Phoenix (Flames & Ashes Book 1)

by Carolyn Anthony

  He raised his hands in defeat. “Jaxx, I didn’t know.”

  “What was it you said on the phone? ‘That’s why you call me and not them,’ Nice.” I reached in my pocket for my phone. Dad and the crowded restaurant were one thing, but my sisters might be too much for Valentina.

  “You didn’t know what, Dad?” Elle asked, plopping down in the seat next to him and giving him a kiss.

  At least Pop had enough sense to look remorseful. “The guilt hit me, son. I figured we could all have a nice dinner my first night in town. I didn’t think you’d mind.”

  “I normally wouldn’t,” I admitted. I loved my sisters, but they were too much for tonight.

  “Why would he mind?” Elle asked before glaring up at me. “Why would you mind?”

  “What are we missing?” Bridge leaned down and kissed my cheek before taking the seat next to me.

  I stood and pulled my phone out.

  Dad scratched his forehead and chuckled. “It seems your brother invited someone to meet me—now all of us—for dinner.”

  My sisters both whirled on me. Elle narrowed her eyes and Bridge’s mouth dropped open.

  “What tramp of the month might we be meeting?” Bridge bit out. “And why are we meeting her at all? Why is dad meeting her?”

  With one hand on the table and one on the back of Bridge’s chair, I got eye to eye with her. “She’s not a tramp, and would I introduce anyone I’m just fucking to family?”

  Bridge cocked her head and put a finger to her lips. “I’ll give you that. So who is?”

  Fuck me. Goddamned overprotective, nosy-ass sisters. “Her name’s Valentina Durare, but she goes by Toni.”

  My snarky older sister’s face turned pure fucking white. “I’m sorry, what? What?!” she nearly screamed in the restaurant, causing Elle and my dad to both swing their heads toward us. “How—when—Jaxxon! Do you even know who she is?! For fuck’s sake, how did you meet her?”

  I almost felt guilty knowing what we had goin’ behind the scenes . . . almost.

  “Her who?” Elle chimed in. “Bridge! Her who? Why am I the last damn person to know what the hell’s happening in this family, and when did you start seriously dating, Jaxxon?”

  Completely ignoring Elle, Bridgette grabbed my arm. “You didn’t give her my book, right?” She stomped her foot and glared up at me with a finger in my face. “I swear, Jaxxon Alexander . . . if you so much as told her I’m trying to be an author, I’ll kill you! It’s not ready!”

  If I wasn’t so pissed at the blindside my pops and sisters had just pulled, I’d have laughed, but I was still pissed. I pried my sister’s fingers from my arm. “Relax, Bridge. It’s just dinner. Don’t say anything about the book if you don’t want to talk to her about it. That’s your deal.”

  Bridgette nodded at light speed. “Yeah. Yeah, good. Let’s do that. Holy shit!” she squealed like a teenager.

  I was wrong. This was a bit entertaining, pissed or not.

  Elle had finally had enough of being the last woman out. “Bridgette!”

  Bridgette leaned over to Elle. “What’s my favorite publisher?”

  “What? Writing?” When Bridge nodded, Elle rolled her eyes. “Soaring Hawk.”

  “And who’s my fucking dream editor?”

  Elle’s mouth fell open and her head swiveled between me and Bridge a few times. “No! No—he’s dating Toni-fucking-Durare?!

  Comedy Central up in this bitch. But Valentina was about to get bombarded. I’d just met her best friend. She was about to walk into my entire family, minus Mom.

  “Jaxxon!” Elle glared up at me in what I couldn’t decide was either awe or anger—it was a crapshoot. “Do you even know who you’re dating? Bridge would sell our nieces and nephews to get her book in that woman’s hands.”

  Bridgette shook her head. “No, I’d keep them, but I’d definitely whore out my husband.”

  “Jesus Christ! Yeah, both of you, I know who she is and what she does.” I lifted my phone and nodded to the front of the restaurant. “I gotta at least give her a heads-up. She only thinks she’s meeting Dad. And you two.” I pointed between my sisters. “Best fucking behavior, she’s not Leah.”

  They both nodded their heads and crossed their hearts.

  “Yeah,” I jeered. “Play innocent somewhere else. I know better.”

  Fuck me.

  Walking through the crowded dining room, I unlocked my phone and dialed Valentina. As I walked outside, the phone rang, and I leaned against stone pillar. It was a fucking ambush, and one I didn’t think she was ready for. I’d get her out of it, if it was too much for her to deal with. Not like I didn’t think she could handle it, but those moments where she looked like a frightened lamb about to go to slaughter . . . that concerned me.

  “Hello?”

  I covered the mouthpiece, looked to the sky, and growled at my seriously fucked-up luck.

  Here we go . . .

  33

  Valentina

  Like I wasn’t nervous enough about meeting Jaxxon’s father, I had to hit every damn red light in Newport too. I was never late. Nice first impression. I knew this was too soon, I knew it, and it was absolutely Jaxx’s fault for not giving me proper warning.

  Oh, yeah. No big deal, come to dinner with me and meet my dad. Right! Not wanting him to see what a complete control freak I was, I’d given in. Spontaneous events rocked my steady, organized world, but he had met Annie, so it was only fair, and I didn’t want to disappoint him.

  “Oh my God, are you serious? You have the right-of-way, asshole, move already, Jesus!” My road rage was legendary, especially when I had somewhere important to be and every single stupid driver in the entire world was between me and where I needed to go. Just as I was about to blow a blood vessel, the Superman ringtone came through my car stereo and saved the driver in front of me from certain death.

  “Hello?” I snapped, pulling into the driveway and grabbing the first parking space I saw.

  “Hey, baby—”

  I threw it in park and cut him off. “Jaxx, I know. I know I’m late. I just parked. This idiot wouldn’t fucking go and I sat there for like, an hour! I’m so sorry.”

  His robust laugh sounded even better on my stereo. “Wow. F-bombs, huh? I like it. Kinda hot. Where are you? I’m outside. I’ll meet you.”

  I squeezed my eyes shut. “Ugh. Sorry. I know. I’m a total trucker in the car.”

  “Remind me to always drive.”

  I smirked. “Like you’re any better.”

  “I’m calmer than you are. Where’d you park?”

  “Turn left out of Rothchild’s. I’m coming . . . ”

  His nuanced chuckle made my face burn. “You sure as fuck are, as soon as I ditch my pops. Get out of the car, sugar.”

  “Wow. You really said that. On my way.” I ended the call and killed the ignition before he could say anything else. I’d meet his dad with a flaming red face if I sat here letting Jaxxon talk to me. He twisted everything I said, and damn me if his quick and dirty comebacks didn’t make me want to jump him.

  I flipped the visor down and checked my makeup once again. I hoped I hadn’t overdressed, but I wanted to make a good impression on Jaxx’s father. I knew his family had been close to his ex-wife.

  I’d chosen a long-sleeved black sheath dress, short but tasteful, that hit just above my knee with a small slit on both sides. Classic, yet still stylish. I’d dressed it up with a pair of designer pumps. One of the many perks about being with Jaxxon was that I could wear sky-high heels and still be at least a foot shorter than him. Rick never let me wear heels.

  Climbing out of my car, I grabbed my clutch and locked the door. I took a second to stop the butterflies swarming in my stomach. With a deep breath, I took a few steps toward Rothchild’s, but spotted Jaxxon almost at my car. Cool air chilled my skin and goosebumps tingled down my arms, but his gorgeous smile was the more likely culprit for my reaction. He wore black dress pants and a tucked in, long-sleeved, n
avy blue dress shirt, unbuttoned at the neck. Stunning. The man was stunning.

  “Goddamn, you look good.” He whistled and turned me around by the hand. “You make basic black look sexy as fuck.”

  “You’re gorgeous, as always. Sort of like you just walked off a romance cover.” I winked at him.

  He laughed. “Oh, Christ. Do me a favor, don’t mention your people propositioning me to be the next Fabio, all right? I’d never hear the end of it.”

  I leaned up on my toes to kiss his cheek. “Promise. Our secret.”

  He took both my hands in his and pulled me into a bear hug before resting his hands on my hips. “Baby . . . My dad’s here, but ah, my sisters crashed the party. I guess Dad called them and had them meet us, didn’t give me the heads-up.”

  “Your sisters?!” My face must have dropped, because Jaxx’s eyes narrowed and he instantly grabbed my hands as I stepped back. “Oh.” Not eloquent, but it was all I could muster. What happened to baby steps? This wasn’t fast, it was light-speed. Shit!

  “Yeah. My fault. I didn’t tell him you were coming, since I just hit you up today. If you want out, I can get you out. No problem. I love my sisters to death, but they’re a lot. Your call.”

  I nodded and backed up until my ass hit my car. Jaxxon advanced until he stood right in front of me, his feet on either side of mine. I played with one of the buttons on his shirt and he covered my hand with his. I looked up and studied his face, trying to decide if he really wanted me here. His dad was one thing, his sisters, though . . . That was a lot, and I couldn’t talk about Bridgette’s book at all. “Ah, it’s really up to you. I know you only asked me to meet your father. If it’s too soon to meet your sisters, I understand. I’ll go with whatever excuse you make up, and you know I can’t talk about Bridgette’s manuscript.”

  He studied my face for a minute and smoothed my hair behind my ear.

  I dropped my eyes to the cement. I didn’t want to do this. I didn’t want to meet all these people—his people—when we were still figuring out . . . us. But he’d met Annie for me, and he was worth my sitting through an evening feeling like an idiot.

  Running a finger down my cheek, he tilted my chin up. “Truth, baby. My sisters are close to my ex. If anything’s a concern, it would be that it’s too much for them, not you.”

  I nodded and crossed my arms. “Is it too much for them?”

  “Don’t think so.” Unwinding my arms, he kissed the top of both my hands. “If you stay, no word about Bridge’s book or it’s my ass. And It seems you’re her, and I quote, ‘fucking dream editor.’” He wrapped a hand around my nape. “So basically, they’re romance fans and Bridge thinks you’re some kind of rock star. Might not be too bad.”

  “Rock star? More a hermit. On a selfish note though, I am happy to hear I’m her dream editor—little bit of a shock, but a good one.” I looped my free hand under his forearm and forced a smile. “Well, shit. Romance readers and an undercover novelist.” I took a deep breath and motioned to the restaurant with my purse. “If you’re sure you’re all right with this, lead the way.”

  He pulled me to him by the back of the neck and leaned down to me. “First things first.” His lips landed on mine, hard. I worried about smearing my lipstick all over his mouth until he slipped his tongue between my lips and tilted my head back.

  I wrapped my arms around his neck and opened to him, kissing him back just as hard. When I brought a hand to his face and leaned into him more, he groaned and pulled away.

  “Let’s do this, before I say fuck it and throw you in the back of that car and make out with you like we’re in high school. Ever had car sex?”

  Reaching up, I wiped the lipstick off of his mouth and grinned. “No. And I’m too old to start now.”

  He bit my finger and sucked away the sting. “Bullshit, you are. A car-sex virgin. My night just got better.”

  I laughed and pushed at his chest. “No. I mean it, Jaxxon.”

  “Your days are numbered, sugar. Come on.” Taking my hand, he led me through the crowded parking lot toward the front of the restaurant. He opened the door and waved me inside. “After you. You ready?”

  “As I’m ever going to be,” I said as I walked past him and into the entryway.

  In seconds, he was beside me with a hand at the small of my back. He leaned down while we walked. “I love how you do that,” he said against my ear.

  “What?”

  “Even when you’re scared shitless, you hit it straight on.”

  I chuckled at the irony of that statement and scanned the large room, trying to decide who in this sea of strangers were family to the man I was too quickly falling in love with. “Not really,” I mumbled. “Most people who know me might disagree.”

  The warmth of his hand on the side of my waist slowed me down. He squeezed my hip. “I doubt it, Sparky. I’ve seen you in action. And I’m not most people.”

  I glanced up at him, kissed my finger, and put it to his lips. “I’m very aware.”

  34

  Valentina

  I might have overshot on my vow to take risks when it came to Jaxxon. The lights in the restaurant were dimmed for dinner, and I practically walked into a seated person every other step. I fanned my face with my clutch, hoping the floor would extend like in one of those dreams where the hallway grows and grows and you never get where you were expected to be. He intertwined his fingers with mine, which helped to calm me. A little.

  Glancing up at him, I forced a smile. “Sorry, my hands are sweating.”

  “Don’t worry, I won’t let them eat you.”

  I stopped suddenly, jerking him to a halt.

  “Kidding.” He walked ahead of me to a table near the back of the main dining area.

  One gorgeous blonde woman and a striking brunette sat with a distinguished looking older gentleman, whose eyes were locked on us.

  Oh, dear God, let me get through this. Please. I promise to never cuss in the car again.

  As we approached the table, the man stood up and approached us. He wasn’t quite as tall as Jaxxon, maybe six foot four, but he had the same kind, hazel eyes and one of the warmest smiles I’d ever seen.

  Jaxxon’s tug on my hand made me realize I’d stopped walking. There was something about the man that . . . soothed me. Just like his son.

  He met us in front of the table, extended a hand, and I didn’t hesitate putting mine in his. Calm. Safe. My stomach instantly settled as he closed his other hand over mine. “This is a lovely surprise. I’m Max, Jaxxon’s father.”

  For some godforsaken reason, I couldn’t stop smiling and wanted to hug the man. On principle, I was not a hugger, especially with gigantic strangers. So when he pulled me into a warm hug and I hugged him back, it left no question as to where Jaxx got his demeanor.

  When Max pulled away, but still held my hands, I introduced myself, “Valentina, Max. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

  Shit! Toni. Damn Jaxxon! Even I’d been brainwashed. Bridgette would know me as Toni.

  “Valentina,” Max repeated. “A beautiful and unique name.” He stepped to the side and offered me a seat next to the brunette who was staring at me like I’d sprouted another head. In fact, all of them, including Jaxxon, wore the exact same expression. Perfect. What? Was my green gum stuck to my teeth or something?

  “Valentina, this gorgeous creature is my oldest daughter, Bridgette, and that lovely little blonde by me is my younger daughter, Elizabeth—Elle.”

  “Bridgette goes by Bridge,” Jaxx said, taking the seat on the other side of me and scooting my chair closer to his.

  Both women stood and we all shook hands before taking our seats. “Ladies, it’s an honor to meet you. I’ve heard lovely things about both of you and your families.”

  Bridge lifted an eyebrow at Jaxxon. “I’m sure you have. He didn’t tell you that we both shapeshift into girlfriend-slaying demons? I’m shocked.”

  “He left that out.” I laughed. I immediately liked Bridgette, whi
ch was a comfort, given the covert plans I had for her future. I scooted my chair in and placed the napkin on my lap.

  “Is it Toni or Valentina?” Elle asked. “Which do you prefer?”

  I cleared my dry throat and Jaxx slid a glass of water in front of me. “Everyone with the exception of your brother and my family call me Toni, but either is fine. Whatever you’re comfortable with. So, I hear you both read romance?”

  Jaxxon and Max would just have to deal with a little romance talk until I calmed down.

  We ordered, and the next twenty minutes passed quick. I found I enjoyed talking to the both of them. Bridgette was an English professor at the local Cal State, and Elle had just acquired a position at the local UC teaching comparative literature. Mom would love them both. The best part—all three of us had been reading romance novels since our early teens.

  “My mom is an ancient civ professor. She’s retired, but I grew up reading any romance novel I could get my hands on. You can imagine her horror when I started editing what she refers to as ‘bodice rippers.’ You know the bias.” I picked at my dinner salad the waiter had delivered.

  “Bunch of uppity academics, if you ask me, no offense to your mom,” Elle chimed in and waved between her and Bridge. “It’s our outlet, especially Bridge. She dragged me into it young, but then I got hooked and our mom freaked, claiming we were too young.”

  I nodded, noting another thing we had in common. “Me too. I had to hide them from my mother for years, and bless her heart, she does qualify as an uppity academic. Freshman year in high school, I finally came clean.”

  The waitress checked in on us, and I realized that we’d just pretty much excluded Jaxxon and his father from the conversation. When I glanced at them both, Jaxxon wore a little smirk and his father was full-on smiling at all of us.

  “I apologize. It’s not often I get to talk to people outside of the publishing world who are serious readers and speak my language. Forgive me.”