Page 16 of Flawless Aria
If she balks every time I show affection, then this is not going to work. Especially if Stephanie’s there, since she has an eye for details. She used to drive me batshit crazy by analyzing everyone’s body language. So much so, that I’d make up excuses not to go out. Insisting we stay in to watch a movie where it was more private. Intimate. The signs were there, but I was in denial all along.
We’re just driving down the damn road when throngs of people come running out of her parents’ house. What the? Did they invite the damn neighbors?
“Oh my god, Jax. Why are some of my aunts and uncles here? Turn around. Quick before they see us.” Too late. We don’t have a choice but to pull into the driveway.
As soon as the car comes to a complete stop, our doors are yanked open. We barely have time to slide out of the car when we’re passed around like a side of beef. Hugging, kissing, and congratulations abound before we’re hustled back inside for a feast. I’m searching for Aria as I’m handed a beer, and a million questions are being thrown at me. If I don’t take control of this situation, we will die a slow death.
“Before I answer all of your questions, I need to round up my beautiful fiancée so we can tell everyone all at once. Aria, where are you, love?” A hand goes up somewhere in between a big bosomed woman and her squirrely husband. Ah, Aunt Bea and Uncle Fred. Glad they could make it. Not.
“Here. I’m right here.” I rush to her aid before she’s flattened like a pancake by her loving family.
ARIA
Jaxon whisksme away just in the nick of time. If I wasn’t so distraught at the turn of events, I’d be thrilled to see everyone. Under the circumstances, I was hoping for a little more privacy. I scan the crowd before sitting down and I’m relieved that Stephanie isn’t there. Yet.
“Aria reminds me of Cinderella,” Aunt Bea says. “Except the ring’s a perfect fit instead of a slipper.” It’s going to be a long night.
I’m proud of Jax as he patiently answers some of the questions that get thrown at him. He’s way better at this than I am.
“Aria, we should go over the venues, flowers, and dresses before you leave,” Mom states. “I hope you don’t mind that I gathered a bunch to save you some time.”
“Thanks, Mom. It might need to wait until we have more time to discuss everything.”
Now it’s Jaxon’s mom to put in her two cents. “May I suggest you at least pick out a wedding date since venues are booked years in advance?”
“Mom, we can’t pick a date until Caleb gives us the tour schedule which begins in July.” He squeezes my hand, and I’m comforted knowing we’re on the same page. So far, so good.
Jaxon gets the brilliant idea to pop up the videos of his proposal that went viral. Then he passes his phone around for those who haven’t seen it yet. Yeah, my aunts and uncles still have no clue what social media is. Our parents have no choice since their kids are celebrities. Well, Jax is at least. Me not so much.
“Let’s give the kids a break. Food’s ready and I’m starving.” My dad waves everyone over. Once their plates are full and they’re settled, our parents come marching over.
“Son, can I have a word with you? Alone, please.” I want to scream “No! We can’t be separated!” But Jax beats me to it.
“Mr. Mitchell, I love and respect you, but whatever you have on your mind can be shared with the two of us. Wait, let me start. ‘Isn’t it too soon after Stephanie?’” It’s uncanny, he actually sounds like my dad. “No, it’s not. No disrespect.” He looks at both sets of parents then back at my dad. “We’ve been over a long time ago; we just ended it recently.”
Dad’s clearly flustered that Jax beat him to the punch, but I’m so proud of him for standing his ground. As the interrogation continues, Jax’s arm tightens around my waist and it’s comforting. I suddenly get balls the size of bowling balls.
“Speaking of, why isn’t Stephanie here tonight? Mom? Dad? What’s her excuse?” Jax turns rigid by my side, and I scold myself for bringing up the pink elephant.
“She’s working late, Aria. In all fairness, under the circumstances it’s best if she lets you have the spotlight. It’s only fair since you’re the one getting married.”Not heris what she’s hinting at. Are they upset that he didn’t propose to her instead of me? Why this doesn’t cause conflict between the two families is beyond me. Maybe in the end, it will.
Jax shifts his hand and I’m now leaning toward him and not by his side. “I asked you to marry me because you love me for who I am, not for who you want me to be,” he says. “You accept that I’m a musician and that I’ll be gone for long periods of time. We’ve loved each other for eternity, Aria, but we’ve just found our way back to one another. I’m a better man with you than I am without you.” And when his mouth slowly captures mine, I believe every word he says.
Someone clears their throat and mumbles, “Let’s eat.” While I continue making out with my very hot fiancé.
Not long after, Jax breaks the kiss and whispers, “It’s going rather well. Wouldn’t you agree?” I shudder when his thumb skims across my bottom lip. Sending shivers down my spine. Those onyx eyes are filled with lust and instantly I’m wet. Which is both frustrating and cockblocking.
Mimicking his action, I swipe my thumb across his lips. “That’s a matter of opinion. Let’s hurry up and eat so we can get the hell out of here.”
I’m frustrated that I have a gorgeous fiancé, but I can’t do all the dirty things I want to do to him. Oh, I’m sure he’d be more than happy to fake it, but for me it would be very real. And my heart is still reeling from the fake speech he just fed our parents on a silver platter.
I never knew so many people could fit inside my parents’ house. Thankfully, they have a huge dining room with a table that seats twelve. It’s full, and so is the island. Some have taken their food into the living room, that’s how packed this place is. As far as the eye can see, it’s standing room only.
“Oh no, hide. My mom’s heading this way.” Jax chuckles and sweeps my mom into a bear hug. It’s his signature move and I’m grateful he’s still using it.
“You’ve got your hands full with this one right here, young man,” she says. “Aria will keep you on your toes and then some.” He kisses her cheek and then sets her on her feet.
“She’s been keeping me on my toes for a very long time, Mrs. Mitchell. I wouldn’t change a thing.”