Besides, Jax was here to get better like everyone else, and Tristan shouldn’t be interrupting that, especially when Jax seemed to be in pain, always walking stiffly.
A short cry echoed through the main room, and Tristan stopped cycling. That was definitely Kass, and he left the bike, going to the back office, where Kass stood on the desk, her eyes teary.
“What’s the matter?” Tristan asked, on high alert, but he relaxed as she pointed at the wall where a very large moth sat minding its own business.
“I-I’m sorry,” she shook, panicky. “I hate bugs.”
“That’s okay, he’s more scared of you than you are of him,” Tristan assured her as the scent of fresh mint hit him, but it had an edge of clove,and the combination was enticing.
“Wow, that thing has a face!” Jax appeared beside him, his voice lower than Tristan had expected. “They really shouldn’t have faces.”
Freezing, Tristan stared down at Jax, locking his jaw so it didn’t fall open. This close, Jax’s energy was magnetic and his beauty otherworldly; Tristan had to clench his fists because he wanted to reach out and touch, to see if Jax was indeed real.
With a wink at Tristan, Jax snatched a folder from the desk. “I can take care of it.”
“Please don’t kill him.” Tristan came to life, his pulse skyrocketing as Jax stopped, his pretty brown gaze sparkling with curiosity and interest.
Snapping into motion, Tristan grabbed a paper cup from the water cooler and gently guided the large moth into it, covering the top with his hand.
“Thank you!” Kass’ brow wrinkled as she stared at his hand. “You’re a hero.”
“I’m just a guy who likes the outdoors. Let’s get this little one to freedom.” Thankfully, the office had windows, and when Tristan stepped in front of one, Jax was at his side again.
“I got it.”
Tristan tried not to drool as Jax grinned up at him, sliding the window open and popping the corner of the screen.
“Thanks.” Tristan’s heart pounded through his chest at those full lips, which curved lusciously, teasing him. Almost forgetting why he was there, Tristan cleared his throat and focused, releasing the moth and watching it fly up into the autumn sky.
Meeting Jax’s gaze once again, Tristan searched for words, nervously stroking his beard as he came up short. He’d never been struck mute like this, not even when he’d first met Eve.
“Did I miss something?” Kyle walked in, confusion on his face until he saw Kass. “Oh. How big was the bug?”
Jax laughed, and the sound had goosebumps rippling up Tristan’s arms. “It was a moth with a face.”
“Ew,” Kyle recoiled as Tristan went over to the desk, holding out his hand and helping Kass step down.
“Thank you again for saving me,” she laughed, shaken and relieved.
“All in a day’s work,” Tristan stated, trying not to be too distracted by Jax’s proximity.
“Sorry I interrupted your session.” She held her hand out toward the door. “Let’s get you back on that bike.”
Within seconds, Tristan was pedaling again, wishing he had said more to Jax even though it would have led to nothing. Did crushes always make people this ridiculous?
Tristan’s pocket buzzed, and he checked the screen, heaving a sigh.
Where are you, Maddock?
Tristan could practically hear his toxic manager’s reedy voice. Frowning, he typed back.
Physical therapy.
It took a moment for the reply, and he stopped pedaling once it came in.
The front curtains were left open an inch. Mark said you did that?
Tristan could feel his brows pinching together. It had taken him a while to land a halfway decent job at a gourmet restaurant, but the manager was downright mean and his energy transferred to the staff.
