Bar None (Aeon Book 3)

by Wendy Smith

  This is going to be a fun weekend.

  I’m almost sad as the plane comes in to land.

  Jackson’s kept me talking, which distracted me more than I realized. I don’t know if I could have picked a better traveling companion.

  He charms the flight attendants with his easy manner, and he pays attention to my needs. When I’m anxious, he holds my hand. I’ve flown home so many times, but this has been the easiest trip.

  But I’m still relieved when the plane comes in to land, and I still need to tell him what’s to come.

  “Mom and Dad are expecting us for lunch. Two of my sisters are already there, and I’m not sure about the rest of the family. So, I’m warning you in advance, it’s not going to be fun.”

  “Why?” Jackson asks.

  I frown. “My sisters are . . . how do I say this? Very competitive.”

  “Is that another word for bitchy?”

  “You could say that.”

  “Bring it on.” He leans back, crossing his arms.

  I laugh. “You don’t let anything faze you, do you?”

  Jackson shakes his head. “I might live in a small town, but when you run a bar, you see everything. I’m sure I can cope.”

  “Thank you so much again for this. I’ll make it up to you.”

  He grins “I can think of so many ways you can do that.”

  I roll my eyes and look away.

  The seatbelt sign goes off as the plane comes to a halt, and I stand. Jackson grabs my hand. “Let’s just wait until the crowd clears. Get some peace before we face your family.”

  He’s right.

  I sit back down and he squeezes my hand. “I know we don’t know each other well, but I can see nerves written all over you.”

  I sigh. “My family does this to me. This weekend they’ll be extra crazy. Leia’s been acting like a bridezilla, and the other two are just as bad without the bridezilla excuse. The only sane one is my brother.”

  Jackson smiles. “I’ve got you.”

  “You haven’t met them yet.”

  He shrugs. “Trust me. I’ve got you.”

  It’s a quiet drive from the airport to my parents’ place. I told Mom and Dad not to worry, and that we’d get an Uber, and I enjoy the last bit of freedom we have in the back seat. Jackson’s arm around me gives me comfort.

  “You okay?” he asks.

  “Is it normal to hate the thought of visiting family? Especially for a wedding?”

  He laughs. “From the little you’ve told me, I think I understand why.”

  “Don’t get me wrong. I love them. But coming home is draining when they’re all here.”

  Jackson pulls me as close as our seatbelts will allow, planting a kiss in my hair. “You’ll be fine. Worst-case scenario is that we just hide in your room.”

  I lick my lips. “I’m not sure if that’s really the worst-case scenario.”

  “Neither am I, but I’m sure we could have a lot of fun in there.”

  I study him closely. He smiles back at me. “We’ve got three nights sleeping in that room. We are going have a lot of fun in there.”

  He chuckles. “I’m glad you accepted my conditions.”

  “I couldn’t think of anyone else I’d rather pretend to be my boyfriend.”

  The taxi pulls to a stop, and I take a look out the window. Nothing ever changes here. Mom and Dad live in a large cream house with an immaculate garden that Mom spends all her time fussing over. Despite feeling so wary of my family, I still get pangs coming here.

  I’m home.

  Jackson grabs our bags from the back of the taxi while I pay the driver, and he follows me up the path to the front door. I turn the handle and push it open.

  “Mom. Dad. I’m here,” I call.

  “We’re all in the dining room,” Mom replies.

  All?

  As I walk into the dining room, I breathe a sigh of relief. There’s just Mom, Dad, Alex, and Katie. That’ll be bad enough, but I’ll take it.

  “Miranda.” Mom smiles and stands, walking toward me with her arms open.

  I close my eyes as she embraces me, the familiar lily of the valley smell filling my senses. Mom’s worn the same scent for years, and it makes me feel at home.

  “Where do you want these?”

  I turn my head. Jackson’s holding up our bags, and while it could be awkward, he doesn’t seem to be at all. His smile’s reassuring, as always.

  “Just drop them by the door. Come and have lunch.” Mom says.

  “This is Jackson. Jackson, this is my mom, Laura.” I turn and wave my hand toward Dad. “My dad, Brian. And these are my sisters, Alex and Katie.”

  Jackson waves. “Pleasure to meet you all.”

  “We thought you were imaginary,” Katie says. “It’s good to meet you too.”

  Dad stands and walks toward Jackson to shake his hand. He turns to give me a quick hug before we all take our seats at the table. Mom and Dad sit at either end. My sisters sit on one side, and I scoot around the other with Jackson in tow.

  “Good flight?” Dad asks.

  “Not too bad.” I smile at him.

  “Help yourselves. There’s plenty of food,” Mom says.

  She’s outdone herself. Mom’s famous for over-catering. There are her famous vanilla pancakes, and crispy bacon. She usually makes them for breakfast, but she knows how much I like them.

  “It looks amazing, Laura.” Jackson flashes her a smile, and I swear my mother blushes.

  “There’s plenty more if you’re hungry. I’ll make you two some coffee.” She stands.

  “No. I’ll make it.” I get up, gripping Jackson’s shoulder. He smiles at me.

  Shit. How does he take his coffee?

  “Can you please make it two sugars and milk, babe? I think I need it after that flight.”

  I grin. “Of course.” Bending, I peck him on the lips and head into the kitchen nearby.

  Whew.

  I can’t hear the conversation, but laughter and Jackson’s low tones reach me. I hope this means he’s fitting in well. I’m pretty sure he’d have no problem doing that anywhere; he’s so relaxed and easy going.

  His presence will make this weekend a lot easier.

  I’m so glad I invited him.

  Seven

  Jackson

  I’m reserving my opinion of Miranda’s family until I get to know them better. But my first impressions are good. Not that it really matters to me. This is the weekend I get to try and win her over.

  I want her, and not just on a casual basis.

  “So, what do you do for a living, Jackson?” Brian asks. “Miranda’s not told us anything about you yet.”

  I grin. “I own a bar and restaurant in Nettle Downs. Soon to be two bars.”

  He nods. “Oh, that’s the town that Molly’s moved Mollab to, isn’t it?”

  “It is. I’ve known Molly since we were kids. She’s the one who introduced me to Miranda.”

  Brian smiles. “Well, I hope you enjoy your time here. Are you staying long?”

  I shake my head. “Not this time. But we’ll see how it goes.”

  Miranda walks into the room, and I catch her gaze as she approaches. She’s got a faint smile on her face which brightens when our eyes meet. She’s radiant.

  I need her to be mine.

  The feeling is overwhelming and alien. I’ve never felt this way about anyone so fast. But she’s perfect. Perfect for me.

  “Here you go.” She places a mug in front of me.

  I breathe in that coffee smell. “Thanks, darlin’.”

  “Tired?” she asks.

  I nod. “A little. I’m used to early starts, but two plane trips in one day is a bit wearing. Might be a good day for a nap.”

  Brian smiles. “Every day’s a good day for a nap if you ask me.”

  I chuckle. “A man after my own heart.”

  “Dig in,” Laura says. “Let’s eat before this gets cold. I tried to time it for your arrival.”

>   “You did great, Mom.” Miranda leans against me a little.

  “I know it’s your favorite.”

  “Thank you.” Miranda squeezes my bicep and turns to me. “You’ll love the pancakes.”

  “They look amazing.”

  Before I know it, my plate’s piled up with a ton of them, covered with melted butter and drizzled in syrup, and there’s a generous helping of bacon on the side.

  “I think I’m going to move in with your parents,” I say to Miranda.

  She laughs. “You haven’t tasted them yet. I’ll be prying you away at the end of the weekend.”

  I cut off a piece of pancake and fork it into my mouth. Vanilla and syrup flood my senses, and I let out an audible moan.

  “Told you.” She nudges my arm.

  “Forget prying me away. You’ll be rolling me away if I stuff myself with these all weekend.”

  Her laughter surrounds me. I always want to make her smile and laugh as if she has no other cares in the world. She needs fun in her life.

  “Eat all you like, Jackson. I can always make more,” Laura says.

  “You should ask Mom for the recipe. These would be great at the restaurant,” Miranda shoots me a glance before taking a bite.

  “They would be. We could even start up a breakfast menu just for these.”

  Laura smiles. “I’d be happy to give you the recipe.”

  “That’d be great. Thank you.” I smile before taking another bite. The food’s delicious. The pancakes are fluffy and full of flavor, the bacon crunchy. I think I died and went to heaven.

  When we’re finished, I lean back in my seat. “That was amazing.”

  “What about your family, Jackson?” Brian asks. “What does your father do?”

  “My dad died a few years ago. My mom died when I was younger. I don’t really have much in the way of family.”

  His expression drops. “I’m sorry to hear that.”

  “Dad and I were pretty close. It’s his bar I inherited.” I turn to look at Miranda. Her eyes are so sad, and I know it’s all for me. “He would have loved your daughter.”

  Her lips curl into a smile, and she loops her arm in mine, taking hold of my hand. It’s all true. My dad would have adored Miranda because I do. I miss him every day, but not as much as I do in that moment.

  “Well, it’s very nice to have you here, Jackson. Most of the family will be joining us tonight and you’ll get to meet them,” Dad says.

  “I’m still impressed Miranda found a man to bring,” Alex says. “It’s so not like her.”

  I exchange a glance with Miranda. From the look on her face, she’s thinking, ‘Here we go again.’ What the hell is this about?

  Miranda’s grip on my hand loosens.

  “You’re the first guy she’s brought home in forever.” Katie lifts her fork to her mouth. “You’re such a big gamer, Miranda. I thought any guy you met would be online.”

  Miranda’s kind, sensitive, and killing it in her career. From what I can see, she runs rings around her sisters, but they don’t acknowledge her achievements.

  And when I glance at Miranda, what I see makes me even more angry.

  She’s got her head down. These two are embarrassing her in front of me. At least, that’s what she thinks.

  “She’s very successful. I’m really proud of her,” I say.

  Miranda raises her head and smiles. I’ve got her back. Always.

  “Being chief operating officer of one of the biggest gaming platforms in the world isn’t anything to be sneezed at.” I fix my gaze on hers as Miranda squeezes my fingers.

  “Yeah, but she got that job because she’s besties with the boss.” Alex shrugs.

  Miranda was right about the bitchiness. These two feed off each other. I want to rip their heads off and feed them to the sharks, but instead I take a deep breath. “I know Molly. She only employs the best.”

  Miranda drops our hands under the table. She squeezes my hand harder, but I’m not about to shut up.

  “Well, you would think that.” Alex giggles. God, how I want to wipe that smile from her face.

  “Alex, do you have to?” Brian asks. I meet his gaze. “I’m so sorry, Jackson. This is a fine welcome to the family.”

  I smile. “Oh, I’m fine. But I think Miranda’s owed the apology. She worked her ass off to get a role a ton of people in Silicon Valley would die for, and that’s nothing to be sneezed at.”

  His lips twitch. “I agree. Laura and I are very proud of Miranda and all she’s achieved.”

  Miranda leans on my arm, and I turn my head to look at her. She smiles at me, and I get the feeling no one’s ever just stood up for her.

  I hated being an only kid. And with it just being Dad and me after Mom died, my childhood was pretty lonely. But I’d take that over the way Miranda’s treated by these two.

  What the hell is it like when the whole family’s here?

  With lunch done, I commandeer the dishes while Laura and Brian have coffee. If I’m going to win over Miranda, I want to make the best impression on her folks. Things seem to be going well so far.

  Miranda sits outside at a table on the deck.

  She smiles when I walk through the door, and stands to greet me. “Should have let me help.”

  I shake my head. “No way. I want to show you what life would be like with me.”

  She grins. “Not doing the dishes?”

  “Well, I have a dishwasher, but that’s beside the point.” I chuckle. “I’ll be good to you, Miranda. You’ll never want for anything.”

  Her expression straightens. “I’m sure I wouldn’t. You have such a good soul.”

  Taking my hand in hers, she leads me to the bench seat by the table.

  “Having you here with me is amazing. Have I told you that?” she asks.

  I shake my head. “No, but I like hearing it.” Entwining my fingers with hers, I gaze into her eyes. “I told you that I’ve got you, and I meant it. No matter what happens between us. You’re too special a person to be treated the way you are.”

  Her eyebrows twitch. “Jackson.”

  “Why do you let them talk about you like that? It made me so mad.”

  She shrugs. “They just always have. To them, success is having a family and being settled. They have their husbands, and their kids. I’m the odd one out.”

  “You’re incredible.”

  Her expression softens. “Thank you.”

  “I mean it, Miranda. You’re not just in your job because you know Molly. You’re there because you earned it. Molly wouldn’t have you in that position if you didn’t.”

  A smile sweeps her lips. I love that I put it there, and I want to kiss those lips so badly it hurts.

  “Thank you. I needed to hear that.”

  “Don’t you ever let anyone make you feel second best, darlin’. You are the best.”

  She stands, and before she can get away, I tug her onto my lap. Her laughter is the sweetest sound I’ve ever heard. “What are you doing?”

  “Kissing the best.”

  She’s grinning as I push a lock of hair behind her ear, using it as an excuse to cup the back of her head and pull her closer to me.

  “Jackson.” She’s breathless.

  I pull her the rest of the way until her lips meet mine.

  I love the feel of her slipping her arm around me, her palm resting on my back. Her mouth opens a little to let me in, and I slide my tongue over hers.

  The taste of vanilla from the pancakes floods my senses. I’ll make her pancakes every day if this is what she tastes like afterward.

  Her hand slides up my back, and she wriggles on my lap. My cock’s so hard that I’m sure it’ll burst.

  I want Miranda. And not just for today, or this weekend.

  It’s been a long time since I’ve felt this way, and I don’t want to give it up.

  The thought hits me like a ton of bricks.

  “Get a room, you guys.” Katie’s voice breaks through my haze of t
hought, but I don’t care. I wrap my arms around Miranda and hold her tight. She breaks off the kiss, resting her forehead to mine.

  “That was worth it,” she whispers as Katie walks away.

  I chuckle, keeping my voice low. “We’ll be in your room tonight.”

  She nods. “Maybe we can try that again?”

  Grinning, I pull back to look at her. Her smile extends to her eyes. “Maybe.”

  “We might have to do it a few times to get it right.”

  Miranda sighs. “What a hardship.”

  “I know. I’m sure it’ll be torture.”

  Her expression straightens. “I’m glad you’re here with me.”

  “So am I. I think we’re gonna have a lot of fun.”

  She laughs, slapping my arm. “I wasn’t meaning that. We still have to sit through dinner.”

  “Oh, just think about everything you have to look forward to.”

  The pensive look on her face makes me cock an eyebrow. “We could go for a nap now. Given how early we were up this morning.” I pat my hand over my mouth as if yawning.

  Miranda stands and takes my hand, leading me out to pick up our bags and carry them up the hallway. She takes me right to the very end, turning right into her bedroom.

  “Here we are.” She locks the door behind us and takes a deep breath as I drop the luggage by the bed.

  “Get over here,” I say.

  She smiles as she walks toward me. The room is pretty spacious with what looks at a guess to be a queen-size bed against one wall. It’ll do. I’d sleep on the floor if I had to for her.

  “So, this is your room?”

  She nods. “Well, it used to be. There’s nothing really of me here anymore except for the bed. That stayed when I left home. But when I’m here, it’s my room.”

  “Let me guess, oldest daughter, biggest bedroom out of your sisters?”

  Miranda laughs. “Something like that.”

  “I bet they hated that.”

  I cup her face. Her eyes are so full of emotion.

  Gentle kisses lead to longer ones. I could kiss her for hours. She’s so soft and warm against me—I’m lost and only falling deeper.

  I belong to this woman. How do I get her to belong to me?