by Vivi Holt
“I don’t even want to know what it could be. Let’s just get this over with.”
“Come on, it’ll be great,” said June.
Stacey drew a slow breath, then coughed it out. “Yeah, great. Okay, let’s go.”
They stood on the intersection of Main and Aberfoyle. Stacey danced around with a sign that read, FIND YOUR NEXT HOME WITH MURPHY REALTY. June’s sign said, MAKE THE MOVE WITH MURPHY REALTY. Both had the office phone number and website address. Before long, a few pedestrians stopped and asked questions – more interest than Stacey had expected.
When Brad called, she grimaced as his name flashed across her phone screen. She took off the panda head and answered it in her most enthusiastic voice. “Hi, Brad. How are you?”
“How’s my newest sales force? I just drove down Main and saw you.”
“We’ve had a few nibbles.”
He sighed loudly. “You know, I’m having second thoughts about this. Remember when I explained to you about branding, how the Murphy brand is a representation of what we do and the kind of clients we want as a first-rate realty business? I don’t really think a dingy panda suit goes with that. If you’d told me you were dressing up like that …”
“I get it. But June wanted to do it and …”
“Uh, let’s just call it a day and come back to the office, okay?”
“Okay.” She hung up the phone and frowned. She understood Brad’s point of view, but from what she could tell they’d already sent at least a dozen clients his way that afternoon, maybe more. Even now, June was talking to a woman through her lion mask across the street.
Stacey shrugged and headed over to tell her friend the jig was up. Maybe they could grab something to eat on her way back to work.
Jax balanced the stack of throw pillows in his arms and set off down the street to where he’d parked his truck. Stacey had picked them out, and when the store called to say they’d come in he’d offered to collect them rather than have them delivered. I mean, how many throw pillows could one woman have ordered? As it turned out, he should’ve gotten them delivered – or at least parked closer.
He huffed and peered around the edge of the pile. Where were all these things going to fit in the house? He liked the way she decorated and the items she’d selected, but he’d never considered how many knickknacks and throws and who knew what else it took to make a house look homey.
The sidewalk was busy, but not too crowded, for which he was grateful. From his limited view, it seemed people were avoiding colliding with him as best they could. A ball cap on his head was pulled low and he wore sunglasses as well, in the hopes that no one recognized him. But ever since the marriage announcement, there were fewer women stalking him. Perhaps the ruse was working even better than he’d thought it would. Or maybe he was just kidding himself.
He grinned and shifted the weight of the pillows in his hands to peer around the right side of them and spotted his truck across the street. He should set down the pillows and bring the truck over instead of the other way around, but he was almost there … he picked up the pace, watching the traffic. As soon as there was an opening, he’d dart through, pile everything into his vehicle, run some errands for Mom, then head to her place to fix a leak in the roof. The throw pillows teetered, and he frowned, adjusted his hold …
WHAM! He ran directly into someone he hadn’t seen coming – someone wearing some ridiculous animal costume. The entire pile of throw pillows crashed to the ground and he followed them down. The person in the fluffy costume stumbled and tottered in place before finally landing on him with a squeak.
Another animal impersonator ran up, muttered apologies and scurried to retrieve the pillows. “What on earth?” she cried. “I guess you weren’t watching where you were going.”
The one on top of him floundered, its head – a wide-eyed panda – narrowly missing his. “I can’t see! Ugh, this lousy costume …”
He recognized her voice, even through the costume, and started laughing. It was too ridiculous for words, and the way she was flopping around like a fish on a beach was more than he could handle.
Stacey rolled off him onto the pavement beside him, huffing and puffing as she tried to take the panda head off. The other creature, an equally scraggly lion, handed him a stack of pillows while he was still lying on the ground. “Sorry, sir, here are your pillows … Jax?”
He stared up at the lion’s oversized eyes through his sunglasses, and howled even louder. It was as though all the emotion of the past few weeks was being released. How had June gotten involved in this?
Stacey finally pulled the mask free. “Is it really that funny?”
“It is, it is.” He wiped the tears from his eyes. “Why are you dressed as a panda?”
She blinked in the bright sunlight. “Trying to drum up some real estate business.”
His brow furrowed. “By being a panda? And a lion, June?”
June took her mask off too, her blonde hair sticking out at all angles like feathers on a hen. “It seemed like fun. But Brad called us off – not dignified enough for Murphy Realty.” She reached out a hand and helped him to his feet.
He turned to Stacey and offered her his hands. It was quite the task to get her standing again – the suit was too big for her, and the panda’s feet didn’t give much traction. But soon they were both standing face-to-face. He gazed into her eyes through her usually perfectly-coiffed hair, which had fallen over her pale face. The faintest hint of freckles peppered her button nose, and her wide blue eyes were brightened by the brisk air scattering leaves as it whistled down Main Street. He still held her hand, and didn’t want to let it go.
She met his gaze with a hint of laughter behind her eyes. “I didn’t see you coming.”
He smiled. “I guess not. You surprised me as well.” He had been surprised by her – surprised by the feelings she’d unleashed inside him, feelings he’d never felt before. Suddenly it wasn’t all about the game and the team. For the first time, he wanted more than to win.
He wished he could stay in Ardensville – a desire entirely new and foreign to him. It hadn’t been long ago that the only thing on his mind was getting as far away from Ardensville as a scholarship would take him. He didn’t hate his hometown, but it felt like a dead weight around his neck. He wanted more – adventure, excitement, success. Things he couldn’t find here. But now …
He looked away reluctantly and found June half-smiling, watching them both with interest. “Hey, how about I take the two of you to lunch? Surely you’ve done enough, er … marketing for the day.” He laughed.
Stacey chuckled along with him. “That sounds wonderful. Doesn’t it, June?”
June nodded. “Sure. That would be nice.” She winked at Jax.
He pretended not to see. He knew what she was suggesting, that he had feelings for Stacey. But he wasn’t about to tell her that it was the truth – and that there wasn’t a thing he could do about it.
14
Jax popped a juicy piece of steak in his mouth and studied the women seated across the booth from him as he chewed. Soft music floated through the restaurant, and he tapped his fingertips to it against the red Formica tabletop. “This steak is perfect. How’s the burger?”
June nodded, her mouth full to overflowing.
Stacey swallowed, then smiled. “It’s delicious. I was skeptical when you said they were the best burgers around, but you’re right. Definitely better than the ones at the Smokehouse.”
He chuckled. “I might just have to record that …” He pulled out his cell phone and pointed it in her direction. “Say that again and slowly.”
She frowned. “Which part?”
“The part about me being right.”
She rolled her eyes. “Please, I’ve said that before.”
“Not to my recollection. I know for a fact June’s never said it.”
June made a face. “Yes, I have!”
He laughed. “Never mind – it’s just nice to hear once in a while
. I’ll try not to get used to it. And I’m glad you’re enjoying the food. I highly recommend the banana milkshake as well – they’re amazing.”
“So, brother, tell me how things are going in Atlanta,” June said. “I haven’t really had a chance to catch up with you since you got back to town, with everything that’s been going on.”
Jax nodded. “Things are good – great, actually. I love being on the team.”
“Yeah, I was watching the games with Dad …” She frowned and bit her lip, took a deep breath and continued. “You’ve been playing really well. I keep holding my breath every time they hand you the ball, though.”
“Don’t worry so much, June. You should come see a game sometime.”
“I’d love that. I know Mom and Dad always loved going to see you play.”
“I’m so glad Dad got to do that a few times.”
“For sure.”
He looked at Stacey while she chewed and bit back a smirk at the sight of the panda suit she still wore. She’d left the head in the car, but between her and June, their side of the booth was full of fur.
“Have you made any friends down there?”
He nodded as he swallowed a bite of burger. “I’ve found a few people to spend time with. I’m not sure I’d call them friends except Wallace Johnson, the backup QB. He’s become a really good friend. He’s married with two kids – they’re really cute.”
“Awww …” June responded with a grin.
“He sounds like a nice guy,” replied Stacey.
“He is.” But Jax realized he didn’t miss Atlanta, or even Wallace. He’d felt more at home in Ardensville in the last few days than in the previous months in Atlanta. And looking across the table at Stacey, he understood why.
Stacey cracked another egg into the bowl in front of her, selected a whisk from a nearby drawer, then beat the eggs with a little cold water until they were light and fluffy. She poured them into the heated and buttered pan, and they sizzled on contact. She grabbed a spatula and stirred them into a soft scramble, set pieces of toast on three plates and piled them high with eggs and the bacon she’d fried earlier.
The bed Jax had insisted on buying for her to use in the guest room had a mattress that made her feel like singing “Hallelujah” every time she climbed in. She’d never owned a mattress like it before – just the right balance between firm and soft. She woke at six a.m., went for a run, had a shower, and all with a feeling of peace deep inside. She was happy.
It was a strange feeling, one she’d never really risked before. It seemed like something she couldn’t take a chance on, since it might disappear as quickly as it arrived, leaving more damage in its wake than she could bear. But this happiness had stuck around for a few days and was making her smile despite herself.
She knew the cause was Jax, but couldn’t bring herself to admit it. Even as the realization dawned, pain shot through her chest. She couldn’t pin her hopes on him – he would be gone soon enough, back to his own life. He hadn’t mentioned a girlfriend, but that didn’t mean there wasn’t one. Though if there was, he wouldn’t have agreed to pretend to be married to Stacey – a fake relationship would put a crimp in the real one. Still, his job, his team, was back in Atlanta and she was stuck here.
The garage door opened. “Good morning,” he said behind her.
She turned to see him heading into the kitchen in shorts and socks, his hair glistening wet. She eyed him curiously, the spatula still poised above the plates. “Good morning to you. Where have you been?”
“I swam some laps in the pool.”
“Ugh, in this weather?”
“It wasn’t so bad once the first shock wore off.” He laughed and ran his fingers through his hair, spraying her with water.
“Hey, watch it!” she cried, scrunching up her nose.
His eyes gleamed and he stepped closer until her back was against the counter. “What’s wrong, Stacey? Don’t want to get wet?” He rubbed his hands on her cheeks.
She grimaced, laughed and tried to squirm away. “Stop it!”
He chuckled, his eyes mischievous, put his arms around her waist and shook his head, sending more cold drops her way.
Her heart pounded even as she squinted against the sudden rainstorm. He was so tall and strong – she’d never been more aware of it than in this moment. Her stomach flipped as she shivered beneath his touch. What was happening between them? Wasn’t he grieving. Was he in his right mind? Would he kiss her? She wanted him to – but if he did and walked away, she knew her heart would break. Better not to be kissed at all than to be kissed then abandoned by the man she loved.
And she did love him. She knew that with a certainty she hadn’t admitted to herself in a long time, since he first left for college. But her feelings for him had never really changed. She’d simply buried them beneath years, busyness, regret and disappointment. Now, here he was, staring down at her with a look that made her heart ache with longing and her stomach turn with fear. “The eggs are getting cold …” she whispered.
He grinned. Then his lips were on hers and all thoughts of breakfast fled her mind. The kiss was warm and soft, and her eyes drifted shut as joy swept through her soul. A fire broke out in her belly and burned hotter with each moment, until it seemed it would ravage all her resolve, all doubts and fears, any semblance of common sense. Her arms twined around his neck and she stood on tiptoe to strengthen the kiss.
All of a sudden the doubts rushed back, making her break out in a cold sweat. He wasn’t himself. He’d just lost someone he loved and wasn’t thinking clearly. She knew how this would go – he’d recover from his grief, and she’d be the girl he once kissed in his hometown, a story to tell to his friends (and perhaps even girlfriends) back in Atlanta. Fighting her own instincts, she stepped aside and broke their kiss.
His eyes flickered open. “What is it?”
She ignored him and ducked away from his grasp, unable to speak.
He stared at his feet. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have done that.”
Her heart dropped and her throat began to ache. “No, it’s okay.”
“It’s not okay. You’re my friend, you’ve done nothing but support me, and I took advantage.”
“You didn’t take advantage.” Anger flared at his words. He was already pulling away, just like she’d known he would.
“Well, whatever it was, I’m sorry. I hope it won’t change things between us, because I really value your friendship.” He nervously met her gaze.
She shrugged. “Nothing has to change.”
“Good.” He smiled. “I did mention I’m flying back to Atlanta tomorrow, right?”
A knot formed in her stomach. “No. No, you didn’t.”
“I’m sorry, I thought I’d mentioned it. Anyway, you’ll have the whole place to yourself. I’ll bet you’re happy about that. Just don’t forget to water the new turf and the plants out back – I’d hate for them all to die.”
Why was he talking to her that way? As though nothing had happened between them, as though nothing had changed? She spun to face the counter and reached into a drawer for silverware. “Of course, I’ll water everything. Don’t worry about it.”
She heard Brad’s footsteps coming down the wooden staircase. “Good morning, y’all,” he called as he jogged into the kitchen. “How’d you sleep? I tell you what, Jax, those mattresses you bought are like sleeping on clouds. Aren’t they, Stace?”
She nodded, tears threatening. They couldn’t fall, not now. She had to hold herself together a few minutes longer. She coughed to clear her throat and shook the emotion from her head. “Yep, best mattresses ever.” Her gaze met Jax’s and there was something behind his eyes she couldn’t decipher – regret, longing, pain? Whatever it was, he hid it with a quick smile as soon as she looked his way.
She should’ve known better than to let herself feel something for Jax again. She had known better, but she’d talked herself into believing things could be different, that she could be the kind of
woman a man like him might love. With a deep breath, she picked up a plate and passed it to him.
“Thanks,” he said.
She managed a smile. “You’re welcome.”
Brad sniffed the air, then made a beeline around the center island toward her. “Do I smell eggs?”
Jax pulled the truck out of the driveway, his thoughts spinning. What had just happened? He hadn’t planned on kissing Stacey – in fact he’d been doing everything within his power not to. Just the sheer willpower it took to stop himself from thinking about her lips, or how she might feel beneath his hands, was exhausting. And now he’d done it and ruined everything. The look on her face when she broke away from him … he’d crossed the line. She didn’t want to be kissed that way, not by him. That was clear enough.
He slammed the heel of his hand against the steering wheel. He’d completely misunderstood her feelings for him. For a moment, when she’d curled her arms around his neck he’d dared to hope she felt the same way. But then she’d pulled away from him, with a look of fear or pain, he couldn’t say which. It had been like a punch to his gut.
By the time he reached Mom’s house, he’d resolved to put the entire thing behind him. Stacey had looked shaken when he left, but she’d get past it, he hoped. He’d just begun to discover the amazing woman she was, and he didn’t want to lose her from his life. Losing Dad had brought to light something he’d suspected but hadn’t faced before now – he didn’t have many friends. Not true friends.
There were plenty of people in his life who’d be happy to spend time out on the town with him, having fun. But not many who’d be there for him in the hard times. Stacey was a true friend – he could sense her strength beneath the beauty and vulnerability.
He went in the front door and hollered to let his mom and June know he was there. They called back from the kitchen and he walked through the house to meet them. “Good morning, Jax,” said Mom. June nodded and waved, her mouth full of toaster strudel, the remnants of which were scattered on the plate in front of her beside a mug of steaming coffee.