I close my eyes hoping that will stop the tears. It doesn't. "Please don't say those things. Please." I feel my clutch vibrating again.
"Ivy, your phone." Jax has obviously noticed the irritating rumble as well. "Do you need to get that?"
"No," I whisper. "We should get back."
"I want to explain more." Jax inches closer to me, his right hand pushes my hair back behind my ear. "Brighton doesn't know what I feel. The other night when we were together, you pulled back because I called you sweetheart. When I saw the pain in your eyes I knew Mark must have called you that too. I hated myself for doing that. For making you think of that bastard and for making you feel pain because of him again. I panicked."
I feel overwhelmed by everything he's saying. "Madeline will be looking for us by now."
"I want to protect you, Ivy." His breath runs across my cheek." I want to help you heal. I want to help you love again."
I look into his eyes, seeing something I hadn't before. There's a vulnerability that wasn't there before tonight. I need time to think. "We need to get back now. You're the guest of honor."
He stares silently at me for a moment before releasing my hand. "You're right."
As he walks out of the bedroom door, my phone once again starts vibrating.
"Go to hell, Mark." I say under my breath before I follow Jax.
Chapter 12
Ninety minutes, and several dozen stolen glances at Jax later, I'm ready to leave. I search the room for Brighton and spot him delicately kissing the hand of a woman who works in the sales department at Veray. I smile realizing that Liz was right in her decision not to pursue a relationship with such an obvious playboy.
"I'm going to call it a night, Madeline." I reach to give her a quick embrace. "Thank you for including me."
"You know you're part of our family." Madeline looks past me to where Brighton is. "Are you taking him with you?"
I giggle. "No, he's all yours." I give her a quick wink before turning to leave.
As I ride the elevator to the lobby I fish in my clutch for my phone. Five missed Mark calls in total. I sigh thinking that a good night's rest will give me the emotional energy I need to deal with him.
I quickly dial Liz, hoping that I can secure some best friend time tonight. I could really use her perspective to help me sort through what I've learned about Jax and his unexpected confession about his feelings.
"Hello?" Liz screams as she answers. There's a surge of loud background noise wafting through the phone.
"Liz? It's me." I raise my voice hoping she can make out what I'm saying.
"Ivy? Hold on. I'll find a quieter spot."
I exit Madeline's building into an unpredicted rain shower. "Damn," I say as I take cover under the awning hanging over the door.
"Are you still there?" I bring my phone back to my ear.
"I'm here, sugar."
"Where are you?" I ask. "Sounds like way more fun than my night."
Liz laughs. "I'm just out grabbing a drink with a few friends. What's up?"
"I could use some best friend time."
"What happened?"
"Mark. Jax." I sigh heavily. "You know how it is."
"What about Mark?" Liz's voice is clearer now.
"He's called a bunch of times tonight." I step back into the rain, trying to hail a taxi. "Where are you? I'll grab a taxi and come meet you."
"No." She's resolute. "I'll come to your place. Give me an hour."
***
"Dear, I believe you put your dress on backwards." Ms. Adams greets me as I step off the elevator.
I laugh. "No, it's supposed to look like this."
"Really?" She frowns. "It leaves very little to the imagination."
"That's the idea," I whisper.
"In my day, women kept their assets hidden until their wedding night." She adjusts the soft, pink, terry cloth robe she's wearing.
"It's very late." I glance at my phone realizing it's already past eleven. "Are you alright? Shouldn't you be asleep?"
"It's been a troubling night, Ivy. Walk with me to my apartment."
I gently grab her arm helping her down the hallway. "What happened?"
"Mark was here." She reaches into her pocket for her keys. As she fumbles with all three of the locks on the door I smile knowing she locked her door up tight even though she was only going a few feet to my apartment.
"When?" I help her inside, turning on the light for her.
"It was hours ago." She sits in an oversized, blue chair that has seen much better days.
"Can I warm you some milk?"
"Yes, thank you." She nods before continuing, "he was looking for a letter he said you had and demanding to know where you were."