Unveil Me (The Jaded Series Book 3)

by Grayson, Alex

  “Thanks. I’ll let you know.”

  I glance down at my watch and see that I need to leave or I’m going to be late. I hate leaving when I just met him, but what I need to do is important. It doesn’t just involve me, but others. Others that I can’t and won’t let down.

  I get up from my stool. “I’ve got to go.” To Chris and Bailey, I ask, “Will y’all be at the bar later?”

  Please say yes, please say yes. Shit, I’m pathetic.

  “Jaxon and I will be there. His mom’s gonna watch Amari for me so I can hang out,” Bailey says.

  “We’ll be there as well,” Chris answers, wrapping her arm through Jase’s and leaning on him. “I want Jase to see where I work part-time and get the feel of the place since it’s a local hangout.”

  I barely contain myself from jumping up and down like a five-year-old at Christmas. I’m on shift tonight, along with Mia. Even if I wasn’t though, I’d still be there. I want to be wherever Jase is going to be. I want to get to know him and him me. I want him to see the real me, not the person standing in front of him, biting his tongue. To do that, he needs to be around me and my friends in a comfortable setting. Jaxon’s is the perfect place for that.

  I look around for Maggie to pay for my meal and see she’s busy with a customer. I pull out my wallet and throw money on the counter, more than enough to pay for my breakfast and leave a tip. I turn back to Bailey and reach down to place a soft kiss against her lips. “I’ll see you all later.”

  I then lean over her shoulder to do the same with Amari, tickling her side in the process, causing her to giggle and kick her little legs. When I pull back, I glance at Jaxon and see the pierced eyebrow is raised. He’s waiting for my usual flirtatious move to try to get a kiss from him.

  “Sorry buddy, not today,” I tell him with a wink. He just rolls his eyes and shifts Amari around in his arms.

  My lips tip up, and I turn to face Chris, who is still leaning on Jase. Leaning down, I kiss her lips as well. This may seem strange to some, but it’s just who I am. I’m very open about my feelings, and these two ladies have come to mean a lot to me. When I pull back from Chris, I look her straight in the eye and say, “Thank you.” She smiles and nods.

  I stand to my full height and take in Jase one more time before I have to leave. His brows are puckered and it looks like he’s concentrating on something important. His eyes shift from mine to Chris and then back.

  “It was nice meeting you, Jase,” I tell him with a sexy smirk. To the others I say, “I’ll see you tonight at Jaxon’s.”

  After “good-byes” and “see you laters,” I walk toward the door, forcing myself to not look back. It takes everything I have in me.

  Jase is so much more than I expected. No, I still don’t really know him, but from what Chris has said about him he seems like a good guy. I’m really looking forward to getting to know him. I just hope I can calm my raging body enough to do so before I turn him off.

  Jase

  Fuck! Shit! Son of a bitch! Who in the hell is that guy and where can I get one?

  The ridiculous thought pops into my head, and I want to do a face palm. I’ve got too much shit going on to be thinking like that. Shit that no one knows about. Shit that no one will know about if I can help it. That’s the reason I’m in this little town anyway, to get away from the fucked-up mess back home. Between my parents and the other shit going down, I had to leave. I missed my sister like crazy, so this seemed like the place I was going to be for a while.

  I turn my head and watch the sweet ass making its way through the door. I thank my fucking lucky stars I still had my glasses on when we first made our way over to him, because my eyes nearly bugged out of their sockets. The man is drop-dead gorgeous. Tall, dark tattooed skin, built, shaggy brown hair, and eyes so black you could get lost in them. My jeans get tight at the memory of him. When I saw the flash of desire in his eyes, I nearly dropped to my knees.

  Chris tugs on my arm, grabbing my attention away from the door. “Come on. Let’s grab a seat.”

  We make our way over to a freshly cleaned booth and take a seat; Chris and me on one side, Bailey, Amari, and Jaxon on the other.

  I look across the booth at Bailey, who now has Amari on her lap. The last time I saw Bailey was a few years ago. The scar on her face makes my blood boil. We’ve never been very close. She and Chris have been friends since they were little, but with how Bailey’s parents were, she was rarely allowed at our house. I never knew of the abuse she endured as a child. By the time we all were older and Bailey ended up in another shitty situation, I was off doing my own thing. Bailey made Chris promise not to tell anyone of the abuse she was enduring on a daily basis, and so Chris never came to me with her concerns. Had I known about it, I would have buried the bastard so far down his body would have never been found.

  My eyes skip to Jaxon, and see complete adoration for the woman and child sitting next to him. He has his arm slung across the back of the booth, his hand playing with Bailey’s hair. The look in his eyes as he watches them shows everyone he would do anything to protect and love them. Jaxon is a scary-looking motherfucker, and I feel sorry for anyone who messes with his family. I’m happy for Bailey. She deserves a bit of happiness in her life after what she’s gone through, and the love shining in her eyes says she’s found it.

  Chris nudges my shoulder, and I look down at her. “It’s amazing, isn’t it?” she asks quietly, and looks at Bailey and Jaxon.

  It really is amazing. Chris has updated me on everything that has happened, including what that sick fuck did to Bailey and Jaxon’s sister, Anna, after he followed Bailey to Jaded Hollow. For her to overcome everything is incredible.

  I smile down at Chris. “Yeah, it is.”

  Just then, a blonde waitress in a bright blue button-up shirt, purple skinny jeans, and heels walks up to our table, setting four empty coffee mugs and a pot of coffee down in front of us. Her name tag says Nitra.

  “Hey guys. How’s it going?” she asks, chewing obnoxiously on a piece of gum.

  Everyone gives their nods and hellos, then Nitra faces Chris and me. “Who’s the hottie?”

  “This is my big brother, Jase,” Chris introduces us.

  She offers a manicured hand to me. “Well, hey there, handsome. Nice to finally meet you. We’ve heard so many good things.”

  “Thanks. Good to meet you too,” I tell her.

  “What can I get you all this morning?”

  After we place our order, Nitra walks off.

  “So, what did you think of Andrew?” Chris asks.

  I turn suspicious eyes on her. “Why?”

  “No reason. Just curious.” She shrugs and tries to play the innocent, but I’m on to her. She’s up to something.

  “Chris, don’t,” I warn her. I don’t know what she’s playing at, but she needs to back off. My life is too unstable at the moment to be thinking about starting a relationship. Of course, Chris doesn’t know that, and that’s the way I want it to stay. She only knows about the issue with our parents, not the recent shit storm I put myself into. I just hope that I ran far enough it doesn’t follow me. If it does, I’m not sure I’ll make it out on the other side alive. And that’s why a relationship is not in the cards for me right now. I can’t afford to drag anyone else into this mess. My being here could already put Chris in danger, but I’m hoping he doesn’t look for me this far away from home. He has no way of knowing where I am. But then again, the fucker doesn’t give up when he wants something.

  “I know what you’re doing and you need to stop.”

  “Why don’t you just wait and see for yourself? Andrew is a great guy. You may like him.”

  “I’m sure he is, but I can’t. I’m not in a good place right now, okay?” My voice is firm, letting her know I’m serious.

  “Jase, Mom and Dad—”

  I cut her off before she can get started. “Just drop it, Chris. I said no. There are things you don’t understand. Things I can’t tell you. Un
til those issues are taken care of, I can’t take on a new relationship. I appreciate what you’re trying to do, and I love you for it, but you need to take a step back. It’s not a good time.”

  Frown lines appear on her face as she takes in my words. I know my mistake immediately. I’ve said too much and now she’ll hound me, wanting answers. She won’t get them, and she’ll make my life hell.

  Jaxon speaks up from across the table, and I want to kiss him for changing the subject. Looking at Jaxon, at his irresistible eyes, I know it would be no hardship kissing him. He’s not as hot as Andrew, but he’s definitely a close second.

  “Bailey said you were looking for work. What can you do?” he asks.

  I turn from Chris, who is still looking thoughtful, and face Jaxon. “If possible I’d like to work with cars. I’m pretty good at it. Before I moved here, I was lead mechanic at one of the shops in town.”

  He nods. “Joe has a shop down on Big Bulge Road. He was just telling me the other day that he needed to bring someone else in. Work’s getting too much for just him. We can stop by later so you can talk to him.”

  “Thanks. I’d appreciate it,” I tell him, and pick up the coffeepot and pour some into my cup.

  “It’s been years since I’ve seen you, Jase. You look good. How have you been?” This is from Bailey. After stirring my coffee, I look up at her and smile.

  “I’ve been good. Not much has changed since the last time you saw me.” Of course, this isn’t entirely the truth. Several things have changed, but those are things that I plan on keeping to myself. “You look good, too.” I carefully approach the subject I’m sure is not easy on her, but I feel I need to say something. Even though I really had no way of knowing what was going on with Bailey, I still feel terrible. “Chris told me what happened when you were little, and what happened later, and then here. I’m so sorry for never doing anything. I had no idea that shit was going on.”

  She gives me a sad smile and reaches across the table to squeeze my hand. I look at Jaxon and see his jaw clenched, hatred and rage in his eyes.

  “It’s okay. You had no way of knowing. I was hardly ever allowed at your house, and when I was, it was only when I had no visible bruises. And I made Chris promise to not say anything because I was embarrassed and thought no one could help me.” She pulls her hand back, snuggles up next to Jaxon, and kisses Amari on the top of her head.

  “I still wish I knew. I would have done something if I had known.”

  I watch as tears glisten in Bailey’s eyes, and I feel like shit. She doesn’t let the tears fall, but I know this is a hard subject for her. I shouldn’t have said anything. Jaxon drops his arm onto her shoulders and squeezes Bailey to him.

  “I know you would have,” she says softly. “I didn’t want anyone to know, so I kept it hidden. Please don’t feel bad.”

  I nod, but the guilt doesn’t go away. It probably won’t ever go away.

  “It looks like you’re doing good now, though,” I tell her with a tender smile.

  “I am,” she responds, and tips her head back to look at Jaxon with a beautiful smile on her face. “So much better than I thought I would ever be.”

  Chris and I both watch as Bailey and Jaxon share a private moment. Bailey really does look happy. Chris told me that Bailey thought she wasn’t able to have kids. I look at Amari, who is shoving a yellow ring in her mouth, and am truly happy for her. The shit she’s been through would break just about anyone else. It’s damn near a miracle she made it out on the other side sane. And for her to have a baby when she thought she couldn’t, I think is God’s way of rewarding Bailey for being strong and not giving up.

  A couple minutes later, Nitra brings our food. We eat and make small talk. Chris tells me all the reasons she wants me to stay in Jaded Hollow. I tell her that I’m contemplating it. This seems to please her for right now. She also tells me about the new job she’s starting soon at the school as a guidance counselor, happy that her degree is finally being put to use. Jaxon and I discuss me rebuilding an old car he’s had in his garage for a while. Bailey plays with Amari, throwing in her input every so often.

  Once we’re done, we decide to head over to Chris’s place to store my stuff. Chris and Bailey are going to Jaxon’s mom’s place to drop off Amari, while he and I head over to Joe’s to talk to him about a job for me. We’re to meet back up at Jaxon’s Pub at three, where Chris wants to show me off. She actually said this, which caused me to roll my eyes. I have a fucking silly sister.

  After paying our bill, which was when I met Jaxon’s Gram, who is a sweet old lady I liked instantly because she gave me a piece of her delicious pie to take home, we head out the door. Jaxon and I say our good-byes to the girls and make our way to his truck. I have my own Jeep, but it makes more sense to just take Jaxon’s ride since we’re going to the same place.

  We climb into his truck and take off. What I’ve seen of Jaded Hollow so far, and the people I’ve met, makes me believe it could be a place I’d like to settle in. I know being away from my parents is the best thing for me. When I told them that I was gay, my dad didn’t take it too well. I knew he wouldn’t. That’s why I held off as long as I did, but he looked at me like I was a nasty contagious bug he wanted to squish beneath his shoe. It hurt, but it wasn’t a surprise. I knew then that I needed to get away; it was just a matter of time. But when all the other shit went down, the time to leave became right then. I had no choice. Had I not left when I did, there was a big possibility I never would have. I would have ended up in a swamp, waiting to be gator bait.

  I just hope me moving here doesn’t bring hell to Chris and the people of Jaded Hollow. Only time will tell.

  Andrew

  “Uncle Andy! Uncle Andy!” A cute little black-haired girl comes barreling toward me as soon as I exit my car, long black pigtails flying behind her.

  She’s out of breath by the time she makes it to me. I squat down just in time to catch her in my arms and scoop her up. As I stand, she lays a big kiss on my cheek. My heart melts at the action, just like every other time she does it.

  “Hey, skittles. How’s my girl?” She pulls her head back, wraps her short legs around my stomach, and rests her hands on my shoulders. I take in her face, so familiar, and see pure happiness in her expression. However, her eyes look tired and there are dark rings around them. I can also see she’s lost some weight, and up close her hair looks thinner than it once was. The slight bulge on her upper right chest sends a sharp pain shooting through me. My heart hurts looking at her haggard appearance, and I want to scream at the injustice of what this beautiful little girl is going through.

  “I’m doing good, Uncle Andy!” she says animatedly, still trying to catch her breath. “I made a new friend at school. Her name’s Mandy. Mom and Dad said I could spend the night with her tomorrow night for her birthday! We’re going to tell ghost stories and have s’mores!

  I smile at her excitement. “That’s great, baby. Sounds like you’re going to have a lot of fun.”

  “I am! This will be my first sleepover ever!” she says, before wrapping me in her six-year-old arms and giving me a tight hug. “I missed you, Uncle Andy,” she whispers in my ear.

  Fuck, but I love this little girl. She’s the second and only other person I allow to use that nickname. No way in hell could I ever tell her not to. Hell, the girl has me wrapped so tight around her little finger that I would let her call me anything, and I’d still smile.

  “I missed you too, precious,” I tell her, and give her a tickle on the side, making her giggle and squirm in my arms.

  “Where’s your mom?” I ask her.

  “I’m here,” comes a breathless voice from behind me. I turn and see Becky coming our way. She has on a pair of worn-looking but still nice jeans, a green t-shirt with a few splotches on it, and a pair of black sneakers. Her light-brown shoulder-length hair is a mangled mess. Her eyes look tired, but she still sports a small smile as she walks up to us.

  “Ally, what hav
e I told you about running out of the house like that. Next time wait for me,” she scolds her daughter. There’s no heat in her voice, but she tries to look stern as she looks at Ally.

  “But, Mom, it was Uncle Andy,” Ally whines, and puffs out her lower lip in a pout. “It’s been forever since I’ve seen him.”

  I try to hold it in, but I can’t help the chuckle that slips past my lips. Becky’s eyes turn to me and she tries to give me a don’t-you-dare-laugh look, but fails when her lips twitch.

  “Sweetie, you saw him last week. That’s hardly forever.”

  “Well, it feels like a long, long time,” Ally mutters, causing another chuckle from me.

  “Go on in the house and finish packing for tomorrow. Your uncle and I are right behind you.”

  “Okay!” she says happily. I set her on her feet and off she goes again.

  “You okay, Becs? You look a mess,” I say, as we walk up the steps to the porch and into the house.

  “Gee, thanks. I needed you to point that out,” she utters dryly.

  I shrug unashamedly. “It’s true. You look like you’re dead on your feet.”

  She sighs as we walk into the kitchen. I pull out a chair as she grabs glasses out of the cabinet and pours us both a glass of iced tea. Taking a seat at the table, she takes a swallow of the cold liquid before saying, “Yeah, everything’s good. I’m just running around trying to get the house prepared for Brent’s family. They’re due to get here next Tuesday. The house will be full. I love his family, but I’m not looking forward to our space being invaded for several days.”

  I sympathize with her. I love to be around people, but I also like my own space. If I’m going to be surrounded by people, I would prefer it to be somewhere I can leave. Becky won’t have that, because it’s her house.

  I pat her hand that’s on the table. “It’ll be okay. Toughen up, Becs. Besides, if they start to get on your nerves, just do what I would do. Set a tent up in the backyard, grab a twelve-pack, and get drunk off your ass.”