. Beautiful, special, and strong."

"Jax, they’re so pretty," I said, really happy about the gift.

"I have something else," he said, taking out a small box. "I hope this isn’t too much."

Inside was a pretty glass bottle with light brown perfume. When I opened it, a nice, calm smell came out, like lavender, vanilla, and fresh rain.

Jax said, looking a bit nervous. "When Ruby told me about... well, what happened, I thought you might like this. The person who makes these is good at making scents for wolves who can’t make their own smell."

I felt surprised. He knew I was a wolf without a scent and found something made just for wolves like me.

"Most wolves use their smell a lot to talk," he said kindly. "I thought having your own smell might make you feel stronger. It’s not to replace anything, just to add to how pretty you are."

"Thank you," I said quietly, really touched. "This is so nice of you."

He smiled, happy I liked it, and opened the car door for me.

"Ready to try something great?" he asked when he sat next to me, his green eyes bright with joy.

"Show me," I replied, feeling a real smile on my face.

The restaurant Jax picked was called "Havana", a pretty place with iron gates and a nice garden around it. Inside, the tall ceilings, nice details, and warm colors made it feel like somewhere far away and lively.

"I love Latin culture," Jax said as we sat on the porch, the sunny day matching the restaurant’s feel. "And this place has the best Cuban food in Harbor Bay."

He got us Papa Doble drinks, a nice mix of rum, cherry, lime, and grapefruit that was perfect for the warm day. While we drank, Jax told me stories about his trips through Latin America, his eyes bright as he talked about places he’d seen.

"You’re quite the traveler," I said, really impressed. "I’ve hardly left the east coast."

"Maybe someday I could show you some of those places," he said, then quickly added with a laugh, "No pressure, of course. Just saying it out loud."

When our food came, a tasty mix of beef and pork with olives and vegetables called Picadillo, with rice, the taste was amazing. Jax watched happily as I took my first bite and I couldn’t help making a small happy sound.

"You like it?" he asked.

"This is amazing," I said. "You really know good food."

During lunch, Jax kept talking about fun things. He told me about starting his bar with his friend Dominic, about his other work, and told funny stories that made me laugh. He never talked about Draven or asked about my feelings, which I really liked.

For dessert, he got Cuban capuchinos, sweet cone pastries that melted in my mouth.

"Oh my goddess, this is so good," I said after the first bite, closing my eyes to enjoy it.

When I opened them, I saw Jax watching me, looking very serious.

"Caroline," he said quietly, "you should know that those little sounds you make when you like something are very distracting." His voice got deeper, and I felt something flutter in my stomach.

"Sorry," I laughed, feeling shy. "I can’t help it when food tastes this good."

"Don’t say sorry," he said, moving closer. "I like watching you try new things."

After we had coffee, Jax wanted to walk in the garden behind the restaurant. It was pretty, with a small lake and a wooden gazebo joined by a nice bridge. As we stood in the gazebo, looking at the view, Jax leaned on a wooden post, hands in his pockets, looking less sure of himself.

"So, are you and Draven really over?" he asked quietly.

I sighed, glad he asked straight out. "Ruby told you what happened?"

"Yes. I hope that’s okay."

"Of course it is," I said. "And yes, we’re really done. I won’t get between him and his maybe pup, and Ella... well, she’d never let us be if I stayed around."

Jax nodded. "I understand." He took a deep breath before talking. "Caroline, I’ve liked you since we first met. I stayed back because of Draven, but..." He stopped, getting braver. "I know I’m not an Alpha like him. Storm Valley Pack is the strongest here, and he can give you things I probably can’t. But I never saw him make you really happy."

His honest words surprised me. He didn’t sound mean about Draven, just honest.

"What are you asking, Jax?" I asked kindly.

"I’m asking for a chance," he said simply. "I want to take you to lunch, dinner, dancing, whatever you like. I want to spend time with you and see what happens." His green eyes looked honest as he looked at me. "I know you’re hurt and still like him. I’m not asking you to forget that now. I just want a chance to show you good things can happen after being hurt."

His honesty felt good. He wasn’t pushing, just asking nicely for a chance.

"I can do that," I smiled at him. "You’re good-looking, nice, and fun to be with. I can’t promise more than being friends now, but I’ll see where this goes."

His face lit up with a big smile. "That’s all I want."

Jax looked in my eyes as he moved from the post. He reached out, touched my cheek softly before coming closer. When he kissed me, it was soft and careful, letting me move away if I wanted. But I didn’t. I kissed him back.

He put his arms around my waist, pulled me closer as his tongue softly touched mine. His kiss was sweet and nice, slow like he was learning how I tasted. When he moved back, he bit my lip softly, then licked it.

"Sorry," he whispered, touching my warm lips. "But I had to do that."

He smiled nicely. "And it was good."

I stood there feeling strange, surprised by how nice his kiss was. It wasn’t the strong feeling I had with Draven, but it was warm, good, and made my stomach feel funny. Maybe, later, these feelings could become bigger.

"I should take you back to work," Jax said, not wanting to leave, taking my hand.

We walked to the car, and he drove me to Thorne Enterprises, holding my hand when he could. When we got there, he came to open my door like a nice man would.

"This was the best lunch I’ve had in a long time," he said, looking honest. "Can we meet again soon?"

"I’d like that," I said truthfully. "I want to get your next invitation."

He gave a big smile as he came closer to kiss the side of my mouth softly. "I’ll call you tonight, beautiful Caroline," he said before going back to his car.

As I watched him leave, Rory moved inside me. It wasn’t Alaric, she said. But he’s nice. Good. Maybe this is what we need now.

For the first time since getting my heart broken, I felt a small bit of hope that maybe there could be happiness coming, even if it wasn’t with the wolf I thought I’d be with forever.