CHAPTER 126: CHAPTER 126 SWEET DATE

Caroline’s POV

Draven’s words in the break room left me crying at my desk for a good while after I returned to my office.

How could he say such things when he was preparing to marry another woman?

I decided I couldn’t continue letting myself suffer like this. I needed to move forward somehow.

I left work early and went home to prepare for my date with Jax. I took my time getting ready, choosing a fitted dress that hugged my curves.

After getting Liam settled with Eleanor for the evening, I was ready to head out.

"Sweetie, you’re going to have a fantastic time tonight," Eleanor said with a playful wink as I was about to leave. "Remember, live in the moment."

Eleanor always encouraged me to get out there whenever I faced emotional setbacks. I smiled back at her. "I bet you know I will."

When I stepped outside the building,I spotted Jax leaning against his car.He looked hot enough to make any woman stare. He was tall, with messy red hair and wearing a tight shirt that showed off his strong body. He was sexy and charming.

"Caroline," Jax said as he walked to me, kissing the corner of my mouth in a way that made my stomach flutter. "You look amazing tonight."

I tried to speak but felt myself getting nervous. "You don’t look so bad yourself."

Jax smiled wider, clearly enjoying my reaction. He put his hand on my back and led me to his car. "Your chariot awaits, my princess."

He opened the door for me, and as I slid into the seat, his fingers brushed against mine.When we touched, it felt nice, and I could smell his scent of wood and spice.

"Like what you see?" he asked softly.

I looked at him with wide eyes, unable to speak.

"Because I can see you looking," he said, biting my ear gently before standing up and closing the door. He got in next to me. "Tonight will be fun," he said with a sexy smile.

I felt my face get hot, caught staring at how good he looked.

As we drove through the city, we talked easily. Jax made me laugh with stories about the strange people at his bar.

At a red light, Jax turned to me.

"Caroline, I know you still love Draven," he said, his voice serious but kind. "But I think you feel something for me too. Am I wrong?"

"Jax, I..." I felt myself blushing.

"Caroline, we’re adults," Jax said. "You’re a beautiful woman, and I’m clearly hitting on you. Just tell me,am I wrong? Do you feel even a little attracted to me?"

He brought his index finger and thumb close together to emphasize "a little."

"You’re a good-looking man, Jax. Every woman notices you," I replied honestly.

"Maybe. But I’m only interested in one of them," he said, stopping at a red light and turning to look at me.

"She’s sitting right next to me. But you still haven’t answered my question."

"Yes, Jax. You’re very attractive, and I do feel a bit drawn to you," I admitted, meeting his eyes.

"Drawn to me?" He laughed. "That’s so formal. Be spontaneous, Caroline."

"Spontaneous how?" I asked, smiling a little.

We stopped at another red light. He turned again, let his gaze move over me, then looked back into my eyes.

"Like this: I’m seriously turned on by you. You’re too beautiful, and I’m completely under your spell."

"Okay, I get it," I said as the light turned green and the car moved forward.

I leaned closer, and my dress slipped a little lower at the neckline.I brushed my lips near his ear and whispered,"You know, Jax, you’re dangerously hot. And every time you touch me, you mess with my head. So no, it’s not just a tiny bit of attraction."

I gently sucked on his earlobe before sitting back in my seat. I noticed the goosebumps on his arm.

"Damn, Caroline," he muttered. "The second I park this car, I’m going to kiss you."

When we got to the parking lot, Jax parked the car and got out. He walked around, opened my door, and offered his hand. I took it.

As soon as I stood up, he shut the door and gently pressed me back against the car, his hands resting on my waist. He leaned in, eyes locked on mine, and brushed his nose against mine before kissing me. It started soft, easy. Then deeper. I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him back. He sucked gently on my bottom lip, then ran his tongue across it. One last kiss before he pulled back, still holding me close.

"Caroline," he said, lips near mine. "I brought you here to make you laugh, but looks like kissing you does the trick."

"You’re too full of yourself," I said, laughing and pressing my palms to his chest. He smiled when I touched him.

"Come on. I want you smiling all night." He took my hand and led me across the lot.

The sign above the door read The Howling Moon. It was a small comedy club, buzzing with energy. Inside, the lighting was low, except for the spotlight onstage. A staff member led us to a table in the middle of the room. Perfect view.

"You’re going to have fun, I guarantee it. And if not, I’ll just kiss you again."

I looked at him, half-shocked, half-smiling. "You’re really shameless."

He grinned. "So, what are you drinking?"

"Martini," I said, scanning the menu.

He ordered for both of us, plus a few appetizers. While we waited, we talked. Easy stuff. Jokes, music, work. The show started just as our drinks arrived.

And Jax was right,it was hilarious. The headliner was great, but even the newer comedians held their own. I laughed so much my face hurt. By the time we stepped back outside, it was after midnight.

In the car, before he even started the engine, he turned to me.

"Did you have fun?"

"I did," I said. "My jaw hurts. That was exactly what I needed. Thank you."

He pouted dramatically. "Damn. I was hoping you’d say no, so I could kiss you again."

I laughed. While I was still laughing, he leaned in and kissed me again—longer this time, deeper. When he finally pulled back, his thumb brushed my lips.

"Couldn’t help it," he said. "Want to stop by my bar? It’s nearby. We could dance."

I nodded. "Sure. Sounds fun."

His bar was smaller than I expected,intimate. He led me upstairs to a quiet table tucked into the back corner. Dim lights. Decent view. He ordered more drinks, a few snacks.

A moment later, Dominic walked over and sat with us.

"Caroline!" he whined. "Where’s Eleanor? You left her out?"

"She’s with her boyfriend," I said, amused.

"Seriously? I should text her," Dominic said, already pulling out his phone.

While he sent the message, he and Jax talked briefly about bar stuff. Then Jax turned to me again.

"I want to dance with you," he said, leaning closer. "Right here. It’s quieter than the main floor."

"Yeah, I like that."

We stayed there, dancing slowly by our table. No crowd, no pressure. Just music, and the feel of his hand on my back. He didn’t say much. Neither did I. It was easy. Comfortable.

By the time he drove me home, it was early morning. He walked me to the entrance of my building and paused before saying goodbye.

"Did you enjoy tonight?"

"I really did," I said. "You always pick great places."

"I try," he said. Then leaned in close to my ear. "So... how big is that little attraction now?"

I smiled. "Might’ve grown a bit."

He moved fast, pushing me against my door, one hand in my hair while the other held my hip tight. His kiss was hard and deep, his tongue moving with mine in a way that made me feel hot.

I kissed back just as hard, pushing against him as his hand grabbed my butt, pulling me close. I could feel how much he wanted me, and I made a small noise.

The sound made him want more, and he kissed deeper, his tongue moving in my mouth. When he stopped, we were both breathing hard.

"God, woman," he said rough and low, his eyes full of want. "You’re going to drive me crazy."

He gave me one soft kiss before stepping back. "Good night, beautiful Caroline. Think about me tonight."

He waited until I got inside before heading back to his car.

I touched my lips as I went inside. Maybe Eleanor was right, just enjoying the moment wasn’t so bad.