Play Me (Jaded Ivory Book 5)

by Rebecca Brooke

  “Ready for the onslaught?”

  I lifted the beer to my lips. “I am. For the first time, I’m not ashamed of my story.”

  He wrapped an arm around my waist and pulled me tight into his side. “You never should have been ashamed of your story. You took a terrible situation and made the best of it, becoming a successful nurse and army lieutenant. You should be very proud of yourself.”

  I leaned my head against his shoulder. “I love you.”

  His whole body went rigid. I sucked in a breath, suddenly realizing what I’d said. It was the first time I’d told him I loved him since we were in college. Jackson slipped his fingers under my chin and tipped my face up to his. “I’ve been waiting to hear you say that, but I wasn’t sure if you were ready. I love you too.”

  I let out my breath and smiled. “I’m very ready.”

  He bent down, giving me a quick kiss. I heard a few “oohs and aahs” around us.

  “Just remember who said it first.” I winked as he lifted his head.

  “I wouldn’t even try to forget because I know you’ll remind me at every turn.”

  I laughed. “You know me so well.”

  Jackson led us through the crowd, stopping to say hi to the people I’d already met years before and introducing me to others. One woman I’d met before, but for the life of me I couldn’t remember her name. She had long, wavy brown hair and eyes the color of the sky. The only thing I could recall was that she’d helped Jackson and Aiden in the early days of their band. Not only had she helped them pass subjects outside of music, but I was pretty sure she’d also kept a schedule of their gigs.

  “Lexi, I haven’t seen you in forever.” Jackson pulled her into a hug, a grin lighting up her face. The scene should have made me a bit uncomfortable, but a voice in the back of my head told me they were close, more like brother and sister. Something told me she had a crush on one of the other band members, but that had been years ago.

  “How have you been? I’ve been keeping tabs on you guys. Though I can’t say I was surprised when Monty eloped in Vegas. That man is insane.”

  A giggle escaped my lips, drawing both of their attention. “I said the same thing.”

  Jackson reached back, drawing me forward. “Lexi, you remember my girlfriend, Megan.”

  Another warm smile hit her lips. “Yes. It’s wonderful to see you again. I’m so happy you and Jackson reunited. He’d been devastated when you left, but Mrs. Hadden says you joined the army.”

  I nodded. “I did. The college pulled my scholarship for a misunderstanding and refused to give it back.”

  Her hand came up to her chest. “That’s terrible. Why would they do that?”

  “Let’s just say things didn’t look too good,” Jackson intervened, knowing how much I hated people knowing the story, except it was time to stop hiding. Everything that happened made me into the person standing there.

  Lexi glanced back at me.

  “Someone had hidden drugs in my purse at a party. When the cops showed up, they found them and arrested me because of them.”

  “Oh shit.” Her eyes widened and she covered her lips with her fingers.

  I shook my head and touched her other arm. “Don’t worry. The charges were dropped, but the school didn’t want to hear it. So, the army became my only choice if I wanted to finish my nursing degree.”

  “Good for you. I’m really happy you were able to get out of such an awful mess. It doesn’t seem fair that you were put into it in the first place.”

  “No, but I’ve learned life isn’t always fair.”

  Jackson squeezed my hand. “And sometimes it gives you a second chance.”

  “A second chance.” Lexi had a faraway look as we waved and continued through the crowd.

  Throughout the night, I couldn’t help wondering what it was all about. Not that I would ask her. As someone she just met for the second time, it wasn’t my place to dig into her private life. Lexi was a wonderful person. Whoever she had on her mind, I hoped she got a second chance with.

  The party had started to die down hours later. My stomach full of delicious food, I didn’t think I could eat another bite. Jackson and I sat on the porch, watching as the last few people made their way down the street to their cars. His mom and dad had started the cleanup and sent us to relax even when we offered to help.

  She promised they were just collecting the food and trash to keep the animals away. The planned on cleaning up the tables, chairs, and everything else the next day.

  “Pretty good night?” Jackson asked, lifting the bottle to his lips as he placed his feet on the table in front of him.

  “Pretty good? I’d say pretty perfect. I still can’t believe your mom did all of that for me.”

  Jackson smiled. “I can. It’s her way of showing you the past doesn’t matter. That what we have now is a fresh start for both of us.”

  I snuggled into his side. “I realized that in the car. I’m just glad we got our second chance.”

  Jackson pressed a kiss to the top of my head. “Me too.”

  “You know your mom is pretty fantastic, right?”

  “She is. Are you ready for the rest of the weekend with her? I’m sure she’s going to want to know all about the last seven years.”

  “I’ll tell her anything she wants to know.” A yawn slipped past my lips.

  Jackson drained the rest of his bottle and stood, helping me up from the couch. “Then let’s get you to bed so you have the energy for all of that talking tomorrow.”

  I giggled as he led me into the house and up the stairs to the bedroom. Exhausted, I got ready for bed, glad I’d let Jackson convince me to come. It was more than I could have ever imagined, not to mention hearing Jackson tell me he loved me. Words I never thought I’d hear him say again.

  After brushing my teeth, I slipped beneath the sheets, turning to my side and resting my head on his chest.

  “Thank you for bringing me here.”

  His hand traced light circles over my back. “Thank you for coming.”

  I rested my hand on his chest right over his heart. “I love you.”

  “I love you, too,” he whispered, making warmth spread through me as I shut my eyes and let the exhaustion from the day win. My eyes fluttered shut and in no time, I was fast asleep.

  29

  Jackson

  “You’re being awfully cryptic,” Megan said as we crossed the street toward the restaurant.

  She had a point. Every time I mentioned seeing someone we knew from our past relationship, she clammed up. Hell, I thought she might have a nervous breakdown on the way to my parents’ place a few weeks ago. Eventually, she got control of her nerves, but I didn’t want to put her through that again, just for a night with old friends. So, when Aiden called and asked if we’d go out with him and his fiancée, I decided not to tell Megan who we’d be meeting. No need to have her worry all day.

  I lifted a shoulder. “We’re having dinner. How am I being cryptic about that?”

  “Well, let’s see. First, you wouldn’t tell me where we were going, then on the way here I noticed you kept peeking at me out of the corner of your eye.”

  She had me there. But she seemed to be taking my weirdness in stride. Without agreeing or disagreeing, I pulled into the valet area of the restaurant. A few cameras were waiting outside to see who tonight’s guest would be.

  I stepped out of the vehicle and moved around to the passenger side to open Megan’s door.

  Flashlights went off from the side, the red velvet rope keeping them from being too intrusive. Still, I noticed Megan’s shoulders stiffen at the first flash. Taking her hand tightly in mine, I tossed the keys to the valet and pushed through the rotating doors.

  The hostess immediately came around with menus in her hand. “Mr. Hadden, I have your table ready.”

  “Thank you.”

  She led us through the dining area to a table for four on the side of the room. Megan’s eyes were glued to the woman’s ha
nds as she set down a menu in each spot.

  “John will be your waiter this evening. He should be by momentarily to get your drink orders. Will there be anything else?” She waited patiently, but it was clear she’d been trained well to do her job. Many of the friends I met in this industry only wanted to be treated like everyone else when they went to dinner. The lack of excessive fawning and flirting made the beginning of the evening a bit more relaxing. Not having to worry about Megan being aggravated when a touchy-feely employee decided it was their right to put their hands on me, simply because of who I was.

  A genuine smile crossed my face. “No, but thank you for your help.”

  She nodded. “Enjoy your dinner.” She turned on her heel and left the way we came.

  As I took my own seat, Megan laid her hand on my arm. “I think that’s the first time a hostess didn’t try to flirt with you while I was standing right here.”

  I jumped on the topic, hoping she’d forget about the extra menus until Aiden arrived. “I was just thinking the same thing. It’s kinda nice to go out to dinner without worrying about trying to avoid the people who have no boundaries.”

  “It is.” Her brow quirked. “Now, want to tell me who is joining us? Is that why you’ve been acting strange since you picked me up earlier?”

  I picked up the menu, looking through the choices. “I haven’t been acting strange.”

  Her finger hooked over the top of the menu and she pulled it back down to the table.

  “Yes, you have. And I want to know why.” She gestured to the other two place settings. “Obviously we’re waiting on someone. You know I don’t care if we spend time with one of your friends. Everyone in the band is really nice.”

  I laid my arms on the table and leaned forward. “What if I told you it wasn’t someone in my band?”

  Her brows drew together. “Someone not in your band? Then what band are they in?”

  Her fingers started to fidget with the corner of the menu.

  “About time you two got back together.”

  Megan’s head snapped up as I stood from my seat to meet Aiden.

  “Hey, man, how are you doing?” I pulled him in for a hug, then let go to turn to Christine. “And don’t you look fantastic tonight.” I gave her a quick kiss on the cheek.

  Aiden slapped me on the shoulder. “Nice to see you on two feet again.”

  “Tell me about it. But if you didn’t keep doing shows on the East Coast you would’ve seen me on two feet before now.”

  His eyes flicked over my shoulder and I glanced back to see Megan had gotten to her feet and had come around the table.

  “Hi, Aiden,” she said softly.

  I stepped to the side and in true Aiden fashion, he grabbed her hand and yanked her into a hug. “None of this timid shit with me. It’s good to see you again.”

  A smile spread across Megan’s face and relief settled over me. Seeing Aiden again was much better this way. She didn’t have to wonder if he secretly judged her for what happened between the two of us. Thought I was pretty sure the conversation we had after our photo was first released together had been enough to set his mind at ease.

  “It’s good to see you again too.”

  It was easy to see why women fell all over themselves at Aiden’s feet. The charming smile he gave women had them practically fainting with desire, even with the bad boy persona he tried to portray.

  Aiden stepped back and took Christine’s hand, drawing her forward. “Megan, this is my fiancée, Christine.”

  Megan extended her hand and Christine took it. “It’s nice to meet you.”

  Christine smiled. “Likewise. I’ve heard so much about you.”

  Megan eyed Aiden for a second before turning back to her. “All good things, I hope.”

  Christine beamed. “Absolutely. He kept wondering when Jackson would finally get it together and start dating you again.”

  A slight blush raced up Megan’s cheeks as she shook her head and laughed.

  “Not you too,” I said to Aiden.

  “Me too. Monty and I had a bet on how long it would take.”

  “Fuckers,” I muttered and moved back around the table to take my seat.

  Once we’d all settled, our waiter came over to take our drink orders. The moment he walked away, Megan turned to face me.

  “Why didn’t you tell me we were having dinner with Aiden?”

  I lifted a brow. “You can’t blame me for that. You did freak out going to see my parents. I figured anyone from home would make you nervous.”

  “I thought your mom was going to hate me.”

  I lifted her hand to my lips. “She doesn’t, though, does she?”

  A smile lifted the corner of her lips. “No, she doesn’t. And because of that I wouldn’t have thought anything of having dinner with Aiden. Your mom is a lot scarier than him.”

  A loud booming laugh left Aiden’s lips and we both looked in his direction. “What?”

  He lifted his hands. “Your mom is scary as hell when she wants to be. I’ve been on the receiving end of her wrath more than once.”

  I chuckled. “You brought that on yourself.”

  Aiden shook his head. “Don’t act like you’re innocent. I’ve seen you avoid your mom at all costs when she was pissed.”

  “She yelled at him all the way from the airport back to the house,” Megan said.

  The waiter returned with our drinks, stopping for the rest of the order before heading back to the kitchen. Aiden picked up his beer and leaned back in his chair.

  “So, what did you do to get in trouble this time?”

  I rolled my eyes. “You act like I’m always in trouble with my mom.”

  Aiden turned to look at Christine. “Jackson likes to pretend he’s innocent most of the time, especially with Monty around, but he can cause just as much trouble if he wants to.”

  “Really? I thought Monty was the bad boy.”

  “He is,” Megan and I said in unison.

  “I’m nowhere near Monty. Wait until we head out on tour. You’ll get to see Monty at a whole new level of crazy, especially if he gets bored.”

  Aiden lifted the beer to his lips. “I have no doubt it’ll be entertaining. That still doesn’t tell me what you did to piss your mom off. Someone’s avoiding the question.”

  Megan set her glass down and regarded me for a moment. “He failed to tell his mom we were dating again. She found out from my brother.”

  Aiden winced. “Damn, do you have a death wish?”

  I picked up my own beer. “She forgave me by the end of the weekend.”

  “You’re lucky it was that soon.” Aiden turned to face Megan. “So, Jackson tells me you joined the army when you left school?”

  “I did. It seemed like the best way to get my nursing degree in the end.”

  His head bobbed up and down. “Makes sense. What was being in the army like?”

  Megan shrugged. “Some days were harder than others, but I think it made me a better person.”

  “You were already a pretty amazing person before.” I rested my elbow on the back of my chair, running my fingers across her shoulder.

  She lifted her hand to cover mine. “Nah, I was pretty selfish back then.” I narrowed my eyes at her. “Except when it came to you,” she amended.

  “So, what do you do now?” Christine asked.

  “I’m working as a nurse, but I’m also still in the army reserves.”

  “Really?” Aiden asked. “Does that take a lot of time?”

  Megan shook her head. “Not really. One weekend a month, two weeks a year, but the end of my contract is coming in about nine months.”

  “Does that mean you’re going to tour with us?” Aiden asked.

  Megan looked back and forth between me and Aiden. “I’m not sure yet. I don’t even know if the hospital will give me that much time off.”

  The waiter chose that moment to deliver our meals.

  “That smells amazing,” Christine said. />
  Aiden chuckled. “You think everything smells amazing lately.”

  She pointed her fork at him. “Except yogurt.” She shivered. “That has to be the most disgusting smell ever.”

  Aiden laughed even harder. “It doesn’t smell like anything.”

  “Tell that to your child. We both agree that it stinks.”

  “Hopefully, that’s the only thing that bothers her through this pregnancy, ’cause if she tells me she suddenly can’t handle the smell of meat, I’m not sure I’ll be able to survive on veggies alone.”

  “I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you,” I said, turning to Christine. “And I’ll pray you don’t kill him at some point throughout this pregnancy.”

  She giggled. “See, I’ll always love spending time with Jackson.”

  Aiden lifted his fork to his lips and stopped. “That’s ’cause he always takes your side.”

  I waved him off. “Ignore him. What do you think of living half of the time on the West Coast?”

  “I’m loving it. Winters get old really quick out there.”

  “Yeah, they do,” Megan agreed.

  Christine’s head snapped around. “You’re from the East Coast.”

  “Yep, and I couldn’t agree more. It’s part of the reason I requested the West Coast for my duty assigned.”

  Christine’s eyes moved to me for a moment. “I can guess what the other reason might have been.”

  “You’d be right.”

  Christine winked. “I can’t blame you. He is pretty charming when he wants to be.”

  “I guess.”

  The girls resolved into laughter and it was nice to see. The fears I had on the way to the restaurant had quickly dissipated as everyone grew more comfortable with each other. Soon enough, dinner was done and the check paid. Megan and Christine were wrapped into their own conversation while we all sat and finished our drinks. I picked up bits and pieces as Aiden and I talked music and the tour. Mostly about their new house and upcoming wedding.

  “I think that sounds perfect,” Megan agreed.

  “Me too,” Christine said, as a yawn left her lips. “But I think I’ve had enough fun for the night.” She rubbed her hand across her belly. “A least the baby thinks I’ve had enough fun.”