Love Drabble
Quid Pro Quo Pars Duo
(Jackson Nevrakis-Walker x Nichole "Nicky" Beaumont) in a look at what happened at Collette's wedding.
A/N 🤣 well I'm easily swayed. When I saw @twinkleallnight 's comment that she would love to see what these two were doing at the wedding while Emerick and Juliet were joining up to avoid suitors, I wondered the same thing and even thought about maybe writing it while I was writing the previous drabble. 😂 And for @hopelessromantic1352 , I've added more Thomas for you. So once again, let's see if we can find a way to get these two back on the road to being a couple again.
@lodberg @hopefulmoonobject @hopelessromantic1352 @krsnlove @twinkleallnight @tessa-liam @sirbeepsalot @thehonorarybeaumont
Masterlist
Paris, France...
"Aren't you riding with us?" Olivia asked while following Juliet into the waiting car.
Jackson shook his head. "I'll meet you there."
She quirked an eyebrow at Drake.
He knew that look meant that he should press for more information.
"If you've found a way to miss this wedding," Drake instead said,'"then take me with you."
Olivia rolled her eyes in a huff.
Juliet leaned over her to yell out.
"If anyone shouldn't have to go to this ridiculous wedding, it's ME!" Her green eyes focused on her brother. "Please tell me you found a way out of this!"
"I haven't." Jackson replied with a grimace. He knew better than anyone how much his sister didn't want to be a part of this event. "Sorry, Jules. You know I would have told you if I had."
She slumped back into the carseat.
Olivia motioned for Drake to get in. "We'll see you there."
Drake patted his son's shoulder as he got in.
"Don't be late!" Juliet yelled out once more.
Jackson held a hand up in farewell as the car drove off.
Slipping his hands in his pockets, he headed towards the Beaumont's vila.
*************
"Hey Jax!" Izzy greeted, rushing down the steps.
"Bye Jax!" Emily added, following at her heels.
With giggles and chatter, they quickly got into a waiting car and got on their way to the church.
Jackson released a relieved sigh. He wasn't quite up to anyone questioning why he was coming over to the Beaumont's.
His trip to Los Angeles had gone better than he hoped. He and Nicky were able to be around one another without any pressure or arguing. As if by unspoken agreement, they steered clear of any talk about their infamous breakup and the reasons behind Nicky leaving him.
He wondered now if he was pushing his luck. They had been around none of the usual crowd those few days in Los Angeles. Now they would be attending an event that held the very people, the very pressures, their relationship used to be under.
Would it cause all the bitter feelings of their ending, memories of happier times, and reminders why they weren't in fact engaged by now or at the very least, happily in love to rise to the forefront of their minds?
No use worrying over it now, Jackson thought to himself.
He knocked on the door, hoping he wasn't about to do something that would end up hurting them both.
His eyes widened somewhat at the sight of Thomas Hunt opening the door.
"Jackson." The famous director eyed him before his frown eased. "I see you've been dragged into this wedding nonsense like everyone else."
"Yes, sir." Jax chuckled while stepping inside. "How'd you get stuck with going?"
Thomas softly smiled. "It is hard, as I'm sure you know, to say no to a lady's pleading." His lips eased even more. "Especially when she reminds you of all the times she came along as your plus one in the past."
"I heard that." Amanda playfully grumbled as she came down the stairs.
Jax braced himself. Fear of anger or coldness from her gripped him. He knew he shouldn't feel that way, especially since it was Nicky who had dumped him, but he worried about seeing her after all this time.
Amanda had been one of his favorite "aunts" growing up. Once he realized he was in love with Nicky, he realized why he adored Amanda as much as he did. She and Nicky shared so many traits, both physically and personality wise, he couldn't help but love her too.
Plus, he'd always assumed that she would one day be his mother-in-law.
His worry disappeared the moment she flashed her warm, delighted smile his way.
"Jax!" She walked up to kiss his cheek. Her eyes flitted over his face. "I swear you look just like Drake did at your age."
He chuckled, returning her hug. "That's what everyone says."
"And here I was hoping to be the first to think that." She winked at him. "Nicky should be down soon."
"Soon soon, or soon?" He teased.
She laughed. "Soon soon, I think."
She then turned her attention on Thomas. "Don't you look handsome?"
The gruff director snorted while tugging at his bowtie. "Of the two of us, I think you deserve the compliment." His eyes dropped down her blue lace dress. "Might want to change in case you upstage the bride."
She laughed, shaking her head. "I know that's not true and a rather clever ploy on your part to make us late for the wedding."
"Nonsense." Thomas replied. "I have no desire to be late." His lips eased into another smile. "I'm trying to get us out of going completely." He offered his arm to her. "Truthfully though, you do look quite lovely."
"That's what I told her." Nicky called out.
Jackson felt his heart stop the moment he saw her coming downstairs. The silk gown Nicky wore looked as if it had been designed with her in mind.
He'd always loved waiting on her at the bottom of a staircase. It gave him more time to admire her figure while feeling a great sense of pride that she'd chosen him as the man to escort her wherever they were going. His eyes were already falling into their old habit of traveling down her curves then catching glimpses of a long leg peeping out of a high slit.
He met her eyes when she paused on the next to the last step. How many times did he take it for granted that she used to do that so they would be the same height for a kiss.
She beamed at him. "You shaved!"
He rubbed his jaw. "This is a court event. One must be properly sheered for everyone to admire."
"As I recall, you weren't too concerned with that edict and neither were Uncle Liam and Aunt Riley." She teased.
He found himself smiling at her, simply enjoying that the same feeling he had seeing her again in Los Angeles had only grown stronger these last couple of months.
So far, it wasn't a fluke.
"We should go." Amanda whispered to Thomas.
She slipped her arm within the bend of his, tugging him quietly away from what she hoped was the beginning of their reconciliation.
Nicky looked up at their retreating forms.
"We'll meet you there!" She called out.
"See you soon." Amanda responded.
Once the door shut, Nicky let out a sigh.
"You okay?" Jackson asked.
"I am." She smiled at him. "It's been a busy day getting everyone dressed and all." She looked once more towards the empty entryway. "Emily and Izzy's laughter woke me up. Then Mom and Uncle Thomas were out on the terrace having breakfast and simply enjoying themselves." She sighed happily again. "It has been a perfect day."
Jackson felt that old need to take her in his arms and simply hold her. He knew from what she'd shared when he last saw her how much she needed her mother and sister to be back to how they once were. Hearing her say it was perfect simply in seeing them happy made him want to remind her how she'd made so many of his own days perfect by simply being there.
Right now, this day felt absolutely perfect.
She refocused on him. "You look quite dashing for this wedding." Her dimpled grin grew. "Is this in revenge for Colette or are you hoping to catch someone's eye."
He slipped his hands in his pockets and leaned against the banister. His signature smirk appeared on his handsome face as he met her hazel gaze.
"I think I already caught someone's eye." He winked at her making her laugh. "With how you look, I wouldn't mind having you on my arm for the rest of the night."
She playfully swatted him with her clutch once she took his arm. "Careful, or I'll tell Colette you're planning on objecting during the ceremony."
"Talk like that makes me think you have some Nevrakis blood in your veins." He shuddered, making her laugh again. "That's quite a threat."
She squeezed his arm close for a moment. "Don't worry. I kept you out of her clutches for years." She looked up at him, feeling a thrill over the smile he gave her. "One more night won't kill me."
*************
"Nicky!" Alec rushed down the steps of the church to sweep her into a big hug.
She hugged him tight before stepping back to admire his gray tux. "Let me see you." She motioned for him to turn around. "Just as I thought." She tapped her chin, eyes swimming with mirth. "Still devastatingly handsome."
"Don't even think about trying to distract me with compliments." Alec warned. "You were supposed to call me when you got to Paris."
"I know, I'm sorry. I was exhausted by the time we landed yesterday." She explained. "I slept sixteen hours."
"Oh." Alec stopped wagging his finger at her. "Then I suppose I can let you off this one time." He squeezed her into another hug. "But only if you tell me you're coming back to Cordonia for good soon."
Her smile dimmed some while glancing over at Jackson talking to some other nobles. "I think we will. It's been hard to bring it up to Mom and Emily. Everywhere we go, we'll end up thinking about Dad and I'm worried they'll become depressed again." She swallowed, wishing things had gone differently. "I know I'll hurt seeing our home and all the old places we used to go, all while knowing he won't be there with us. I don't know if I can take going through it again."
Alec wrapped his arm around her shoulders, squeezing her close like he always did whenever she was sad. He rested his head against hers for a moment, trying to find a way for his best friend and family he loved to be able to come home for good.
"Plus, I'm sure it would be a bother to Jax if I did return." She admitted. "I can just picture the press hounding him everywhere he went into how it felt for the lady who dumped him to return."
She had to fight back tears in thinking how he might end up hating her in the end. She couldn't risk losing these steps forward with him. She hoped that one day, they'd be standing on a church's steps like this because it was their wedding and that was why one of her best friends was hugging her.
"I guess this means I have to come see you then in California." Alec mumbled.
He noticed how down she looked and gently shook her.
"I should be getting all over you for what you did."
Her head jerked up, lips parted in shock.
He continued in a serious tone to tease her. "You've made me the one to keep Emerick and Jax in line." He lowered his head to hers. "You know that was supposed to be your job. I'm merely the getaway driver."
She burst into laughter.
Jackson smiled over at the two when he heard the sound then excused himself from the group he was talking to.
"What's so funny?" He asked, attempting to be causal as he pulled Nicky back beside him.
She automatically slipped her arm within the bend of his. Jackson placed his free hand over hers, smiling down at her.
Alec noticed the whole interaction and couldn't help but hope this was only a glimpse of the beginning of them finally being where they were supposed to be. He couldn't think of two people more perfect for one another than these two other than his own parents.
"I was reminding Nicky of our jobs." Alec replied with a wink at her.
"Jobs?" Jax repeated.
Nicky giggled some more. "Alec has had to deal with you and Emerick all on his own."
"I'd forgotten how much she helps when you two go off on adventures." Alec reminded him. "I think I've aged ten years since she left me alone with you two."
"Come on." Jax argued. "I'm nowhere near as much trouble as Emerick."
Nicky and Alec shared an amused look.
"I'm not!" He told them.
Nicky gently patted his hand. "Of course you aren't."
"Alec!" One of the groomsmen motioned for him to hurry back into the church.
"That's my cue." His earlier joy seeing his friends disappeared.
"We better go find our seats." Jax added.
"We'll look for you at the reception." Nicky promised as Jackson pulled her behind him.
"Can't wait." Alec's grin returned.
He couldn't wait to see them back as a couple.
*************
The two had originally planned to sit near either his parents or hers. Since they were running behind, they ended up slipping into the end of a pew in the middle of the sanctuary.
There was little space left. Nicky was squeezed up tight against Jackson's side to avoid crowding the other man next to her.
"Sorry." She whispered.
"No problem." He mumbled back.
Every time she turned to look about at the decorations and wedding party coming down the aisle, he would catch whiffs of her perfume. She seemed to not notice him shifting in his seat to keep her completely against his side.
He draped his arm along the back of the pew, fingers gently brushing her bare shoulders. He wished her hair was down so he could tease her by pulling at a lock during the drawn out ceremony.
He then noticed the tears in her eyes.
*************
Nicky was doing fine, even cheering in her mind each time Jackson moved to keep her close. When he draped his arm behind her, her nerves nearly sang feeling him touch her skin once more.
But then the couple began their vows to one another.
Her giddiness dissipated at the thought that this was all she wanted...all she'd ever wanted.
Her dream, even as a little girl, was to be married to Jax. To have to sit here and watch a couple who weren't even in love go through the very ceremony she longed for hurt worse than she expected.
It felt like her chance for happiness really was dead. Jackson probably did just want her as his date for revenge. Either that or use her as a shield against the other ladies who eyed him with lust for his body and/or his title.
She'd never have a wedding, at least not with him.
She should be grateful that he at least treated her as a beloved friend now instead of...
Her breath hitched the moment she felt his lips against her temple. His arm curved around her shoulders while he offered her his handkerchief.
She looked up at him.
His brow was furrowed in that familiar way whenever he saw her crying. She knew he couldn't stand to see her upset. He'd once told her he never felt as helpless as he did the moment he saw a tear fall down her cheek.
Could it be he still felt that way over her? That he could still love her after everything that happened between them? The fights and harsh words...had they left no lasting, irreparable damage upon their hearts?
He leaned down toward her face and pressed his forehead against hers. His nose brushed hers briefly, lips so close to her own.
"Don't cry." He pleaded in a whisper.
She sniffed and raised his handkerchief to dab under her eyes. The moment she began to pull away from him, he locked his arm in place around her.
She couldn't help but hope that this meant he would want to marry her some day.
**************
The two remained by the other's side for the whole reception. They laughed during observations of their siblings and friends. They danced only with each other, much to Collette's irritation. And shared a number of glasses of champagne off in secluded corners.
When it came time for the bouquet toss, Colette specifically called Nicky's name and those of Juliet, Emily, and Izzy to come to the front.
"I know you each need all the help you can get to find a husband."
She'd attempted to make her insult sound like a playful taunt, yet everyone who knew her caught the true meaning.
Juliet purposely folded her arms, determined to burn the bouquet if it even came close to her.
Emily rolled her eyes over the situation, firmly decided to relax and let other ladies from the court fight over it. She knew her sister and friends would all have much better spouses than what Colette ended up with.
Izzy was fuming with a smile on her face, just like her mother, Hana, taught her. She was having all kinds of revenge scenarios running in her mind for Colette to even think of insulting her friends. She would pick one and find a way to get back at the young lady for daring to cross those she adored.
Nicky, though wanting to slap Colette over so many things she'd done to her through the years, managed to remain calm and collected.
Before she could blink, the bouquet was coming directly towards her.
Without much thought, Nicky caught the bouquet of white lilies and roses.
Colette burst into raucous laughter.
"Lady Nicky!" She doubled over, making certain every eye was on her. "Let's hope you can catch a husband as easily as you did the bouquet."
Chuckles and murmurs came from all over the banquet hall.
Those closest to Nicky were decidedly not laughing. Their stoney, bored expressions let the entire room know their feelings.
Thomas had to grip Amanda's hand under the table to keep her from getting up and saving her daughter from Colette. Her hazel eyes had darkened with her anger.
Drake kept a grip on Olivia's shoulder keeping her still. Rashad eased back when he noticed Hana trembling with rage. Riley ignored Liam's whisper to calm down, deciding to let those close to their table know how gauche the Queen of Cordonia found Collette's behavior.
Alec, Emerick, and Ellis all had fists clenched ready to jump in if Nicky needed them.
Emily had tears in her eyes, wishing that her sister wasn't being humiliated in such a way. She was ready to scream to everyone that laughed how wonderful and lucky some man would be to win Nicky's heart. She wished Scott Caulfield was here, showing the world that Hollywood's newest sex symbol was completely enamored with Nicky.
Izzy had already decided on which forms of vengeance she'd enact on Colette. Now she could add some more for doing this to their Nicky.
Juliet already had her lips parted, ready to launch into a verbal onslaught these pampered nobles never knew was possible.
But then...
Jackson stepped up and took Nicky's hand. In front of all of them; he lifted it to his lips for a lingering kiss and managed to have that shy hopeful smile on his face.
"I hope I know the lucky man." He said loud enough for everyone to hear.
Mutterings and whispers exploded over the hint that he would be the one she chose to marry.
Nicky blinked at him, unsure what to say.
He tucked her hand in the bend of his arm and led her out of the hall.
**************
"Give me a minute." Nicky pleaded once they went down a part of the mansion closed off for the party.
Before Jackson could react, she dashed into a nearby room and shut the door.
She fumbled in the dark for a lamp then leaned against a desk. Her breaths came in and out in broken gasps as she relived the humiliating moment over and over.
I shouldn't have come, she thought. To face everyone again after so little time and with Jax! I want to go home. I don't want to be here or with anyone ever again. Why did I think--
Jackson slipped inside and shut the door.
Nicky whirled around in surprise, bracing herself against a desk. In the shadowed light, Jackson's face looked harsher than usual. His dark eyes held her immobile as his hands clenched into fists.
She didn't know what to do anymore as she stared at him. All her hopes and dreams seemed so foolish now. It was pointless. All she was trying to do was completely pointless.
With a curse over seeing her upset once more, Jax crossed the room and yanked her in his arms. His lips captured any words she was about to say in a deep, desperate kiss.
Nicky hung limp for two heartbeats before she wrapped her arms around his neck. She eagerly responded to every touch of his lips and tongue against hers. She felt like she was coming back into the warm light after months of cold, bitter darkness.
The feel of Jackson holding her like he once did didn't feel old or dull. Her body reacted as if they had never kissed or touched before this very moment. The butterflies and heart racing was just as strong or if not stronger than before.
His hands splayed on her bare back, attempting to press her even closer.
He felt his senses come alive for the first time in months with the passion and tenderness of her response.
He'd wondered if they ever got around to kissing again if it would be comfortable and nothing new. He knew now that it was an all new excitement thrumming through his veins over being reunited with her once more.
Their breaths echoed in the room when they ended the kiss. They held tight to the other while searching for signs of regret or repulsion.
They knew they should probably talk about whether or not this was a moment of weakness, too much champagne, or simply because they couldn't imagine being with anyone else.
All they wanted to do was wallow in the wonder of their kiss and see if it was as good as if felt. They both leaned in for another.
And another...
And another...
And another...
Then let's have that wedding ....
And one more where Juliet gets the title of Crown Princess.
I am waiting in anxiously
