Chapter 7

7

JAXON

The week flew by, and Aria was good to her word. We spent every lunch together and she stopped over after work a few nights, too. Not to practice, wishful thinking on my part, but to perfect our plan down to the last detail. I’m confident nothing is going to go wrong. She’s still on the fence. Maybe one day, she’ll trust me with more than work-related situations.

Tonight’s the big night and I’m supposed to pick her up at six. The big gala reveal is at eight, so I’m supposed to drop to one knee around seven. Both of us agreed that we needed to do it early, because after they introduce this big media mogul everyone’s talking about, some might make their escape. We’d like as many people from the magazine there to witness my proposal as possible. Isn’t that the point of all of this?

Without a doubt.

I’m relieved that it’s not black tie tonight, just business casual. I hate monkey suits, but I would have done it for Aria. Let me tell you. That girl has me all tied up in knots and it’s only been a week. A week! Yeah, I know this is not legit, but some lucky guy is going to get an amazing woman. And when that happens, I’ll admire her from afar and let him be the keeper of her heart.

When they announce the name of the person in charge of the new magazine in question, I’m sure we’ll take a back seat. And that’s exactly what we’re hoping for. Might be a bit of gossip by the water cooler come Monday morning, but it will blow over before we know it. Then in a month or two we’ll break up and go our separate ways. We agreed it won’t be a messy breakup since we still want to remain friends. I can’t imagine not having her in my life since I’ve known her for so long.

I’ve already shaved and showered, so when five o’clock rolls around, I decide to get dressed. It might be a good idea to leave a little early since the traffic is crazy on a Saturday night. I wouldn’t want to throw a wrench in the mix on our big night.

After sliding into my black designer trousers, I paired them with a pale-blue dress shirt and black dress shoes. It’s either those or my boots, and the look works for me but not the gala. I’m also bringing my leather bomber jacket since it’s January in New York. No snow, but the forecast isn’t looking good. Aria doesn’t need to worry about what clothes she’ll be wearing since business casual is her whole wardrobe. I’m a jeans, T-shirt, and boot guy but not tonight. All I need is my watch, a little cologne, and I’m good to go. Oh shit. The ring!

That’s not in my wall safe, otherwise Stephane would have seen that too. This one is in a special place. A hidden wall safe in the back of my closet. I wanted to make sure if I was ever robbed, they wouldn’t get this one or my passport. Reaching behind my dress shirts, I hit a button and a panel slides down, revealing the safe. I punch in my code, it beeps, and voilà. Tucking the box inside my trouser pocket, I lock up and I’m ready to rock and roll.

On the drive to her house, I do get a brief moment of panic. It’s fleeting, but it catches me off guard. My first thought is, if it happened to me, then Aria must be a nervous wreck. Whether we want to admit it or not, all eyes will be on us. Briefly, but nonetheless we will be the center of attention for an hour or so. Yeah, that doesn’t help calm my nerves. I need to focus so I can talk Aria off the ledge if she’s too close.

By the time I pull into the driveway, I’m calm, cool, and collected. Let’s hope Aria is too. She doesn’t even wait until I knock or ring the bell, she literally grabs my arm and yanks me inside.

“This is stupid. So stupid. I have no idea why I let you talk me into this. It’s unethical and not practical and what the hell was I thinking…”

I don’t give her a chance to finish that sentence as my mouth closes over hers. With my hands framing her face, I skim my thumbs across her silky jaw, and then the tender flesh of her neck. All the while my teeth nip and my tongue searches, and when my thumbs land on her pulse, it’s erratic. Just like her heart that’s pressed so close to mine. With every stroke, every touch, I deepen the kiss, savoring this feeling. I wish I could freeze this moment because I know it won’t last. And in the next breath, she pushes me away.

“I told you, no more practicing.” I know she enjoyed the fuck out of it. So did I, but that’s beside the point.

“It worked, didn’t it? You were in full-blown panic mode and now you’re composed. Cool as a cucumber. Am I right?”

“Whatever. I just want this night to be over. Don’t you?” Yes, but not for the same reasons as her. Because for the briefest of moments, she will be my fiancée. Whether fake or not, she will be mine.

With a deep breath and an engagement ring burning a hole in my pocket, I whisper, “You don’t need to promise me forever, Aria. Just promise me today.”

“I know, Jax. I know.” I tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear and can’t help notice how sad she is tonight. Does Aria want it to be real? Or is my imagination running away with my sanity?

Grabbing her coat, I hold it open so she can slide into it. Hey, I can be a gentleman when I want. With her purse in hand, she locks up. I want to crack a joke. Like next time you go home you’ll be an engaged woman, but I don’t think that would go over too big. Best to shut my mouth so she doesn’t punch me. Won’t be the first time and probably not the last.

She’s quiet on the drive over, and I just let her get lost inside her head. There’s a lot riding on the line for her and I just hope it doesn’t backfire in our faces. If it does, she will never forgive me.

As soon as she sees the venue and all the cars parked in the lot, she whimpers. And I’m so proud of her when she turns to me with fear in her eyes and whispers, “Are you ready to get engaged?” Hell yeah I am.

ARIA

When we make our grand entrance, all eyes are on us. I wanted to link arms, but he insisted on holding my hand instead. It was a good decision since it’s more intimate. More romantic. The man has moves, I’ll give him that. Now that we’re the center of attention, he wraps his arm around my waist and guides me through the crowd. I know all of this is fake. A well thought out plan, but man it feels nice. Jax knows how to treat a woman, and my sister is a complete idiot.

I’m not surprised when he notices Maggie and Rex hanging out at the bar and he purposefully makes his way over there. As soon as the dynamic duo notices me, they see who I’m attached to. Jax plays the part well because he’s pulled me in so close that nothing could fit between us.

He nuzzles my neck, leaves a tender kiss, and asks, “You want the usual, love?” Oh, be still my heart. I could get used to this.

“That would be great, thanks babe.” Those words just roll off my tongue like butter. So damn smooth. We agreed on only one rule for the night. No more than one drink, because loose lips sink ships. We don’t want to come this far and screw it all up. “Jax, these are my coworkers, Maggie and Rex. Guys, this is my boyfriend, Jaxon Carter. He’s the drummer for Rebel Riot.” Stick it where the sun don’t shine.

“No need to introduce him, Aria. Everyone knows who Jaxon Carter is, and if they don’t, they’ve lived under a rock all of their lives. So nice to meet you, Jax.” Maggie holds out her hand and since he’s playing the part so well, he takes it in his.

“It’s so nice to finally meet the both of you.” Reaching out, he shakes hands with Rex, and I can’t help noticing it’s a much tighter grip than he had with Maggie. Is it a guy thing or some kind of competition? Who can squeeze the hardest before saying ouch? Men.

“Excuse me just for a moment.” Jax motions for the bartender so he can give him our order and Maggie takes advantage of the situation.

“Aria Mitchell, you’re such a naughty girl. If he were my boyfriend, I’d be screaming it from the rooftops so all the bitches would know he’s off limits. I can’t believe his name never passed your lips. Do tell.”

Lying doesn’t look good on me. I’d forgotten that this would be part of the ruse. That I’d need to act and play the part. The problem is there’s no script and I’m not too good at adlibbing. When in doubt, punt.

“I like to keep my work life separate from my personal one. With that said, I invited him to be my plus one since he’s in between tours.” I’m relieved when Jax shows up with drink in hand. “Thank you.”

“My pleasure as always.” He points to the bar behind Maggie and Rex and says, “This round’s on me. Cheers.”

I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding when he clinks his glass to mine. “Relax.” Once again, his hand lands on my waist and we’re leaving the trash behind. Good riddance is all I can say. For a second, I’m giddy with excitement. If we pull this off, I’ll never need to worry about them talking shit about me while I’m enjoying a meal ever again.

It’s so hard just to sip on my wine when I want to guzzle the whole damn glass. The clock is ticking and time’s flying by as I introduce my boyfriend to a few other colleagues of mine. And when I catch Silas smiling while he’s watching us, I know baking isn’t the only thing we’ll be discussing on Monday morning.

Jax chooses the perfect moment to drop to one knee while holding my hand. Silas raises his glass to both of us as the crowd grows quiet. My glass is shaking so badly that some of my wine lands by my feet. When he squeezes my hand, I give him all of my attention.

“Our love is like a symphony, with each note representing a memory, a moment, and a dream we share. I want to continue composing this beautiful music with you, every day. Creating a new note and a new harmony with each sunrise and sunset. Aria, will you be my forever duet, and marry me?”

“Yes, oh my god yes I’ll marry you.” When he slips the ring on my finger, the crowd instantly comes to life. I only have eyes for Jax as he closes the distance between us and his warm lips capture mine. There’s so much adrenaline flowing through my veins that I’m a fool for believing this is actually happening. Whether it’s the fuel of the crowd, or the way his mouth devours mine, I don’t care. I’m too caught up in the moment.

Until he breaks our kiss, lifts his glass to the crowd, and says, “She said yes!”

Time stands still in that moment when I notice a familiar face standing next to Silas. My sister Stephanie. The glass slips through my fingertips and crashes to the floor.

“Aria, did you cut yourself? You okay, love? Talk to me.” Knowing something’s wrong, Jax follows my gaze and freezes. Next thing I know, we’re moving as the waitstaff cleans up my mess. I want to turn around so badly but Jax won’t let me. He ushers me into the ladies’ room and locks the door.

“We can’t stay here, Jax. We need to leave now. I knew this was a stupid idea and I let you talk me into it…”

“Stop. They’ll be more suspicious if we leave. Let’s clean up and go back out there. You felt faint since I surprised you, is all.” Lowering his voice he whispers, “She would never intentionally hurt you. Ever.”

We wash our hands and get back to the venue just in time to hear the big announcement. “Trent Macmillan will be running our sister magazine, Beautify .”

I don’t hear another word he says when I realize that Trent is Stephanie’s new boyfriend. And the reason she’s here tonight.