Chapter 2: Dinner
903 Words
-Jax-
Sh*t, I'd almost forgotten how she could drive me wild every time I laid eyes on her. She was like a gust of fresh air, and all I craved was to breathe in her scent and lose myself in her on the bed. Our encounters were never slow burns. They were always intense, a battle of passion where both of us were determined to push the other over the edge. And I reveled in every moment of it. But then we parted ways, and for six long months, I plotted my strategy to win Kat Miller over. She was going to be mine, no doubt about it.
That was the plan, albeit a bit more intricate. I came prepared. Step one: Reconnecting. Tonight wasn't just about physical intimacy. It was about locking eyes, breaking down the barriers around Kat's heart, and claiming her affection for myself.
I couldn't quite understand what had come over me. I'd only had one serious relationship back in high school, but Kat ignited an obsession in me unlike anything I'd ever experienced. I tried to drown it with meaningless encounters and alcohol, but every woman I was with, I couldn't help but picture Kat.
Then she appeared, breathtaking in the dress I'd chosen for her. As she smoothed her hands over the fabric, a hint of nervousness crossed her expression, and I couldn't help but wonder if I was the cause.
"Well?" she prompted when I remained silent.
Shaking off my reverie, I collected myself. "You look stunning," I assured her.
She eyed me warily, understandably cautious given the weight of my promise.
"Are we really going out for dinner?" she queried.
I nodded, extending my arm. "Let's find out," I replied, tired of repeating myself.
After donning our jackets, we left her apartment. "How did you even get in?" she inquired, casting a suspicious glance over her shoulder as we descended the stairs.
"Some things are best left as mysteries, kitten," I teased.
"That sounds creepy and stalker-ish," she retorted, eyeing me skeptically.
I merely grinned as I escorted her to my car, holding the door open for her. Despite her reservations, she took the chance, and that was all the confirmation I needed. As I settled into the driver's seat, I flashed her a small smile before we sped off into the night.
***
"I should have known it wouldn't be some cozy little restaurant," Kat remarked as we stepped inside.
"Did you want it to be?" I inquired as we were ushered to our table.
She chuckled lightly, evading my question. It was a comforting sound, a reminder of her spirited nature. She always had a way of pushing back, and I admired her for it.
As we settled in, we took our time perusing the menu. Kat’s eyes scanned the options while I took the opportunity to admire her. She must have felt my gaze because she turned to me.
"What?" she asked.
"Nothing," I replied innocently.
"You were staring," she accused.
"Can't I admire you?"
"It's a bit creepy. Are you trying to spook me tonight?" she teased, prompting a smile from me.
"You were already spooked when you saw me," I countered.
"Because you broke into my apartment!" she retorted.
"No, I didn't."
"You weren't invited! That's basically breaking in," she insisted, crossing her arms.
I chuckled and retrieved a set of keys from my pocket, dangling them in front of her. Recognition dawned on her face.
"Megan gave you those?" she asked incredulously.
"Define gave," I quipped.
She reached for the keys, but I pulled them away. "Jax! Those are mine!"
"Technically, they're Megan's, and I'll return them to her... when I feel like it."
"Are you five?" she quipped.
"Six," I joked.
Rolling her eyes, she leaned back in her seat, arms folded. "You're unbelievable."
"That's why you fell for me, kitten. Or have you agreed to this outing just to tell me you want nothing to do with me?" I teased, smirking.
She narrowed her eyes, studying me as I pocketed the keys. "We're not doing this again," she declared, gesturing between us.
"Doing what?" I feigned ignorance.
"This!" she emphasized.
I tilted my head, feigning confusion.
"We tried, Jax, and I messed it up," she sighed.
"So you admit you messed it up?" I probed.
She shot me an annoyed glance. "You didn't exactly help."
I nodded, acknowledging my part. "I know I didn't."
"I just know we're not compatible, and I don't want to revisit the past," she explained.
"Neither do I," I agreed.
"Then why are we here?" she questioned.
"Kat, do you think I'd take you out just to sleep with you?" I asked earnestly.
Her expression softened, suggesting that was exactly what she'd feared. I shook my head.
"I'm not sure I can offer more than that," she admitted quietly.
"I don't believe that," I reassured her.
"I'm not the marrying type," she asserted.
"Neither am I," I confessed.
"Then why are we here?"
"Because I want to try something different," I confessed.
"So, is this a prelude to marriage?" she quipped.
I chuckled. "You seem awfully fixated on the idea."
"You're the one who brought it up!" she countered, growing frustrated with my enigmatic behavior.
"You're right, and yes, I do intend to marry you, kitten."
"No!"
"Yes."
She sighed, shaking her head. "Marriage doesn't end well."
"We'll see," I replied confidently.
- Writer
