When the band paused for a needed break, after four hours of Jax leading, stopping, and restarting, Beth sat beside Cade. "We're having a BBQ for Dante's birthday in a couple of days, you know, before the big concert. You should come."
Cade looked at the little boy, asleep in his mother's arms. "If Harley is going, then I'll be there." Cade hoped she didn't sound ungrateful. "I go where she goes." She tried to smile but it felt odd with what was going on inside her.
"Yeah, but I'd like you to come as a guest." Beth reminded her of a sweet country girl. Comfortable in her own natural beauty. Living an uncomplicated life. Happy with motherhood. She reminded Cade of how her mother had been. Despite Cade's father's surly attitude toward her, he had never been mean or unpleasant to his wife. At least, not that she remembered. Her father reserved all the anger and vitriol for Cade.
Cade nodded. "I'll be there." When she smiled, she felt more at ease. If the band had cared at all about the rumour about her and Jax, she imagined Beth would be off with her, maybe a little indifferent. Cade wished she knew what the rest of the group thought of Fiona. She'd never met the woman, but she could tell she was a great pain in the behind. Seemingly, Fiona would be a thorn in her side too. She looked at Zee. How could she not listen to the man? He'd been around celebrities many times, an expert who had fielded photographers, overzealous fans, and spurned exes. What he had seen all those years as part of a celebrity's security detail would be enough to fill volumes.
JP walked over to them and crouched down to give Dante a kiss on the forehead. "You coming for his birthday?"
It took Cade a second to realize the question was meant for her. "Oh, um, yes. Harley's going, so I'm going too."
JP stretched his lips into a huge smile. "Perfect." He stood and faced the center of the room. "Hey, guys, she's going!"
Marco and Luke both hollered and whistled. "Yeah!" Marco pumped his fist in the air, and Luke winked.
Cade shook with laughter. The antics of rock stars weren't any different from any regular Joe. Then she caught the look on Jax's face, and the laughter died in her throat. His eyes burned into hers with such ferocity it intoxicated her. She was held there, incapacitated by his gaze. Her stomach flipped and her heart raced. Did he blame her for Fiona's threat?
Cade was saved by Harley.
Little arms wrapped around her as the girl jumped. "You're going to the party too? That's so awesome!" Cade focused on the girl, widening her eyes at how ecstatic she was. "Dani said they have a huge pool! I get to go swimming outside!"
"What? No way! It's okay, I know your boss." Marco turned and walked backwards. "Jax, can Cade come too?" Cade didn't hear any words from the rock star, but Marco supplied her with the answer. "Yes! He said yes. You can dance with me, Cade. Unh-unh." Marco pushed his pelvis forwards and back in a comical fashion.
"Hell no! Cade's dancing with me first, right, sweet cheeks?" Luke jogged on her other side, then stopped in front of her, stuck out his buttocks and shook them at her. Cade couldn't help but laugh. "Yeah, baby, she likes it."
"You guys are morons. Immature morons!" Beth said from behind. Cade looked over her shoulder, wiping a tear that had escaped from her right eye while she laughed at Luke and Marco. "No worries, Cade. I got your back." Beth winked at her.
"Thanks," Cade said. Then her gaze found Jax, wondering how he danced. Oh, what would that sight do to her twisting gut? She had to look away before he could tell what she'd been thinking. Excuses to skip the club ran through her mind. She would be mad if she let herself get closer to Jax … again. But would she be crazier if she didn't?
Chapter Ten
How long had it been since he had felt this kind of connection with anyone?
Being around Cade felt right. He wanted to do more than touch her hand. He craved that jolt he had felt when he'd kissed her. When they'd kissed. It wasn't just him. It was them. Him and Cade. If she tried to ignore it, that undeniable chemistry between them, there could only be one reason. She worked for him.
Jax had to know if she would be willing to look past it. He intended to find out tonight.
The morning hadn't turned out too well, what with Cade catching him in the hallway saying goodbye to those women. But even as she'd yelled at him for doing something he hadn't done, he'd seen the fire in her eyes. He had wanted to pull her inside her room and show her that he wasn't willing to extinguish that flame, but rather fuel it. But it was always duty first for Cade. Once Harley was awake, she'd turned into the tough woman in charge of his daughter's safety. Not that Harley was in any real danger.