But Jax couldn’t call that out, he’d seem unstable. He needed concrete evidence. So, for now, he and Tristan maintained a professional relationship with Derrick, but Jax could see Tristan’s scrutiny. It was lightly amusing to observe him disliking someone, especially on Jax’s behalf, and it somehow gave Jax more patience.
“Maybe he thought that the knife went too far?” Tristan stroked his beard, thinking aloud.
“Maybe…” Jax finished off another cookie. “But I feel like he’s waiting.”
“It’s been three weeks. Why would he stop and start again, put his job at risk?”
“True,” Jax frowned at the floor. He’d thought up dozens of scenarios as to why this was happening, none of them realistic, but he still couldn’t come up with any solid reason for Derrick, or anyone, to target him.
“Well, if he tries something again, we’ll get it on camera, and that’ll be enough to have him fired.” Tristan stood, walking to Jax and putting a hand on his knee. “So, try not to worry too much.”
“Okay.” Jax let out a sigh that puffed his cheeks, and then smiled at Tristan, although he knew it was weak around the edges. “Thank you for letting me rehash this for the millionth time. I’m just stressed about this weekend.”
Lost in a budding relationship, a month had flown by in a flash, but Jax had no complaints. After the last four rough years, it was nice to finally have his life in order, with a sweet man at his side and a terrific job that had room for growth. And that growth included running The Pointe’s kitchen, which Jax would be doing in just a few days.
Hopefully, Tristan was right. Maybe the vanishing actwasover, which would be great news because he had more than enough on his mind. That four-letter word, the one with thev, still rang loudly in Jax’s head.
But he didn’t have the courage to say it. Not yet.
It was stupid; in every other aspect of life he was downright aggressive, but admitting he might be in love? He’d suddenly lost his nerve. However, this was serious, and it made him anxious; he wanted to wait a little while,check for all complications before making any declarations.
“You’re going to do great.” Picking up Jax’s hand, Tristan quickly examined the knuckles, giving them a quick kiss. “You haven’t punched anything in ages! That’s growth.”
“Tristan…” This man was such a charmer, softening Jax’s hard exterior so easily that it was almost embarrassing. Leaning in, Jax pecked Tristan on the lips, and after a few kisses, they parted for more tea.
“Can I ask you a difficult question that only has good intent?” Tristan tilted his head, and Jax let the words hang for a moment, intrigued.
“I thought the road to hell was paved with good intentions?” Jax had an inkling of what Tristan was going to ask, but he didn’t feel angry; he felt cared for. “It’s fine, go ahead. “
“Well, I remember what you said about being between doctors, and I wanted to offer my help again.”
Jax had been on the nose with his prediction, and he gave Tristan a wan smile.
“It isn’t your burden to share.”
“This isn’t me people-pleasing or being a doormat.” Tristan’s eyes were full of warmth. “This is me standing up for you, and if we’re going to be together for any length of time, it’s something Ichooseto share. Why wouldn’t I want to do this for someone I care about?”
Jax couldn’t help but agree. “That’s true.”
“And I know you haven’t gotten the answers you’ve wanted, but there are a lot of doctors out there. Plus, I’d like you to consider some other options.”
“Other options?” Jax squinted. “What do you mean?”
“Well, what about massage? Or acupuncture?”
“I’d never turn down a massage.” To be fair, if Tristan wanted to do this and take over some of the mental load, then Jax might be willing to try again. Because what choice did he have? His back could get worse, but it might also improve, although he couldn’t hope just yet. “I’ll consider it.”
Tristan smiled. “Great.”
“But if I do this,” Jax held up a finger, needing to even things out. “Then I’m making you a meal for each phone call.”
“That benefits me both ways.”
Jax laughed. “I guess it does. But can we shelve this until I get through the weekend?”
Tristan kissed him. “Of course.”
The garage door opened, echoing through the townhouse, and Jax perked up. Ollie and Finn were already back.
