The XOXO New Adult Collection: 16 Full Length New Adult Stories (328 page)

Was anyone happy with what they had? Probably not, everyone seemed riddled with insecurities and self-doubt. Karma knew she definitely didn’t see herself the way Jax saw her. After hearing Eva maybe Karma was also too hard on herself?

“Let’s get out of here.” Karma grabbed her purse off the counter top, and they hurried down the stairs.

Princess met them at the bottom step looking pathetic. “Don’t even think of it,” Karma muttered. The dog stared at her for a long moment then walked in a circle and laid down. Thank you! She wasn’t in the mood to chase that damn dog tonight.

Karma yelled to her dad not to wait up as they walked out the door into the night. The air was cool against her bare arms and legs.

She had to admit she was excited to be going out with Eva. Of course, it was a bonus that she would get to see Jax, but really she had missed Eva. It felt like forever since they hung out.

Not that she minded too much since all her time had been occupied by Jax, but soon that time would be over, and she would have to fade back into her ordinary boring life. A life that didn’t include a gorgeous tattooed fireman.

Karma sighed as she dropped into the passenger seat.

They chatted up a storm so the drive flew by, and before she knew it, they were turning into the same parking lot as before. This time there were lots of club-goers headed in the same direction as they were so it wasn’t creepy like it was last time. Okay, well, the misty street lights were still slightly creepy. Karma shuddered, rubbing her arms to fight the chill in the air as they walked down the alley.

Her heartbeat kicked up a notch as they got closer to the door. The thought of seeing Jax even for a minute made her stomach tie up in knots. She wondered if he would acknowledge her or keep his cold bouncer face. She might just die a little inside if he completely ignored her. She wasn’t going to say anything to him. He was at work, and she would respect that. If he wanted to talk to her, he would initiate.

Karma glanced around, taking in the dark walls. Last time she hadn’t realized how old the place looked. Black paint peeled off the walls and the floor was beyond scuffed up. But somehow it just added to the underground ambience.

Never one to waste time, Eva already struck up a conversation with a blond guy—he had way too many face piercings to count. Her taste was interesting to say the least. But hey, whatever made her happy. And she had to admit the guy was attractive.

Could the line go any slower?

Eventually, they pushed through the heavy double doors, and Jax looked up—their gazes locked. Was that a hint of a twinkle she detected in his beautiful pale eyes? His face stayed still, but his eyes gave him away. He was happy to see her. Karma smiled brightly, unable to contain herself.

She shifted from foot to foot eager to get closer to him. It took all her self-control not to steamroll everyone in front of her. She mentally pictured herself knocking the tall leggy blonde in front of her to the side and stepping over the short pink-haired guy. But in reality, she stood there just like everyone else.

Finally, she handed him her ID. Jax’s grabbed it and trailed his finger down her hand, sending an electrical current through her that went straight between her thighs. How could a simple touch make her so weak in the knees? Her breath caught in her throat. One look, one touch, and he could completely send her world off kilter. God, she loved that feeling.

Jax handed the ID back and reached for Eva’s. Karma noticed he didn’t touch Eva’s hand. She felt a small thrill of satisfaction. It still blew her mind wide open that Jax wanted her.

“Have fun, ladies,” Jax said as they walked away. Karma turned back around to get one more glimpse at him, and her heart soared when he looked up at the same time. It was going to be torture knowing he was so close, but not being able to be near him. Maybe he would get a chance to be the stand-in bartender again. If luck was on her side.

A couple of hours later sweat trickled between Karma’s breasts as the music pulsed through her body. She was dancing with a lanky guy in leather. Her eyes were closed as her hips swayed to the music. Smoke swirled around their bodies. Next thing she knew the guy pressed his body to hers. Karma snapped her eyes open, ready to clock him. Tension melted off her instantly when she saw Jax’s face through the flickering lights.

“Come with me,” Jax yelled over the music.

Karma nodded her head, not giving a second thought to the guy she had been dancing with only seconds earlier.

Jax snatched her hand as he expertly weaved her through the swarm of bodies grinding together. Heart fluttering in her chest, Karma hurried after him. All night she’d been hoping to get a chance to see him. Once again, he pulled her into the back room. This time he pushed her up against the wall. He was so close she could feel his warm breath on her face. “I can’t stand another man’s hands on you.” Jax’s voice was rough.

“He wasn’t touching me. We were just dancing.” Her hands moved over his smooth hard chest.

“He wanted to touch you.” Jax positioned his leg between hers, pressing his thigh against hers, raising it ever so slightly, putting light pressure. Karma groaned and moved her hips. He ran his thumb over her moist lips before running his tongue up the base of her neck. Her eyes drifted shut as her arms encircled his neck. All the noise faded into the background, and it was just the two of them.

His kiss was soft and gentle, not the kind of kiss she’d expected.

Then it got more intense. She groaned as she felt the heat and urgency of his body through his clothes.

His tongue traced her lower lip before it delved inside of her mouth. His hips ground into hers, and an achy feeling went directly between her thighs. Her nipples tightened, and she shuddered as his hand roamed up, cupping her breast. She loved the way his hands felt on her. Her desire for him made her brain short out. His touch made her skin feel as if it were on fire.

Reluctantly, they pulled themselves away from each other.

“I’m so glad you found me. I’ve been looking for you all night,” Karma said, breathless from the kiss, her hand trailing up his arm.

“It’s been killing me not to be out there with you.”

“Really?”

“Yes, really.”

“Can you leave?”

“Not yet, I have to stay till closing. There was a fight here last night. My brother-in-law would be pissed if I left early.”

“Can I come over when it’s closing time?”

Jax stared at her for a long moment before speaking. “Not tonight, Karma.”

She let out the long breath she’d been anxiously holding. Of course he wasn’t going to cave. Had she really expected him to?

“Can’t blame me for trying.” Karma tilted her head up and gave him a quick kiss.

“Can I take you home?”

“Won’t you be tired? It’s a long drive and you’d have to turn around and go back.”

Jax ran his hand through his hair. “You’re right. Text me when you’re ready to leave, and I’ll walk you guys to your car.”

“You don’t have to do that.”

“Yes, I do.” He leaned down and placed a light kiss on her collarbone, causing her breathing to go shallow as her eyes fluttered closed. Slowly, his warm lips trailed up her neck and with one quick light kiss on the lips he turned and faded into the crowd.

When Karma came out she was surprised to see Eva talking to the guy who lost his fiancée. He was laughing at something she’d said.
Interesting.

––––––––

K
arma sank ungracefully into the overstuffed chair, kicked off her shoes, and curled up like a lazy cat. She blew softly on the mug of tea in her hands—black tea, one sugar and lots of milk. He had been mentally taking notes on what she liked and disliked during their time together. Something he’d never bothered to do with other girls he’d dated. It just never seemed important before.

Jax sat down across from her, watching her, taking in her every move. He loved watching her. Today she wore no make-up; her thick hair was an uncontrolled mess that he wanted to sink his hands into.

He wondered what she was thinking. Was she scared? Nervous? She looked neither. But he knew she was a master at hiding her true feelings. So it was anyone’s guess what was going through her pretty little head.

“We don’t have to do this.” Jax held her gaze steadily with his own.

“I know.” Karma twirled a strand of her wild hair with her finger. “I want to.”

“We could go on a normal date today, movies and dinner?” Jax raised one eyebrow. “Keep it simple.”

“Jax, don’t feel guilty. This was my idea. You’re not forcing me to do anything I don’t want to do.”

It had crossed his mind that she was just willing to go through with crossing it off her list to make him happy, but he should give her more credit than that. His mouth twisted wryly. “Sorry, I shouldn’t have assumed you were doing this for me.”

Somewhat to his surprise, Jax found he wished she’d back out. The thought of anything happening to her left a dull ache in the pit of his stomach.

“Besides, it’s not like I’m going alone. I’ll be attached to a professional.”

“True.” Jax felt the muscles in his neck begin to relax. She was right, he was overreacting. A tandem skydive was probably safer than driving down the highway.

Jax felt someone’s presence behind him and turned to look. A tall blond guy stood staring intently at Karma, and Jax felt an unfamiliar stirring of jealousy. The guy was at least six foot, well-built, and looked like a damn Ken doll, square jaw, perfect nose, and bright blue eyes.

“Karma, is that really you?” He came closer and didn’t even glance at Jax.

Karma looked up and her face fell. She leaned forward and set her mug down on the table. “Eric Anders.” Her voice was cool and detached, but Jax caught the brief look of surprise that had flashed in her eyes.
Who the hell is this guy?

“I thought it was you, but I wasn’t sure. Had to come see for myself.” He gave her an appraising look up and down her body, his eyes lingering on her legs. “You look great.”

Karma hesitated before speaking. She ignored his remark, but her face had flushed at the compliment. “Home from Harvard for the weekend?”

The guy ran his hand through his perfect hair. “Yeah, came back to see the folks for the weekend. Hey, do you want to get together tomorrow night? Talk about old times and catch up on everyone?”

Karma’s eyes flashed to Jax. He looked at her blankly, not giving anything away. Fucking Harvard? Jesus, he and Karma hadn’t even agreed to be exclusive during the three weeks. Three weeks that were almost over. What if she decided she didn’t want to wait or figured she’d have more luck with this clown who didn’t offer a timeline?

“I have plans with Jax tomorrow.” Karma nodded her head in his direction. Jax felt relieved and hoped it didn’t show. They didn’t have plans tomorrow, because he had to work and Karma knew that. But he wasn’t about to blurt out that little gem of information.

“How about the day after? We never got to talk after prom. I owe you an apology.”

Prom? Who the hell was this guy? Her first love? Jax realized his fists were clenched, and he consciously uncurled them.

“Oh, you mean when you left me stranded for the night?” Karma said. Her voice dripped sickly sweet. “There’s no need to apologize, I’m sure Becky was worth it.”

Eric’s face turned crimson. “I was a fool. Come on, Karma, let me make it up to you. I’m not that immature kid anymore.”

Karma’s gaze dropped to her mug like she was thinking it over, and Jax felt his chest tighten. He could speak up and say they had plans on Sunday too, but it wasn’t his place. Truth was, if Karma wanted to go out with him there was nothing he could do about it. He wished like hell he knew what was going through her mind.

“Do you still have the same phone number?” Karma asked, picking at the bottom of her shirt and not meeting the guy’s eyes.

A look of relief crossed the guy’s face. “Yeah, same number.”

“If I have time I’ll give you a call,” Karma said and reached down to pick up her tea. Her eyes shifted back to Jax as if dismissing Eric.

“I really hope you call,” Eric said before turning away.

As much as he hated to admit it, Jax was a little annoyed that Karma didn’t bother to make an introduction. Maybe she didn’t know how to address him. They weren’t exactly boyfriend and girlfriend. Their timeline was almost over.
Fuck.

Jax sat there waiting for her to say something that would put his mind at ease, but she just sat there quietly sipping her tea. What the hell was she thinking?

He couldn’t take it anymore. “Ex-boyfriend?”

Karma looked over her mug and shrugged. “We dated a few months, and then he left me waiting the night of prom without so much as a call.”

“Dumbass,” Jax muttered. Secretly grateful that Mr. Perfect was far from Prince Charming. “Are you going to call him?”

“I’m not sure. Probably not,” Karma said.

Well, that wasn’t very reassuring.

“Can we just get out of here?” Karma asked she looked straight at him, but her expression was unreadable.

Jax frowned; they hadn’t even finished their drinks. He stood up, holding his hand out for her. “Your wish is my command.”

Karma’s lips tilted up but the smile never met her eyes. He had to find a way to turn this around quickly. He wasn’t about to lose his chance over some pretty boy who didn’t even have the decency to treat Karma the way she deserved to be treated.

She dropped his hand after he pulled her to stand, which surprised him. On the way out he noticed Eric watching them from a corner table. Jax held the door open, and Karma brushed past him; he felt the familiar tingle spread through his body, but she didn’t look up and smile like she usually did.
What the hell?
He could beat the crap out of that asshole for putting a damper on their day.

“I’m not sure if I’m up for skydiving today,” Karma said as they walked toward his truck.

Of course she wasn’t. Could this day get any better? He wasn’t going to drop it that easily. “Really? You seemed pretty excited about it a few moments ago.”