by Elena Aitken
She knew they had a flight to catch, so she had to make this quick. As she struggled to connect the seatbelt, she vaguely heard Jinx introducing himself, the low murmur of their voices. But her focus was on getting her son situated. “I love you so much, punkin. I know this is hard for you.” She blinked back tears. Fuck you, Eddie. It didn’t have to be like this. “But Grandma and Grandpa will be with you every second, okay? You know how much fun you have with them.”
The door on the other side opened, and Jinx’s big body slid next to Rocco. “Hey, man.”
His presence filled the car—his clean scent, fresh from a shower, and something rich and artsy—like oil paint. Rocco immediately stilled, watching him with big, wary eyes.
Jinx handed her son the iPad. “You want to see something cool? Take a look at this.” When he tapped a button on his cell phone, his face filled the iPad’s screen. Rocco looked from his new device to the man sitting next to him. Her son had used FaceTime before, of course, but seeing Jinx’s face on that big screen seemed to impress him.
“Will you do me a favor?” Jinx asked, and her boy listened as though he were getting state secrets. “Will you show me and your mom the snowman you make?”
Rocco gave a shuddery sigh. He turned to his mom. “I’m going to make a snowman?”
She wiped the glistening tears off his rosy cheeks. “Oh, heck, yeah. A huge one. With a carrot for a nose and beets for eyes.”
“And, since your mom doesn’t get to go,” Jinx said. “Can you show her what the mountain looks like?”
“We’re going on a sleigh ride,” Mrs. Ray said from the sidewalk. “It’s pulled by big horses.”
“You serious?” Jinx looked genuinely envious. “Ah, man. You gotta call us, okay? Let us in on it, so we can see the horses, too.”
Jinx didn’t sound like he was trying to sweet-talk a kid. He sounded real, like missing out on a sleigh ride was a true loss. Her son looked at Jinx in earnest and nodded. “Okay.”
“Thank you, sweetheart.” Skylar kissed Rocco’s damp cheek and clasped the buckle on the car seat. “We’ll talk every day.” She leaned in to hug him and whispered in his ear, “I love you so much, my angel. So, so much.” She pulled back and swept the hair off his forehead.
With glassy eyes, her son said, “Bye, Mommy.”
Oh, God. Her sweet, innocent little boy. It hurt so damn much. But she knew she had to leave quickly. “Bye, angel.”
Mr. Ray gave her a hug. “We’ll take good care of him.”
“I know you will.” The only spot of comfort in this whole mess was that she knew she could count on them to care for her boy the way she would.
Mrs. Ray wrapped her arms around her. “I know this is hard but thank you for giving us time with our grandson.” She pulled back, got in the car, and they took off.
Skylar stood on the sidewalk and let the emptiness consume her. The cold burned her skin. She thought about her home, how empty it felt without Rocco, and was suddenly very glad to be taking this road trip. She turned to Jinx. “You’re good with him.”
The sun hadn’t crested the horizon, so he stood tall and imposing in the darkness, but there was something so calm about him. He tugged the scruff on his chin. “Every time my dad left on another deployment my brother had a hard time with it. Never got used to it. So, yeah, I’ve had some experience with it.”
Up until this moment, Jinx had been a threatening entity. Now, she saw him as a man who’d suffered loss. “I’m sorry, Jinx. For your dad, your brother.” In a way, he’d lost his mom, too. And she’d do whatever she could to help her—and to give Jinx his family back.
“Thanks. You got your suitcase?”
“Yes, sure.” She headed back into the warm salon. “This trip’s going to be good. I always spend the week he’s gone catching up with paperwork and administrative stuff, but I feel his absence so much. And I’m really looking forward to spending time with your mom.”
He reached for her suitcase. “I hope I’m doing the right thing.”
“It doesn’t have to be a big deal. If she’s not interested in working with me, then we spend a few days hanging out with her and come home. And we get away from the snow. No loss, right?”
“Right.” She thought she saw him smile, but it was too dark to be sure. “Your in-laws seem like good people.”
“They’re not my in-laws. Eddie left me three days after he found out I was pregnant.” She flushed the downstairs toilet, checked the dials on the oven and stove, and lowered the thermostat. “But, yes, they’re really good grandparents.”
Grabbing her purse, she headed back to where Jinx stood by the door with her suitcase. She didn’t want to wear her parka in the car, so she pulled it off the hook and tucked it under her arm. “The thing is, I miss Rocco, and it’s hard to see him freak out when he leaves me, but that’s not the real issue I have with Rocco spending time with Eddie’s family.”
“And what’s that?”
She shut off the lights, closed the door, and locked it. “They say we get our sense of ourselves from the look in people’s eyes. When I look at Rocco, even when I’m frazzled or angry, I make sure he sees love. I know his grandparents show him that love, too. But Eddie resents him, and I don’t ever want Rocco to look into his father’s eyes and see that.”
“I always liked the way you mom, but now I think you’re the best I’ve ever seen.” Jinx popped the hatch and shoved the suitcase in. “You want to put anything else back here?”
As she stood there, letting his words sink in, warmth spread through her. The last five years had been one crazy ride, between Eddie’s abandonment and the experience of raising a child on her own. She didn’t have much that was hers and hers alone, but Jinx always made her feel special.
When he gestured to her bags, she remembered his question. She had a purse and a tote filled with snacks, a digital reader, and some magazines. She burst out laughing. “I’ve been a mom too long. I packed to keep us entertained in the car.”
Jinx slammed the hatch closed and stepped onto the sidewalk beside her. The first rays of sunlight had pierced the darkness, and she could see his features more clearly. She’d spent so much time pushing him away, she’d missed how truly handsome he was.
Worse, she’d missed the kindness in his eyes.
He peered into her bag. “Oh, man.” He pulled out a box of graham crackers. “I haven’t had these in years. We used to go camping when my dad was in town. Always made s’mores.”
She pulled out a six-pack of mini water bottles. “I’m such an idiot. Did I think we’d have snack time in our room?” Remembering his girlfriend, she froze. “I mean rooms. We’re getting separate rooms. Obviously, we’re not…” She wagged a finger between them.
“Hey, don’t worry about it. Lori’s cool with the trip. And, yeah, I’ve booked us separate rooms.” He twirled his key ring around a finger. “You ready to go?”
“I am.”
“Good. Let’s do this.” Excitement glittered in his eyes.
Her breath caught in her throat. Because for one pathetic second she’d thought he was excited to travel with her.
But, of course, she knew it was about his mom.
The hope that I can help her get her mojo back.
She knew that, and yet…they stood so close, she could see the black streaks in his light blue eyes, smell the clean of his T-shirt and something else…something particular to him that reached in and connected with her very essence. It made her heart skip a beat.
Why am I reacting to him like this?
If she had to face the truth, her response to him was exactly why she’d always pushed him away. He stirred things up, and it just wasn’t the right time in her life to date.
“Jinx, I’m really glad we’re taking this trip together.” I’ve been awful to you. “I want to get to know you and—”
The passenger door opened and out came a boot attached to a lean, jean-clad leg. “Hey, there.” Lori’s voice was morning-rough, s
exy.
Mortification poured over her ego like boiling water. I want to get to know you?
He has a girlfriend.
She struggled to compose herself. “Hey, Lori.” Her too-cheerful voice sounded ridiculous.
“Everything all right?” In her puffy black parka with its fur-trimmed hood, she still managed to look sophisticated and sexy.
“Everything’s great.” She smiled at the woman. “Just had a hard time saying goodbye to my son.”
“I’m sure.” She seemed genuinely concerned. “But you’re going to have a blast. You’re going to eat gross convenience store food, hit the casinos, and get drunk. All the things you can’t do as a mommy.”
“The fact that my immediate reaction to all those ideas was, I think I’ll stay in and sleep while everyone else goes out, shows you just how much I need to do all of them. I swear, you’d never know I was twenty-five.”
“Girl, you’re going to have so much fun.”
“You’re not coming with us?” She was embarrassed at the hitch of hope in her heart.
“Nope. I already missed Christmas day with my family, there’s no way I can miss the rest of this week. I just didn’t want say goodbye to my sweetie-pie yet, so I hitched a ride into town just to see him off.” She flashed her sweetie-pie a big grin. “Let’s do this.” And got back into the car.
His girlfriend was beautiful and vivacious and…and perfect. She didn’t have stretch marks or bags under her eyes. She didn’t have an ounce of bitterness in her.
Catching Jinx watching her, Skylar’s body went hot with shame at thinking such stupid thoughts. “She seems great.”
“Yeah, she is.”
She’d never seen this softer side of him. A mix of jealousy and potent regret passed through her in a sickening roll.
You need to stop this right now.
He deserves a woman who wants him. Loves him.
And you? You had your chance, and you kicked him to the curb.
Let the man be happy.
Chapter 3
As they pulled away from the curb, Lori fiddled with her phone until a song came on the speakers. “Okay with you, baby?” she asked Jinx quietly.
He just shrugged, and she leaned over and kissed his cheek. “You’re such a sweetheart.” Then, she twisted around to Skylar. “He’s dropping me at Calamity Joe’s. You want to grab a coffee before you hit the road?”
“I’d love that. Thank you.”
Lori settled in her seat. “I’m going to miss you so much.” She played with the hair at the back of Jinx’s neck. “I wish I could come. I can’t wait to meet your mom. You’re such a good son.”
Jinx reached for her hand and pressed a kiss in the center of her palm.
Skylar felt small and insignificant in the backseat. Well, you can sit here and feel like a third wheel, or you can jump right in. “Calamity Joe’s has the world’s best muffins.”
Lori turned back to her. “Sorry, what?”
“Calamity Joe’s. They make their own muffins and scones, and they’re to die-for. Dates, peaches, they put all kinds of goodies in them. Delicious.” Oh, God.
Yep. I just used the word “goodies” with grown-ups.
Kill me now.
How ‘bout we up our game here? “So, how did you two meet?” And when? Because she’d never seen Jinx with anyone before.
“Do you know Callie Belle?” Lori asked.
“Of course. She’s a few years older than me, but she dated a Bowie all through high school, so yeah, everybody knew her.” The Bowie brothers were those elusive people—insanely handsome, athletic, and confident—who seemed lightyears beyond everyone else.
“Well, I came out here to see what she was doing with her Museum of Broken Hearts. I’m in the art world, so I like to keep up with what’s going on.”
“Oh, what do you do?”
“I work in my parent’s gallery. I’m a buyer. In fact, I came out here to check out Jackson’s work.”
“Jackson?”
Lori swiveled around, looking confused.
Jinx eyed Skylar in the rearview mirror. “My real name.”
“I had no idea.” How do I not know that? She’d never once thought to ask.
The moment he pulled in front of the coffee house, Lori unbuckled and got out of the car. As they headed inside, she said, “I only came out to Calamity for a visit.” She grinned mischievously. “But I could be persuaded to stay.”
Skylar shot a look to Jinx—were they that serious? But he was reaching for the door, holding it open for them.
“Have you seen Jinx’s art?” Lori asked.
Skylar took her place in line. “I have. It’s amazing. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
The place was warm and smelled of cinnamon and coffee. With Calamity situated in a valley created by the Teton and Gros Ventre Mountain ranges, tourists flocked to the area for outdoor adventures. Winter was a busy season, so the coffee place was already hopping. A rowdy group of snowboarders took up several tables and chairs with their gear.
“Exactly,” Lori said. “I’m so glad you feel the same way. The first time I spent the night at his place…” She cut Skylar a look. “Have you been there?”
“No.” She didn’t even know where Jinx lived. And, now that she knew he’d lost a father and a brother, she hated the idea that he’d been so alone and isolated these past two years.
And, suddenly, this cheerful, affectionate woman made sense. She’s just what he needs.
“Well, the first time I spent the night, I smelled something,” Lori said. “Literally, the most familiar scent in the world for the daughter of Clyde Von Hausen and Lillith Vanderburgh.” She waited expectantly, but Skylar had never heard of them. “My parents are very well-known in the art world. Anyhow, I followed my nose down the hallway, and there’s this bedroom—” She leaned against Jinx, and he put his arm around her. “He’d turned it into a studio and filled it with paintings. I mean, there’s enough canvas in there to keep a gallery in business for a year. And I asked him if he needed my help trying to decide which ones to submit, and he goes, Submit to what?” Lori laughed, turning to the counter when it was their time to order. “I’ll take the yummiest and biggest caramel macchiato you’ve got. Oh, and with a big ole swirl of whipped cream on top. To go, please.” She looped her arm through Jinx’s. “Honey?”
“Yeah, can I get a sausage and cheddar egg sandwich?”
“Sure,” the barista said. “Any coffee with that?”
“Just this.” He held up the water bottle he’d grabbed from the refrigerated case. “Sky?”
She didn’t want him paying, so she focused on the baked goods. “You guys go ahead. I’m still deciding which muffin I want.”
Jinx leaned in close, giving her a whiff of his masculine and too appealing scent. “This trip’s on me. I’m paying for everything, no discussion.”
She cracked a grin. “Okay, fine. I’d like a skim decaf latte and a ginger pumpkin muffin—wait, no, I think I’ll try the banana chocolate chunk.”
“We’ll take both, please.” Jinx pulled out his wallet.
The three of them stepped aside to wait for the drinks.
“Can you believe he doesn’t even think about showing his work?” Lori said. “Do you know how much money he could make? Believe me, I’ve grown up in museums and art galleries. I recognize talent.”
Skylar looked to Jinx to see what he thought of all this, but he just stood there quietly.
“I’m going to make him famous.” Lori rubbed his arm. “And then he’ll be the toast of the New York City art world. Right, babe?”
Fear pinched Skylar’s heart. “You’re leaving Calamity?”
His gaze jerked over to hers with an expression she was pretty sure said, You care?
And she was surprised at her own answer. Yeah. I do.
Why hadn’t she been kinder to him? She didn’t have to date him, but they could’ve been friends.
The barista called thei
r names. Grabbing their cups and food, they headed over to the sugar station.
Skylar gave Jinx a soft smile. “I had no idea painting custom bikes was just a side gig.”
“Oh, believe me,” Lori said. “He’s destined for great things. Mark my words.” She tipped her head against his shoulder. “We make a great team.”
“I see that.” Maybe it was because she hadn’t had a boyfriend since high school, but seeing their closeness hurt. She pointed to the door. “I’m going to give Rocco’s grandparents a quick call, make sure he’s all right.” She missed her son fiercely.
She missed a lot of things.
Like companionship. And spooning. And holding hands. And passion.
She’d held off on dating for Rocco’s sake, but maybe…just maybe she was ready.
Inside the big, cleanly-swept garage, Jinx talked motorcycles with a huge, inked biker, while Skylar caught up on emails on her phone. Every now and then, the guy let out a booming laugh that totally jarred her. Blake had such a big personality, she could only smile.
The drive to Vegas was only ten hours from Calamity, but they’d left early to meet with this potential client, whose story had moved Jinx. His wife of twenty-three years had lost her battle with cancer. Apparently, the woman was so beloved in this small Utah town that five hundred people had come for her funeral.
“That’s…this is what you came up with?” It was the heavy emotion in the man’s voice that grabbed her attention.
She looked up from her phone to see him staring at the drawing Jinx had handed him. It was just the initial sketch. He’d told her it would go through several revisions before he painted it on the man’s Harley.
“How’d you know about the dragonflies?” Blake never looked up.
“I checked out her social media pages,” Jinx said quietly.