Acts of Desperation(50)

“Yeah, I think I’d see how the financial trial works out first then make a decision from there,” I said.

“That’s what I’m going to do,” she said. “So how are things between you and Jax? He was a mess when you were missing. I bet he’s loving having you back.”

“I actually haven’t seen him since I got home, but we’re supposed to go out tonight. You know, he asked me to move in with him.”

She turned and looked at me. “Wow, already? That seems quick.”

“I know, I think so too.” I grimaced. “There’s been so much chaos lately, and I don’t think I want to live with someone again, at least not after everything I just went through with John. I love Jax, but it just doesn’t feel right.”

“So you haven’t told him yet?”

“No, but I will tonight. I’m not really looking forward to it. I just want my life to go back to normal, ya know? There’s been too much crazy going on.”

“There definitely has been,” she said. “Well maybe tonight you can—” She cut herself off and grabbed her phone from her pocket. “Oh my gosh!” she said, rolling her eyes at the screen.

“What?”

“Anders is cancelling his visit tonight because he’s saying he’s sick.” She shoved her phone back in her pocket. “Fantastic. I’m sure he has a date or something more interesting going on and doesn’t want to be bothered with his own kids.” She snatched her purse up off the ground. “Sorry, but now I have to hurry home so my sitter can leave. You can call me, and we can talk on my way home if you want.”

“No, you go ahead. I’m fine. Listen to some feel-good music in the car and sing. It always makes me feel better,” I said.

“You know, I think I will,” she said and rushed out.





Chapter Twenty-Two


“Hey handsome,” I said, opening the door. Most of the bruising around Jax’s eyes was almost gone, and he was only left with a tiny red slash across the bridge of his nose. But he was right; it did add character to his handsome face.

“Hey pretty,” he said then hugged me. “I’ve missed you,” he muffled into the soft spot behind my ear.

“I missed you too,” I said and shivered. As soon as my feet were on the ground, I began pulling back, but he only squeezed me tighter, not letting me go.

“Cold?” he asked.

“No, not even a little,” I hummed. He brushed his lips across my cheek until he found my mouth then the world around us stopped. The birds singing in the trees and the cars driving by on the street all ceased to exist, and it was only the two of us standing on that porch. He held me there, keeping me grounded, gripping the back of my shirt. I knew I’d missed him, but until that moment, I hadn’t realized how much.

“Don’t forget to come up for air.” I looked over Jax’s shoulder and saw Liz standing behind him.

“Oh hey,” I said then cleared my throat. “Why are you coming in this way?”

“Someone blocked the driveway,” Liz said looking at Jax.

“Sorry Liz, thought you’d be home already,” he said, turning to face her.

“Ah, it’s cool. I’ll let it slide this time. Haven’t seen you around this week. How ya doin’ stranger?” Liz leaned and gave him a hug.

“Good. Been busy as hell trying to catch up.”

“I bet.” She nodded. “So what are you two up to tonight?”

I looked at Jax, but he only grinned. “I’m not sure yet. He’s being tight-lipped. Care to join us for a drink? We were just headed into the kitchen,” I said and Jax stepped next to me, lacing his fingers with mine.

“Yeah, it looked like you were headed to the kitchen.” She smirked. “I’d love to, but I’m scouting out new locations for my shop later, I officially need more space.” She clapped her hands together.

“What! That’s great. Since when? You haven’t mentioned anything,” I said.

“I know, I didn’t want to jinx it, but it looks like it’s actually going to happen. I’m really excited, and I couldn’t ask for my business to be doing any better right now. I need to expand my staff too. It’s too much to handle on my own anymore.” Liz smiled. “So, even though I’d love to have a drink, I need to look some things over before I meet with the realtor in about an hour.” She stepped in front of us and moved inside the door. “I hope you’re taking her out somewhere fun tonight, Jax. She’s been going insane being cooped up in the house all week.”

“It’s true, nuttier than a fruit cake. Daytime TV blows,” I said, tapping my head.

He chuckled. “Oh we’ve got big plans.”

“Well then I’ll get out of your way so you two can have your fun.” She walked upstairs and waved to us over her shoulder.

In the kitchen, I poured two glasses of wine as Jax took a seat at the island. “Big plans, huh? So what are we doing?” I asked.

“Well, I know a guy. I got us tickets to the Reds game tonight, right behind home plate.”

“Really!” I smiled. “That sounds like fun. I can’t remember the last time I went to a game. I love people watching at the stadium.”