The Ryland Boys
Chapter 23

Tonight was supposed to be a big party with Masons team (excluding two: Tony & Nick), Jax’s friends both from the rich community and the ones he fights with, Carson’s old high school buddies, Lindsay’s swim team, Lucas’s friends including the hilarious Steven.

I was given the opportunity to invite some of my own people. In choice, I picked Amanda and Nichole who flew in after Amanda told her about my moms passing. She didn’t know, I made sure we kept it from her. Let her enjoy her three men and sugar daddy lifestyle.

Alison told me to invite James and at first I wasn’t going to, until I saw Jax sitting on the couch smiling down at Lindsay telling a story.

Going to my room, I pulled on my bikini and a tank top with a pair of shorts.

Tonight should be fun, especially since I finally get to see who Alison’s been sneaking around with. Obviously she’ll react differently to them versus the other guys.

I helped Lucas pull on swim trunks and his T-shirt with shoes. His friends were coming over first because their parents wanted to get rid of them ASAP. Can’t blame them honestly, most of his friends are sarcastic, narcissistic little s**t heads.

“Lucas!” Alison called from downstairs, and I watched Lucas run for the door and down the stairs with a big smile.

He’s so rad.

Heading down the stairs I looked to Lucas and Steven who compared shorts.

Alison went down the hall calling for Mason to hurry and go get the last of the drinks.

I looked up at the guy standing in the doorsill watching me, his eyes running from my feet up my body very slowly until our eyes caught and he quickly looked to Steven.

“Alright, be good and stay out of the pool.” He said kneeling down and adjusting Stevens shirt since he chews the neckline of it.

Steven nodded “Bye dad, I’ll be good.” He said looking to me and then Lucas.

Lucas scoffed at Stevens dad “Don’t worry Mr. Brigade, my girlfriend Norah saves people all the time. He’s safe.” He said placing a hand on Mr. Brigades shoulder.

I watched Mr. Brigade smile up at me and stand while holding a hand out “Jacque.” He said with a flirtatious tone.

Shaking his hand I smiled back “Norah, I’m Lucas’s babysitter.” I said watching him look me over as he brought my hand to his lips kissing the top of it “Tell me if you’re ever looking for more work.” He said c*****g an eyebrow at me.

Is he…does he mean prostitution?

He let my hand go and Alison stood in front of me c*****g an eyebrow at Jacque “She’s got her hands full Jack, run along.” She said shooing him away.

I smirked and watched him give me another look over before shaking his head whistling. Then he walked to his corvette and got in giving me a wink.

“God he’s such a pig.” Alison said sighing and looking behind her. Steven and Lucas’s voices came from upstairs and she stared at the ceiling “Great kid, his dad is constantly on the search for good arm candy though. Very wealthy man though.” She smirked.

I went to shut the door and she shook her head “No need to, Lucas has another ten friends coming and I let all their parents know to just let them go upstairs.” She said before turning and looking to Lindsay and Jax on the couch.

“I hate them together.” She said low before running a hand down my arm and going down the hall.

I looked up to the stairs to see Benson coming down the stairs smiling at me “Did you invite that James boy?” He asked waggling his eyebrows.

Laughing I nodded “I uh, I like the guy.” I said softly watching Benson wink at me “Get you a good one Norah.” He said giving my head a pat.

I watched him go down the other hall and to a room. I’m guessing that’s his office, since the other is Alison’s.

“Lucas!”

Jumping at the sound of a little girl shouting, I stepped back and eyed the little brunette monster “Move it, you.” She scowled and ran up the stairs.

Jesus.

“Here’s her things, change of clothes and arm floats, she has her blanket and stuffed animal in there too.” The woman said looking insane.

I took the backpack and watched her run for her car and get in speeding off.

Someone was happy to rid the devil, I wonder if Lindsay’s mom used to react that way.

“Hey Lindsay!” I said turning and looking to see her evil cunt eyes look to me, “Did your mom ever speed off like a mad woman after she dropped you off?” I asked placing the backpack by the stairs.

She fake laughed and flipped me the bird.

I laughed lightly and watched Jax grin at the tv.

Stupid handsome Jax.

“H-hi.”

Turning around I looked behind me at the little blonde curly headed boy, he stared at me with these big glasses looking like a tiny Napoleon dynamite.

I smiled “Hey, Lucas is upstairs in his room. Just follow the loud sound of Lucas’s voice.” I said watching him stare directly at my breast.

He didn’t move either, just stood there gawking at my t**s.

Looking to his parent, I eyed the man with ginger hair and glasses. His eyes in the same spot as his sons.

Taking the bag from gingers hand, I watched his eyes move to his kid “He’s allergic to all nuts, and he’s lactose intolerant. Alison knows all of this though.” He said smiling at me politely now.

Eyeing his son, I gave him a small nudge toward the stairs and he headed up the stairs.

God damn.

His dad quickly left afterwards and I placed the bag on the floor beside the devil girls backpack.

Turning, I stared at the four cars pulling up. Jesus Christ. Alison! Why am I here doing this? How the hell did I get stuck with this job?

Two girls who looked very similar stepped into the home tossing their bags down calling me a b***h before running up the stairs.

Wonderful.

God these kids are no more than five and I am getting called b***h?!

My eyes caught on the dreamy man, he shut the door of his truck going around and opening the back door pulling a pretty little blonde girl out and as the girl ran inside with her dad following carrying her bag.

She stared at me shyly “Hi.” She said looking up at me and then back at her dad.

“Hi sweetie, what’s your name?” I asked her as I kneeled down to her height.

The only sweet normal kid besides Lucas.

“Olivia.” She said smiling and looking behind me to the stairs.

Her dad came up the steps and stood behind her smiling at me like a normal human “Hi, I’m Phillip. You’re the new babysitter right?” He asked while his eyes didn’t falter to my breast. Not once!

Normal humans!

“Yes, I’m Norah. Don’t worry your daughter is in good hands. No ones ever died on my watch. Except my gecko, but that was my moms fault.” I said annoyed with my rambling stupid voice.

He laughed and nodded holding out Olivia’s bag. I took it and watched him pick Olivia up and smile at her “Love you Olive, you behave alright? And don’t let Beatrice push you around.” He said the last part low and she smiled at him nodding her little head.

God she’s precious.

“Go on.” He said putting her down and watching as she slowly walked pass me with her eyes wearily watching me and then she ran up the stairs.

I smiled at Phillip “Who’s Beatrice?” I asked watching him stare at me with a bit of a confused look. Then he smiled and pointed up stairs.

The sound of the devil girl screaming at everyone to sit down and listen to her caught my attention “Beatrice.” He said.

I laughed “Oh, devil girl.” I said nodding and biting my smile back.

He laughed too and stared behind me “Alison.” Phillip said with his attention on her so intently. Oh…I think he’s got the feels for her.

Turning, I watched Alison come up behind me and go to Phillip hugging him “Hey, you’re not staying?” She asked completely oblivious to the boner he’s slowly getting.

Phil smiled and began turning a shade of red “Uh no, I have a lot of work to catch up on. Your new babysitter?” He asked gesturing to me.

Oh small talk? Alright, I don’t mind being used. This is amusing after all.

She smiled at me “She’s honestly the greatest babysitter I have ever encountered. So far she’s saved all my sons lives. Not just Lucas’s.” She said proudly.

Phillips eyes didn’t even falter to me and I wondered if he forgot I was even here.

“Remember that one sitter we used to have? What was her name?” Alison asked laughing in thought.

He smiled wider “Carrie, the witch looking one who hated you.” Phil said smirking.

She smiled wide “Yes! That one, oh she just loathed me! She would purposely-” “push you into the pool, feed you weeks old leftovers and tell your mom you broke things.” He finished.

Alison was cracking up now and leaned on my shoulder laughing and wiping tears “I didn’t even break them! She broke them!” She said to me smiling and standing up right.

Phillip laughed and checked her out as she wiped her tears.

Damn, that was actually slick.

“Are you sure you won’t stay Philly?” She asked leaning her head into the doorsill.

He smiled and shook his head “I should really be going. I’ll come pick up Olive later tonight Aly.” He said before waving and going down the steps.

Phillip turned and looked to me “It was nice meeting you, if Aly recommends you I trust you’re good.” He said before going to his truck.

As he drove off she smiled at the other car, a woman was forcibly trying to remove her kid from the van. “So, Philly huh?” I asked low.

Alison stared at me confused “Oh he’s an old childhood friend. It’s not like that.” She said unaware.

I nodded “Hate to break it to you Aly, but he’s got a hard one for you. Trust me, I saw it when I was checking him out.” I said laughing and watching her stare at me in disbelief and laughter “You’re crazy Norah, I could never. He’d never.” She said shaking the thought from her head.

Mhm.

The woman finally got her kid out of the van and was dragging him to the steps “Alison! Take him please!” She said pleadingly.

I stepped out the door and looked to the kid who was clinging to his mothers leg. “Hey, all the kids are upstairs playing games, you want to go?” I asked him.

He shook his head and I eyed his mom who was sighing like a mother who gives up.

“You like ice cream?” I asked watching the kid slowly look up to me.

He nodded and I smiled “If you come inside with me I’ll get you an ice cream pop.” I said c*****g an eyebrow.

The kid scowled at me “My mom says to never take things from strangers!” He shouted at me.

Oh gee that’s a pair of lungs.

“She’s right. I’m Lucas’s babysitter, Norah. Do you have a babysitter?” I asked him watching him shake his head.

I made an “oh” with my lips “Well that’s too bad, us babysitters are very awesome. We play all day with you, read stories, pretend to be pirates on a ship and aliens in space! We even make you snacks and sandwiches and show you super awesome movies like the Grinch.” I said watching him slowly loosen his grip on his mom.

He got off her leg and took her hand, she smiled at him “You can trust her, she’s a babysitter. They’re protecters of children.” She said ushering him toward me.

I watched him walk to me and I smiled giving her a wink and heading inside with the kid as she said “God bless you.”

Taking the kid Max upstairs, I led him to the room where he ran in and began talking to Napoleon dynamites mini.

I shut the door and headed down the stairs to see a little brunette boy running up the stairs, he slammed right into me and I stumbled back into the ground.

He stared down at me with his eyebrows raised “Holy s**t you’re hot!” He said unapologetically.

“Get off her Nathon!”

I watched the kid get off and run to the room.

A hand held out to me and I took it pulling myself up and smiling at the girl.

She sighed “I’m so sorry, my brothers such an a*s sometimes. You’re the new babysitter everyone’s been gossiping about huh?” She asked smiling at me.

I nodded “I’m Norah, they’re gossiping?” I asked watching her nod with wide eyes “Oh yeah, all types of things. I’ve heard it all.” She cringed.

Oh that doesn’t seem good “Don’t sound too disgusted.” I said laughing.

She shrugged and rolled her eyes “It’s all rumors hun, I’m sure you’re nothing like they say.” She said proudly. “I’m Penelope by the way.”

I crossed my arms over my chest after shaking her hand. “What do they say?” I asked as she smirked “That you’re secretly a b***h, you’re sleeping with all three brothers and you have a habit of lying.” She said c*****g an eyebrow.

I laughed “Yeah those would all be false.” I said shaking my head.

She smiled “The only one that’s true is that you really are a bombshell, I mean you’re like Victoria secret model meets playboy front page.” She said eyeing me up and down.

“Is that Penny?”

I turned and looked to Carter who was smirking at Penelope.

She smiled back at him “Hey s**t head.” She laughed hugging him.

Carter looked to me “This is my best childhood friend, Penelope. She’s a b***h. Be careful.” He said to me as he gestured to Penelope.

She laughed sarcastically “I gotta go, my husbands outside waiting. I’ll be back later tonight to get the demon. Hope to see you around Norah.” She said waving and heading out the door.

The door shut and Alison smiled “That’s the last of the kids!” She called up before disappearing.

Thank God.

Looking to Carter, he stared at the door pondering “Let me guess, she’s the best thing that you never had?” I asked him c*****g an eyebrow.

He smirked and nodded “Absolutely. Biggest regret in my life is not telling her I loved her. That and f*****g her best friend.” He said laughing.

Oh my god.

Shoving his shoulder I stared at him in disbelief “you’re impossible.” I said shaking my head and going downstairs as he laughed.

As the night progressed, the people kept flooding in. After about two hours everyone was here and celebrating.

Alison wanted to bring everyone together for a night and this just happened to be the night.

“I can’t believe you f*****g live here. You slut! There’s hotties everywhere!” Nichole said scowling as she eyed all the men.

I smirked “Most are single or willing to cheat. Have your pick.” I said to the crowd.

She eyed Jax and c****d an eyebrow at me.

“Not that one.” Amanda said laughing and shaking her head.

Nichole frowned “Why not?” She stared over at me and I watched Jax as he talked to his buddies with furrowed brows.

His handsome green eyes widening in the discussion.

“Oh…that’s why.” Nichole said.

I looked over at her and laughed “What?” I asked.

She smirked “So why aren’t you locking him down? Is he one of those ‘Must f**k on the first night’ guys?” She asked pulling a drink off a tray passing by.

I shook my head and pointed low to Lindsay and her bitches “Thats his fiancé she’s pregnant with his baby.” I said scoffing.

Nichole cringed “Ew, she’s so weird looking.” She said scowling at Lindsay.

Laughing I shrugged “Well she’s his type.” I said thoughtfully.

Amanda smirked at me “Wait till you see Norahs new boy toy. He’s a professional fighter like Jax.” She said smiling at Nichole.

Nichole’s eyes moved over Carter and she eyed him intently “Who the good lord is that man?” She asked with her prowling gaze.

“He’s got a girlfriend but he isn’t loyal. His girlfriend is Lucy, that one.” I said pointing to Lucy at the bar.

Nichole took my hand pulling me and then pushing me toward him.

I walked to Carter and smiled over at his buddies “Hey guys, have you met my friend Nichole? She likes f*****g rich guys.” I said bluntly.

Nichole smirked and eyed Carter up and down.

Carter looked around for Lucy and then smiled down at Nichole “This is the infamous Nichole is it? The crazy friend right?” He asked me.

I nodded “She just got back from her long trip and she needs some lavishing and loving.” I said laughing lightly.

“Do you f**k rich guys too?” I c****d an eyebrow at the guy beside me and laughed shaking my head.

Carter smirked at me “She’s busy trying to snag a guy who she can’t have.” He said in a snarky tone.

“Drop it Carter or I’ll go tell Lucy all about your plans tonight.” I said watching him laugh and pretend to zip his lips shut.

Leaving Nichole with Carter, I watched as Amanda made her way to Mason. She was introduced to the rest of the team and they all loved her. Everyone loves amanda.

I leaned into the bar “One martini please.” I said watching the bar tender nod and make me a drink handing it to me.

Taking a drink of my martini, I felt a hand slowly run over my lower back and I turned looking up at James. He smiled wide and brushed my hair back “Wow, you’re even more beautiful natural.” He said staring at my eyes and lips.

He slowly leaned down and I took his lips giving him a sweet k**s before ordering him a drink.

We took our drinks to the backyard and he was getting “Hey!” From everyone.

I watched the girls gawk and melt “You’re a pretty popular guy aren’t you?” I asked c*****g an eyebrow.

He chuckled and lifted one eyebrow “I just fight a lot.” He said smiling over at me.

Nodding slow, I took a seat on the bench and he sat beside me smirking “You know you’re actually very popular yourself.” He said.

I furrowed my eyebrows “In what world?” I laughed taking a drink of my martini.

He took a drink and eyed the crowd of people in the pool and playing basketball and football. “Whenever someone new enters the community, whether it’s a girlfriend, cook, or even a long lost uncle twice removed…it grows like wildfire over every house.” He said leaning back.

“Oh the rumors?” I asked him watching him a bit taken back before nodding. “Where’d you hear about that?” He asked.

I smirked “One of Carter’s old friends. She just told me a few of them.” I said laughing.

James nodded “Well Penelope isn’t a man, so she doesn’t know the other half of the rumors.” He said laughing.

Oh s**t “Theres more?” I asked confused.

He eyed me “Yeah, but I think ours are less judgmental. Rumor is you can kick a*s, you speak French, you saved the guys in a car wreck, Lindsay hates you because Jax wants to f**k you, you’re great with kids, Alison wants to bang you, you’re smoking hot and very very hard to sleep with.” He said laughing lightly.

Oh s**t, people knows about Jax’s desire for me?

“Alison and Jax definitely don’t want to f**k me.” I corrected taking another drink.

James smiled “Don’t worry, they’re just rumors. If you heard the s**t they say about me you’d probably run the other way.” He said confessing and then looking like he regretted that.

I placed the empty glass down, “What do they say?” I questioned leaning forward and catching his stare.

He stared down at his drink shaking his head with a grin “That I’ve slept with everyone in town, that I paid my way to the top of the fighting game, that I still live off my parents income and the most famous one is that I have STDs.” He laughed blushing.

Staring at him questionably I thought on it “Well that would make sense, if you slept with every girl in town I’m sure you’d eventually catch something.” I said laughing and watching him smirk.

I smiled “No, I already know that you professional fighters are always tested for diseases.” I said staring at the kids playing soccer.

“You want one…I can tell.” He said staring at the kids.

Moving my attention to him I stared at him thinking of how he knew that “You’ve got a longing look when you stare at them. The same look Jax has right now.” He said smiling and staring at the glass in his hands.

I looked to the crowd to see Jax sitting in a chair with the other guys, his eyes locked on me.

We caught eyes and he quickly looked away, to which I stared for a while and then looked to James. “How do you do that?” I asked him.

He smirked “Do what?” He asked leaning back.

I stared at him suspiciously “You always know whats going on around you and yet I never see you look anywhere but at me.” I said watching his lips.

James smiled “Being a fighter, you have to stay aware of your surroundings at all times.” He said looking to me. “Masons kissing your friend Amanda, Alison’s making out with Henry on the side of the house and Lucas just kicked the ball at Nathons face.” He said watching my eyes as he said it all.

I looked around seeing Mason with Amanda in the pool kissing.

Moving my eyes to the side of the house I watched Alison come out and look around before heading inside.

Henry, one of Masons team mates came out minutes later straightening his shirt out.

Cautiously looking to Lucas, I watched him frightened as Nathon held his nose crying.

“Dammit.” I got up and rushed to the kid taking a towel off the chair and holding it to his nose.

Lucas stared at me with a frown “It’s okay Luke, he’ll be okay. You guys keep playing and I’ll get him fixed up and ready to play later. Alright?”

He nodded slowly and I stared up at James who was smirking at me “You are absolutely amazing James. That was…you’ve got a talent.” I said smiling and taking the stupid kid inside.

Going to the bathroom I rinsed his nose and shoved two napkins in it having him sit on the couch and watch tv.

Alison took over and I headed into the backyard grabbing a drink on my way there.

Stepping out I eyed James and gestured with a finger for him to follow me.

He smirked and got off the benches walking over to me.

I went to pull my shirt off and go into the pool but Nichole was tossed into the pool and as a couple guys picked me up and tossed me into the pool, I realized there was no time to pull my top off.

Pushing up I looked over at Nichole’s face, she was shaking her head and scowling “Screw you Carter!” She said pulling her phone from her pocket and swimming out the pool pulling herself out.

He stared and sighed “I’m sorry, I really am. Let me get you a new one.” He said smiling at her.

The guys went to throw a towel on her and helped grab her sandals out the pool too.

I swam to the middle of the pool and dove deeper feeling the quiet calm my mind.

Swimming back up, I realized my own phone was in my pocket. “Crap.” I muttered pulling it out and eyeing it.

“Nikki!” I called.

She turned looking to me and I tossed my phone to her. She caught it and I began walking out the pool unbuttoning my shorts.

I pushed all my hair back and ringing it out while my shorts dropped to the floor.

Staring at James, he watched my body and down my legs to my shorts that I stepped out of.

Letting go of my hair I smiled at him and let my arms fall to my sides, his eyes moving to my shirt.

I stared down at it and pulled the tank top off tossing it to the floor. Whistles came out and I kept my eyes glued to the drooling James.

“Your pockets clear?” I asked him as I stood inches from his chest.

He smiled down at me and went to one of the chairs clearing his pockets and pulling his shoes and shirt off.

I took his hand and walked him to the pool ignoring the many “Get some!”s that filled the backyard.

James picked me up with his arms wrapped around me from behind, I laughed as he picked me up and tossed me into the water.

We swam around for a while and soon enough others joined, the pool was full soon and I swam down under the water to see James smiling from the bottom at me.

I swam down and he took my hand holding me to him taking my lips and pulling my leg up to his side.

“Perfect.” He mouthed smiling down at me.

My need for air was rising and I smiled kissing him and then pushing up.

We reached the surface and I took a breath watching him come up and take a breath.

Pushing him into the wall of the pool, I smiled and leaned into him kissing him deeply.

He took it happily and even smiled laughing into the k**s.

“Lucas! Your girlfriends kissing another guy!” I turned and looked to Mason tossing the beach ball at his head.

He laughed and held onto Amanda who smirked.

“Cannonball!” Lucas shouted running and jumping in.

I watched as the others took Stevens hand running and jumping pulling him into the pool with them.

Stevens dads voice was in my ear saying “don’t go in the pool” and I went quickly swimming for him.

Steven was struggling and slowly going down the pool, I grabbed him and kicked off the bottom of the pool. We reached the top and he took a deep breath crying “I can’t swim!” He shouted frantically.

I nodded “It’s okay Steven, I got you. You’re okay.” I said taking him to the steps of the pool where he stood gripping the metal handles.

James came up behind me carrying Olivia “She forgot to put on her floating things.” He said putting her next to Steven.

She smiled up at him “Thank you for saving my life.” She said blushing.

Oh my goodness she’s so cute.

I looked over at James who smiled “Any time little lady.” He said making my heart swell.

He’s good with kids.

Staring at James, I watched him look from her to me and then stare confused as I gazed up at him in a dreamy way “You’re good with kids.” I commented.

He smiled “Well, I sure hope I am. You said you wanted some right? If I got any chance of tricking you into marrying me, I better be good with them.” He said jokingly, but my heart was so on fire in love that I wondered if maybe just possibly I would be willing to sleep with him.

I smiled back and moved to my tip toes leaning into his chest and kissing him sweetly.

Pulling back I watched his smile grow “I’ll take that as a maybe.” He stated pushing my wet hair back, I nodded.

“Pizza!” Alison called from inside.

I stared down at Olivia who was smiling widely, “Go get the first slice!” I said to her watching as she quickly got out and carefully ran into the home.

Laughing I watched as Steven followed falling a few times but he was determined to get some pizza.

James headed out the pool grabbing a towel and holding it up for me.

I got out and walked into the towel as he wrapped it around me and placed a k**s to my cheek “Go get us some pizza.” He said laughing.

Nodding I smiled and headed inside with mason lifting me up and rushing me and Amanda into the kitchen.

“We’re VIP! Move aside!” Mason called shoving people and getting us to the pizza boxes.

I grabbed a plate and stacked four pizzas on it and took two beers going out the door and to the backyard.

James was sitting on the benches by the heater torch lamp. “You got us a good spot.” I said holding the pizzas out to him.

He took the plate and I grabbed a rock off the floor flicking the beer caps off. His eyes filled with amusement and I winked handing him a bottle “You aren’t the only one with talent.” I said sitting beside him.

I took a slice of pizza and bit into it watching Jax go inside with his perfect body, his green eyes looking back at me before he dropped them and headed inside.

My heart ached for a moment, I wondered if I ruined something between us.

“Don’t worry, he probably just hates seeing you with his competition.” James said taking a pizza and biting into it.

I furrowed my eyebrows “I thought you weren’t fighting each other tomorrow.” I said thoughtfully.

He nodded “We aren’t, but since we’re on the same level, eventually we’ll have to. I promise I won’t hurt him too bad when it comes down to it.” He said smiling at me.

God he really thinks I love Jax, I mean I do like him like crazy, and if circumstances were different I’d probably be with Jax. But James is something else, he’s all that Jax hides, except out there and full of smiles.

“Just don’t get hurt. When you’re named champion I want to stand beside you proudly.” I said watching his smile break open “You should know the first time I ever saw you wasn’t the ball.” He said blushing.

I c****d an eyebrow “Really?” I asked him taking a bite of my pizza.

James nodded “It was the first dinner. I watched them all pull you around, so proud to introduce you to their friends. I hoped you’d somehow end up on my side of the room and I’d introduce myself.” He said running his eyes over me “The second time was when you went to the fight. Jax had no way of winning, I mean he’s a great fighter but it took me two losses with that guy before I finally kicked his a*s.” He said laughing.

I eyed him with a desire to k**s him, but he continued “You cheered him on, so proud of him. Even managed to get his girlfriend to sit and shut up. I found you to be the sexiest woman I’ve ever laid my eyes on. Your fire, passion and just dedication to his fight…I was jealous.” He admitted laughing lightly.

c*****g an eyebrow I shrugged “I never would’ve guessed anyone was watching me during that. I looked like a stressed out mother.” I said laughing.

He shook his head “You looked like a proud girlfriend.” He said smirking at me.

I leaned into him taking his lips and as he kissed me deeper, I pulled back and stared into his eyes “Before I knew you, I wanted Jax. I was sure there was nothing in this world I wanted more than a life with him.” I said admittedly.

James’s eyes fell to my hands and I lifted them holding his face “Then you came along, now I know that it was never supposed to be Jax, it was supposed to be you. You’re everything in a man that I desire, you’re so handsome, strong, caring and kind. You’re great with kids and most importantly you’re a gentleman.” I said smiling at him.

He smiled “That’s the most important?” He asked me.

I nodded “To me, it’s the most important of them all.” I stared into his eyes and then looked to the crowd of people eating pizza and laughing.

Staring back at James I smiled softly “I had one horrible experience with s*x, since then I just can’t sleep with anyone.” I said just pushing it out instead of dragging the secret on.

James eyed his pizza “Id never force you into anything you didn’t want to do. If we needed, we could take it as slow as you want. Your pace.” He said calmly. Then adding quickly “Of course not till your ready.”

I felt my heart swell and I smiled at him “You’re my dream man James. God damn you’re so perfect.” I said laughing.

He c****d an eyebrow “Me?” He asked “You’re the perfect one.” He said shaking his head.

Biting the pizza I smiled and swallowed down the bite drinking it down with a beer.

We finished the pizzas and we played some soccer with the kids until their parents started picking them up.

It was getting really late and everyone was slowly leaving, James left to go pick his brother up from a party he wasn’t supposed to go to.

I headed back in the pool and swam a bit watching the basketball boys slowly leave. Lindsay’s b***h friends began leaving little by little all of them with their million dollar bracelets and designer clothing.

Bitches.

Stepping out the pool, I pushed my hair back and looked over to the “Damn.” That came out.

Pulling a towel off one of the chairs I dried my legs and hair first before drying my arms and then my chest and stomach. “You and James f*****g?”

Looking to Jax’s buddies who sat around a stupid fire pit I eyed the one who spoke and smirked shaking my head at his stupidity before tossing the wet towel at his face and going pass them to the house. “Holy s**t how have you not dropped Lindsay yet? You’re a f*****g idiot.” He said sighing.

Jax leaned forward and I stood by the door watching him as he nodded “One of the biggest idiots.” He said looking over at me.

I gave him a small smile before going inside the house “Norah Hunny, come here.” Alison pulled my hand yanking me into the kitchen. I scowled at her and then dropped my scowl as she stared with worried eyes. “You okay?” I asked.

She shook her head pointing a finger at me “Ever since you said that thing this afternoon I can’t get the guy out of my head! He’ll be here in five minutes to get Olivia and I have no idea what to do.” She said sighing.

I shrugged “Play dates, do a few and then you’ll see him enough to actually just go out with him.” I said watching her eye me thoughtfully.

Opening a pizza box I took a slice and bit into it “I don’t mind watching her too, she’s a good kid.” I said shrugging and listening to the doorbell.

She took a steady breath “That wasn’t five minutes!” She said freaking out.

I laughed and gestured for her to come with me to the door.

Pulling it open I smiled at Phillip “Hey Phil! Olivia your dads here!” I called watching her run out and come downstairs smiling wide and hugging her dad tightly.

He smiled at Alison “She was good?” He asked looking to me.

I nodded “Oh she’s just the most well behaved kid in this country. If ever you need a babysitter, you can bring her here. I don’t mind watching them both and I doubt Alison minds.” I said gesturing to Alison who shyly shook her head.

Smiling I eyed Phillip who watched Alison with lovey dovey eyes “Yeah like play dates?” He asked her.

Alison nodded “Yeah that would be totally fine. Lucas and Olivia play really good together anyways.” She said smiling.

He smiled and I turned slowly heading up to my room leaving the two to talk.

Showering off, I blow dried my hair and headed to the closet pulling on pajamas.

The sound of something falling in the room next door caught my attention and I headed out my bedroom door to the room next door.

Pushing the door open slowly, I went inside and shut the door behind me.

Going to the closet, I watched as the bird hit the ceiling of the closet and landed in the box on the top shelf.

Oh god.

Pulling the box down carefully, I stared down at the photo that fell and landed at my feet.

Ignoring it, I stared into the box, the bird fluttered and then stared at me before flying out the box and passing me to the window.

I stared down at the playboy magazines and laughed putting it back up on the shelf reaching down and grabbing the picture going to put it back with the box but stopped as I eyed her hair.

The long dark brown hair, her light brown eyes…that’s me.

Staring at my photo I noticed it was when I was at Jax’s fight and in the photo I was staring intently with a small smile. Whoever took this photo knew what they where doing. I looked sexy and horny for Jax. Jesus.

Putting the photo back under the box, I headed out the closet and went to the window opening it as the door opened.

“Norah?” Jax asked.

I looked to the bird flying around “Can you open that window?” I asked gesturing to the other window.

He began opening the other and I slowly guided the bird out the window sighing and shutting it.

I stared at Jax and laughed “I’m sorry, I just heard this crashing sound and tapping then chirping.” I said watching him nod.

His eyes ran down to my lips “Thank you.” He said softly before dropping his eyes to the floor as he leaned back into the window sill.

“I should go, good luck tomorrow.” I said watching him look to me quickly “You’re not coming?” He asked jumping to conclusions.

I smiled “I’m still coming, I just know that you leave early. So good luck in case I don’t see you before then.” I said watching him nod.

Going to the door, I pulled it open and looked back at him “You’re a better kisser.” I said biting my l*p as I smiled at him. His eyes moving to my lips as he slowly smirked. Those handsome green eyes studying me.

I headed out the door shutting it behind me and going to my room to sleep.

Nichole stayed the night with Carter, Lucy had gone home and I felt bad for her.

Then I felt bad for everyone listening to Carters shouting at Nichole “That’s my dirty filthy girl! Awe yeahhh!” All night.

Amanda was a quiet one so her and Mason didn’t make much noise, thankfully.