Free Saving Jax by Ramona Gray

lightly before smiling at Mel.  “Do you want to stay, Mel?”
    Mel hesitated before nodding.  She did want to stay.  She wanted to keep dancing with Jax, wanted to give him the chance to convince her that she should spend the night with him.  Knowing it was madness but unable to resist the urge to stay in his arms, she patted Court’s shoulder lightly.
    “Go home and go to bed, honey.  I’ll call you tomorrow and see how you’re feeling, okay?”
    He smiled faintly and allowed Julie to lead him off the dance floor.
    “I’m glad you stayed, butterfly,” Jax said.
    She stared up at him as the song ended.  “I stayed because I want to support Cal in his new job.”
    “Of course,” he grinned as he stepped away from her.
    “Thank you for the dance, Ms. Thomas.”
    “You’re welcome, Mr. Anderson.”
    She walked back to the table, entirely too aware of his hot gaze.

Chapter 7
     
    “You drove the Miata?” Mel said.
    Her dad gave her an apologetic look.  “I’m sorry, Mel.  We weren’t expecting to give you a ride home tonight.”
    “It’s alright.  I’ll take a cab back to Court’s and grab my car,” Mel drained the last of her wine. 
    After their dance Jax had, to her dismay, disappeared and she was feeling irritable and out of sorts. 
    Bullshit.  You’re horny and pissed because Jax is gone and you’re not getting laid tonight.
    Shut up!
    “I’ll give you some money for the cab,” Bill said.
    Mel laughed.  “Dad, I’m not a teenager.  I can pay for my own cab.”
    “Why are you taking a cab?”  Cal appeared at the table.
    “Butterfly got a ride here with Court and Julie and thought she could get a ride home with us.  Unfortunately we drove the Miata.”
    “If you want to stick around for another few hours, I’ll give you a lift home,” Cal said.
    Mel shook her head.  “It’s already past my bedtime.”
    Cal rolled his eyes.  “It’s eleven, Mel.  God, live a little, would you?”
    She shrugged.  “You know I’m not a night owl like you, Cal.”
    “I guess.  Hey, I bet Jax would give you a lift home.  I think he’s about to leave.”
    “Oh – no, that’s okay,” Mel said quickly but it was too late.
    Cal turned and waved and she groaned when she saw Jax emerging from the kitchen.  He joined them and Mel stood hurriedly.
    “Cal, I don’t need – “
    “Jax, you’re leaving right?”
    “Yes.”  Jax nodded.
    “Think you could give my baby sister a ride home?”
    “I’d be delighted to,” he replied.
    “I don’t need a ride home.  I can take a cab,” Mel said.
    “Jax doesn’t mind, do you?”  Cal said.
    “No, I do not.”  Jax gave her a sexy little grin and she bit the inside of her cheek as he moved behind her and plucked her jacket from her chair.
    “Ready to go, Ms. Thomas?”
    “I really don’t want to inconvenience you, Mr. Anderson.”
    “You’re not.”  He turned to her parents and shook their hands.  “It was nice to see you again, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas.”
    “So lovely to see you, Jax,” Darla said.  “Make sure you get my butterfly home safely, alright?”
    “Of course.”  Jax helped her into her coat, his hands lingering on her upper arms for just a moment too long before holding his arm out.
    “Ready?”
    “Yes.”  She kissed her parents and hugged Cal before taking Jax’s arm.  He led her out of the restaurant and across the parking lot to a dark grey sports car.  He opened the passenger door for her and she glanced up at him.
    “Mercedes Benz SLS?”
    He gave her an admiring look.  “You know your cars, Ms. Thomas.”
    “My dad is a car freak.”
    She buckled her seat belt as he slid behind the wheel.  “So is it safe to say I’ve impressed you with my car?”
    “It’s a bit on the flashy side for me.  My personal feeling is that a man is usually compensating for something when he buys a car this expensive.”
    He laughed loudly as he pulled out of the parking lot.  “You know I have nothing