Comfortable seating is positioned to take in the wooded view. This is the place you would come to unwind.
“Jax, this is… breathtaking.”
I move to stand by the window, looking out into the expanse of trees. Two squirrels chase each other up and around one ofthe oak trees, leaping through the branches. On the ground, a tiny bird is burying itself in leaves, throwing them into the air.
I watch, unable to keep the smile from my face. I sense Jax’s eyes on me.
Turning my head, my chest constricts as I take him in. His eyes softening.
“Take a seat and enjoy the view. I’ll empty the car.”
I open my mouth, but Jax holds up a hand.
“No heavy lifting, doctor’s orders remember.”
I grunt my disapproval, but have learned there’s no point in arguing.
“I hate this,” I grumble after him, and watch as he fights a smile before turning to leave.
“Sometimes things are sent to make us slow down. This is yours,” he says, moving towards the door. “Now take a seat, and put your feet up.”
Jax leaves the room, and I sink down onto one of the sofas. I close my eyes and take in several deep breaths. When I open them, I take in the amazing view. Enjoying the solitude the trees offer, something rare for me.
My fingers encircle my necklace, toying with it.
I notice the weight building in my chest, the moment Jax is out of sight.
When did this happen?
I hear him in the hallway, taking the stairs.
My nerves fire, and the desire to follow him is almost overwhelming, so I force myself to remain seated.
Do as I’m told.
Ha.
The kiss has ignited something deep in my chest. I’ve missed him. Two weeks in hospital and four weeks with Mum, we’ve not had a second alone, either one of my family or a member of staff has been present. I put up some resistance to coming here.I’d hate for my family to think they won. But alone time with Jax is what I ordered, not only the doctor, but for very different reasons.
The door opens, and Jax reappears.
“That’s everything,” he says.
In his hand, he’s holding the enormous box of romance books, my brother Caleb bought for me. I’m still thinking of how to exact my revenge.
“Where would you like these?” Jax’s lips twitch.
I look around the room. In the corner by the far wall is an L-shaped sofa, perfect for reading.
Jax follows my eyes and smiles. “The perfect spot. Great lighting.”
“Designed for reading?” I ask, waggling my eyebrows.
As soon as Jax saw Caleb’s present, he started thumbing through them. Purely for research purposes, apparently.
“Everything has been designed for a purpose,” he says. “And yes, this corner is my favourite spot for chilling out and reading.”
He places the box down and moves towards me until he’s standing between my knees. He bends over, his hands resting on the back of the sofa, encasing me between his arms.
