Part 14 (1/2)

He kisses me sweetly before leaning his head on his arm. ”He'll want you there, believe me. Let's go have breakfast, and we can figure it all out,” he says, smiling down at me.

He wastes no time climbing out of bed, completely naked. He's not in the least shy about it either. I take in his tight a.s.s and admire the view. It is one h.e.l.l of an a.s.s. He turns around and laughs. I'm caught, so I just lift my shoulders and get out of bed, grabbing my robe.

”Now why do you get to check out my a.s.s, but I didn't get to check out yours?” he says, pouting.

I roll my eyes and grab my phone off the nightstand. I walk to the door and open it. I can feel his eyes still on me, so I peek behind me and lift up my robe quickly, letting him get an eyeful of a.s.s, and walk out laughing when he yells h.e.l.l yes.'

I go out to the kitchen and start a pot of coffee while I dial Braden.

”Hey, Kallie,” he answers.

My heart hurts, and I feel tears starting from just a simple h.e.l.lo.

”Hey. So, how are you going to get to the airport?” I ask, trying to appear normal.

As usual, I hear a door close and his pacing. ”We're calling for a van to pick us up,” he say.

I shake my head. A van, h.e.l.l no. ”Not anymore. I'll drive you. What time should I be there?”

I pour a cup of coffee for me and Jax. I fix mine, and even though we've just started together as a couple, I know exactly how he likes his coffee. I guess that's one of the bonuses to being friends for so long before dating, you already know pretty much everything.

Jax and I pull up to Braden's two hours later. I've been pus.h.i.+ng down my sadness since I hung up with Braden. Jax hasn't pushed me to talk about it. He just holds my hand and kisses me sweetly. It's strange to feel like I couldn't do this without him, but that is exactly how I feel.

Braden opens the door when we climb out of Jax's car. I blink back tears and quickly make my way to him. We hold on tight, like this is the last we will see of each other.

”It's going to be all right, Kallie. I'll be back before you even realize I'm gone,” he says, trying to be strong for me.

I pull back and look at him. ”But will you be alone?” I quietly ask, as concern for him builds.

He shrugs his shoulders and squeezes mine. ”I wish I knew, Kall, I really do. But hey, let's not worry about that. It's an adventure, at least that's what I've told the girls. They're excited to see Sarah's family,” he says, forcing a smile.

What can I say? I just nod my head, and when Braden holds out his hand, I look behind me. Jax stands there with his arms crossed, watching over me like a hawk. He doesn't know how to deal with me sad; it happens rarely, and I don't think it's happened at all since we've met.

Jax walks over to Braden and shakes his hand. ”You need help with luggage?” Jax asks.

Just then, Dawn comes barreling out of the house. ”Aunt Kal, I'm going on an airplane,” she yells excitedly. She runs at me, and I catch her and squeeze her tight. I cover her in kisses, choking down a sob. ”Can you take my picture by the airplane?”

I force a smile and kiss her chubby cheek. ”Of course I will. You know you're my favorite model. Now let's get everything packed up so we can do our shoot,” I say.

She runs back into the house, and I stay squatting on the walkway, trying to keep my heart from shattering in a million pieces. I feel strong arms wrap around me, and his chest against my back.

”It's okay to cry, Kallie. I'll catch you when you start to fall, I promise you,” Jax whispers.

I turn my head and smile. ”I'm fine. Let's help so they don't miss their plane.” I pull out of his hold and go inside to help get the rest of the luggage.

”Aunt Kal, take one like this,” Dawn squeals.

Their plane has been delayed by a half hour, and I've been snapping a ton of pictures of Dawn by the window with the planes behind her. I asked them all to get together for a shot, but conveniently, Sarah had to go to the bathroom. I took several of just Braden and the girls, which was fine by me. After a few more of Dawn, we all sit down. Jax and Braden have been talking, and I'm so happy they get along. It makes this decision so much easier.

”Oh my G.o.d. Jax Burke!”

I turn my head, as does everyone, when we hear the squeals. As two women rush over, Jax turns his head toward me, and I grin at him, lifting my shoulders. This is a part of the world we live in. He's known, recognized, and it's not something that bothers me. I've been on travel shoots where the models are hounded at the airport, not all the time, but when they do, I can't help but laugh. They're grateful for the fans though, and love making them smile with a few pictures.

”Jax, can we please get a picture with you?” she asks with a huge smile.

He gets up and goes to stand with them. They each take a picture with him and rush off giggling. He walks over to me and wraps his arm around my shoulders.

”Why do they want your picture?” Dawn asks and I laugh.

”Jax is a model, and ladies like to take pictures with him,” I explain.

She looks from me to him several times and grabs his hand. ”Can I have a picture now?” she asks with a smile.

Oh, my heart can't take it, and when he picks her up, it pretty much explodes. I hold up my camera and she peeks at Jax. ”Say cheese,” she tells him. He laughs, and they both smile and say cheese.

”Now boarding flight 251 to Charlotte, North Carolina,” blares through the speakers. I glance at Braden, and he gives me a tight smile. This is it. I need to say goodbye now.

I take Dawn from Jax and squeeze her. ”You call me anytime, baby girl.” When I put her down, she runs off to Sarah. I follow and hug her and Tiffany. ”Be good to my brother and nieces.”

She lifts her eyebrow and stares at me. ”Why the h.e.l.l wouldn't I?” she bites out.

Okay, not going to go there. She's miserable, and I refuse to argue with her. I simply squeeze her hand and move on to Braden. He hugs me so tight, and I hug him right back. d.a.m.n, this is hard.

”I'll call you,” he says and kisses my cheek before walking off with his family toward the plane.

Watching them walk away makes me realize a piece of me just left with them. They are starting to blur with the tears in my eyes, and that's when Jax wraps his arms around me from behind, resting his chin on my shoulder.

”You all right?” he asks.

I nod my head and the first of my tears spill. The longer we stand like this, the harder I start to cry. He finally turns me and holds me close.

”Oh, Kallie, I'm so sorry,” he says and just holds on tight for what feels like hours. When I get myself under control, I lift my head off his chest, and he wipes my tears. ”Come on, let me show you something,” he suggests, nodding his head.

Hand in hand, he leads me out of the airport.

”Jax, this is amazing,” I whisper in amazement.

He drove around the airport to the pickup area for freight. It's dark and there is no one else around. You can see the runway and every plane taking off and landing. It is stunning.

”Where do you think that plane is going?” he asks.

I think about it for a second and lean back in my seat. We are in Braden's minivan; it was the only way to get everyone to the airport.

”I think they are going to Hawaii,” I say with a small smile.