Having Elena fix up my reputation despite the urge to push her away? Risky.
Having Elena come into my home, meet my parents, and join us like the British Brady Bunch for the summer break? Downright stupid.
To be fair, I didn’t have a choice. Connor made it clear Elena needed to join me wherever I vacationed, but I didn’t think through the cons of having her spend the month-long break with my family.
One look at Mum embracing Elena in a hug the moment they meet is enough to sound the alarm.
“Elena, it’s great to have you here. I’m thrilled to meet the woman who puts my son in his place.”
“Oh. Hello.” Elena’s arms remain at her sides as Mum uses what little strength she has to tighten the embrace.
Elena’s reaction has me laughing to myself. Her glare fails to achieve the desired effect. Instead, my smile expands.
“We’ve heard you’re the one to thank for the detox of Jax’s liver.” Dad pulls Mum back, letting her lean on him instead of using a cane.
“Are you all going to keep talking about me like I’m not standing here in the same room? Way to make me feel welcome.” I cross my arms.
Two members of the staff grab Elena’s and my belongings off the floor and carry them upstairs.
“Oh my, how big you’ve gotten! Come closer so I can get a good look at you.” Mum jokingly gasps.
I walk up to her and place a kiss on her cheek. “McCoy feeds me well.”
“Looks like the new gym routine we made is working out.” Dad pinches my arm muscles.
Jackie comes into the room, greeting Elena and me before announcing that dinner is ready.
“You’re in for the best meal of your life.” I wink at Elena.
“Can’t wait.” Her wide eyes look around, lingering on the crystal chandeliers and expensive furnishings.
We all walk into my parents’ formal dining room. It’s fit for a TV set, with a large table that can seat twenty people at a minimum. Large windows show off our lush backyard with a pool and garden.
“Whoa. I feel grossly underdressed and underprepared,” Elena whispers to me before she stares down at her clothes. Her cheeks redden as her runners squeak against the floor.
“I happen to like what you’re wearing.” I tug on the sleeve of her Rolling Stones jumper.
Dad helps Mum into her chair at the table. “I hope this isn’t too fancy. By the time I realized it, Jackie had already set up dinner here. We usually eat in the kitchen.”
Elena and I take up a seat next to each other, sitting across from my parents.
Dad pours himself a glass of wine after offering some to Elena and me. “It’s good to have you back home, even if it’s for a little bit.”
“I’m happy to be back. I hate living out of a suitcase.”
He gives his glass a swirl. “Anything special you have planned during your time here?”
“Not exactly. Nothing besides the extra stuff planned with McCoy before my home race. You know how wild the British GP is here.”
“Well there are a few things I have planned for him. The first one is this weekend,” Elena speaks up.
I tilt my head at her. “And what’s that?”
“The Make-A-Wish Foundation contacted me to set up a day or two where a fan follows you around and spends time with you.”
My parents look at Elena with endearment. Shit. I’m tempted to cover Elena’s mouth with duct tape to prevent my parents from falling in love with her.
…And now I’m thinking of tape wrapped around Elena’s wrists while I fuck her. Way to go, Jax. I shift in my chair, attempting to rein my thoughts in despite the blood rushing to my cock.
Dad smiles at me. “A kid’s wish is to hang out with Jax? Wow. You should be honored, son.”
Right. Please think of the more important topic at hand.
“I was surprised when they contacted me.” Elena blushes as she looks at me. “Not because you’re not good at what you do. I was nervous to plan something that is clearly important to this kid.”
“Why’s that?” Mum tilts her head.
“The first time I called him and told him who I was, he screamed into the phone. I could barely make out anything he said, but I did understand him screaming about how meeting Jax will be the best day of his life. I don’t want to plan anything boring for him or not meet his expectations.”
“The kid is lucky to have you planning everything. Trust me on that.” I squeeze her hand, shooting her a soft smile.
Dad eyes our hands while Mum clamps her lips together to hide her smile.
“We’ll have to invite him over for dinner or something. Give him the whole Kingston experience!” Mum claps her hands together. “This is delightful. We haven’t had a kid around here since…well…Jax was a kid!”
Elena grins. “To be fair, he’s a teenager.”
Mum can’t contain her excitement. “Oh, I love some good teenage angst. Keeps me on my toes. You must tell us what you have planned for him.”
Elena and Mum hit it off, sharing details about Caleb, who is rumored to be my greatest fan. I spend the dinner listening intently without offering much. For the first time around Elena, I want to filter the words coming out of my mouth.
It’s hard seeing as now instead of being a total douche, I’d rather do other types of things. The naughty kind. The reckless kind. The kind that ends with nothing but orgasms and failed promises.
