Page 30 of Close to Heaven

Cody shrugged. “How could I? She’s in love with my best friend.”

“Do you still see them?” Avery asked. At some point, Jax had poured her a beer, and she shot him a brief smile.

“Not since their engagement party,” Cody replied.

“Everybody has someone from their past they’d prefer to forget about it. Isn’t that right, Jax?” Dakota prompted.

“We were talking about Cody, not me.”

“I want to hear this,” Avery said eagerly. The beer must have loosened her tongue, or maybe it was the casual atmosphere. Either way, she was dying to learn more about Jax.

Cody, seemingly relieved that the conversation had shifted to Jax, spoke first. “Jax fooled around with the wrong woman and got himself a stalker.”

“A stalker?” Avery’s eyes went big.

“He’s exaggerating,” Jax huffed.

Dakota shook her head. “No, he’s not.”

“Avery doesn’t want to hear about this,” Jax said firmly.

“Why? You afraid it’ll ruin your reputation?” Cody teased.

“Okay, folks. Here are your appetizers,” the waitress said, interrupting them once again. She set the platter and four plates on the table. Then, looking directly at Jax, she said, “Can I get you anything else?”

Dakota stifled a laugh while Jax replied, “I think we’re all set.”

After the waitress walked away, Dakota scowled at her brothers. “Geez. I can’t go anywhere with you two. It’s sickening.”

Avery and Cody snickered while Jax studiously ignored them. Jax’s stalker temporarily forgotten, they all dug into the food. As Cody topped off their beers, Jax held his hand over his empty glass.

“I’m driving, remember?”

“Yes, Dad,” Cody teased.

While they were enjoying the food and drink, a male voice came over the speaker system. “Ladies and gentlemen, we’re going to start the line dancing soon, so get ready to kick up your heels!”

“I can’t wait,” Dakota said.

“It’s been so long since I’ve danced,” said Avery.

Jax eyed her across the table. “Really?”

“Yeah. Trevor doesn’t like to dance, either.” She could have kicked herself for bringing him up and comparing the two men, especially in a negative way. “Sorry. I didn’t mean—”

“No problem,” Jax said and averted his eyes.

“Don’t worry, Avery. I’ll dance with you,” Cody offered.

“Never mind. I’ll dance with her,” Dakota said.

Cody’s attention had already drifted to a group of women at the neighboring table who’d been sneaking peeks at him since they’d first sat down. Avery had noticed them looking at Jax too, but he seemed oblivious to it.

Soon they’d polished off the appetizers and the pitcher of beer. When the waitress returned to clear their plates, Cody ordered another pitcher, and Jax requested water. “You must be the designated driver,” she said, obviously trying to engage him in conversation.

“Someone has to be,” he replied.

“Man, I don’t know how you do it,” Cody said after the waitress walked away.