A Hidden Truth

Reeling and Realization

[Jaxon]

    I held my face as I sat back up. She hit me so hard I’d fallen over. The impact had stunned me for a few moments. That didn’t make sense. She’d kissed me back. I could still taste the sweet mint undertones of her mouth. Why did she hit me?

    “You done tryin’ to eat my sister, Mr. Zombie?” Teddy asked in a laughing tone.

    Turning to look at him, I could see Trace trying to hide his grin behind his hand. It dawned on me. She’d remembered we were being watched. Damn it. I hadn’t been able to control myself once Remy pushed my mouth onto Juniper’s. I touched her in front of her family.

    “I think she actually did manage to slap the stupid out of me.” I groaned.

    With that, Teddy started laughing hard. He fell onto the ground next to me and rolled around. Remy came over and stared at me.

    “She left a hand print on you, Jaxon. That’s angry red. Are you okay?” He whispered.

    “Yeah, buddy. Just remember, you should never kiss a girl without permission or you could get the same.” If nothing else, I was going to make it into a lesson.

    “I’ll never kiss a girl.” He said with a yucky face.

    “Me, neither.” Teddy snorted, still trying to catch his breath.

    I laughed at that. We got up and made our way back to the house. Miss Marie was waiting with an ice pack and a stern expression.

    “Here.” She said handing it to me. “I have a mind to call your sister and tell her what you tried to do with my daughter in front of God and everyone. Shameful.” She scolded.

    “Sorry, ma’am.” I said softly.

    “I think that slap was Juniper rescinding your invitation, Mr. Boone. You should leave.” She crossed her arms and scowled.

    “Yes, ma’am.” I ducked my head and headed to the front door, behind Teddy.

    He opened the door and waved me through. When I got to the front porch, I sighed deeply and shook my head. I wanted to go find her and apologize. 

    Every time she was in my arms today, it felt more and more right. More and more like she belonged there. I thought she felt the same. It felt like she did when she started kissing me and writhing under me.

    “You gonna be okay, Jax?” Trace asked as he came up beside me.

    “No. ‘Cause you’re going to tell Red and Beau about this and Beau will tell Bobbi. Then I’m gonna get the scolding of my life.” I groaned.

    “That’s exactly what’s gonna happen. But that was one hell of a kiss. Reminded me of when Karen and I first met. Your sister kissed like she was possessed. I couldn’t resist a woman so full of passion. Hmmm. Maybe I should head home after I drop these.” He said with a dreamy tone.

    “Please, stop talking about my sister like that.” I winced.

    He laughed and headed to his police cruiser. I got into Bobbi’s car and followed him off the property. The drive would, at least, clear my head a little. I just kept thinking of the feel of Juniper’s body against mine and her sweet, soft skin.

    When I reached the house, I went to the guest room, ignoring anyone who might’ve tried to talk to me. I stripped out of my clothes and went into the adjoining bathroom. A cold shower was required or I wouldn’t be able to function properly.

    Turning the taps, I remembered Juniper grinding on my knee, teasing my tongue with hers. Once in the shower, I breathed deeply. It wasn’t working. Though, the water felt great on my face.

    She told me she didn’t want me, then she kissed me like she was starving. I reached down and gripped myself. The sound of her moans echoed in my ears as I stroked and thought of what it would be like to make love to her. Her soft scent, sweet taste, beautiful eyes, and amazing mind drove me crazy with need. I finished with her name on my lips.

    Panting, I turned off the water and stepped out to dry myself. I dressed in gray sweats and a forest green t-shirt. Bobbi had asked me not to go shirtless, since her daughters were teens. I was fine with that.

    I went to the kitchen to see if there was anything to eat. As I dug around in the fridge, I felt a presence behind me and turned. I felt a shiver as the angry glare of my sister washed over me. Lord, save me.

    “Jaxon Alexander Boone. Do I have to call your mama? What on Earth were you thinkin’? How could you embarrass Juni like that? You deserve that hand mark on your face. I hope it sticks around so people will know what a man gets when he takes what he wants without thinkin’ of others!” She shouted as she jabbed a finger into my chest, driving me into the refrigerator door.

    From the corner of my eye, I could see Beau, Miley, and Mattie watching. I lowered my eyes. This was exactly what I expected. She yelled and lectured, questioning my parentage, my intelligence, my manhood, and my commitment to God. When she ran out of steam she put her hands on her hips and glowered.

    “Well? What do you have to say for yourself?” Bobbi growled.

    “I didn’t mean to kiss her, Bobbi. Then I just got carried away. I messed up. She told me she didn’t want me, then she kissed me back. I don’t get it. I told her I wanted to date her, but she said she’d rather be friends. I was happy with that, but then… What do I do, Bobbi? I think I fell in love with her.” I replied. 

    I wanted her. I wanted to care for her, protect her, cuddle her, have her be truly mine.  

    She softened. “Oh, Jax. She’s been through a lot. Her entire world’s been a series of walls she’s had to put up. Talk to Teddy. He’s the closest person in the world to her. Nothin’ about this relationship will be easy, though. Juni’s damaged. You can’t just pretend she’s a normal girl. Go to bed. Talk to Teddy tomorrow. Figure out a way to live without her, just in case.”

    I nodded. Sleep sounded better than food, anyway. I trudged off to my room and laid on my bed. While I was laying there, I thought of what it’d been like to finally touch Juniper the way I’d been thinking of for the past three days. She used to have a crush on Clayton, but now likes someone else. He was lucky. I hoped he wasn’t the ass my nephew seemed to be. She deserved to be loved.

**** 

[3rd person]

    Bobbi shooed her daughters to their rooms and wrapped her arms around Beau’s waist. Jax was in love with Juni. He’d saved her from Hank’s plans and was helping the Cleaners to take him down. This was the most progress they’d had in the last three and a half years.

    “What can we do, Beau? She’s gonna be terribly angry. Especially, with what Clayton did. Will she ever trust Jaxon?” Bobbi asked quietly.

    “We just need to work and get things straightened out. Once she’s safe all the time, she’ll learn to trust. She’ll let herself be loved. Right now, she’s still in defensive mode. You know Juni wouldn’t have kissed him if she didn’t like him. That girl’s like her father, she never plays by halves.” Beau said, stroking her back.

    He guided Bobbi to their bedroom to rest for the night. Tomorrow, would be busy and they had to be available for their parts. This would be the start of their efforts to keep Hank away from Juni for as long as possible, and give them a chance to gather the information they needed to get him put away for the crimes they’d been investigating.