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"That was strange," Derek said. "I wonder what got to him."
Jade got an evil gleam in her eye and grinned, much like the Cheshire Cat. "I think Grace is what got to him."
I itched to wipe that smug look from her face. And now all the focus was on me again.
"Jade." I shook my head as I tried to warn her to shut up. Why had I ever thought her directness was a good thing? I started to press my hand against her mouth, but Derek caught it.
"No," he said. "I want to hear what's been going on. Has something happened between the two of you?" He sounded worried.
I didn't want there to be any trouble between him and his cousin. I rolled my eyes and sighed. "He made a very generous contribution to the teen center, and it turns out our families know each other, so my mom invited him to dinner one night and he came. We're friends."
Paul was suddenly alert. "Friends? Jax doesn't do friends with women." He eyed me. "Did he try something with you?"
I didn't care for his suspicious, almost angry, tone. "We had a few misunderstandings, but we resolved them," I answered firmly. "It's no big deal. We've since had a few laughs together. As I said, we're friends."
Right. Friends who kissed.
"Hmm. Doesn't sound like the Jaxson I know," Paul remarked, frowning.
"Well, maybe you don't know him as well as you think."
Geez, guys! Let this alone!
Before any more comments could be made, Jax hollered from the kitchen. "This is the last box. I think I'll head home."
Maggie clapped her hands. "Wait, don't go, yet.” Jax stepped into the room, but avoided looking at me. “We should all ce
lebrate us being homeowners. Let's go out! We deserve it! First drinks are on Derek and me."
Derek laughed. "There she goes, already telling me what to do and spending my money. Guess this is married life!" He slid his arms around Maggie from behind and kissed the top of her head when she rested it back on his shoulder. "And I couldn't be happier," he whispered in her ear.
Everyone but Jax chuckled. He stood off to one side, glaring at me, while the rest of us decided to meet up later after we had a chance to clean up. His attitude annoyed me. Why was he so pissed? If anyone deserved to be angry, it was me.
Anger fueled my boldness. I made sure I headed to my car at the same time as him.
"Is there something wrong?" I asked from behind him as he pulled his keys from his pocket.
His fingers froze, then he unlocked his car without looking at me. "No. Why?"
"I don't know. You seemed quiet most of the afternoon, and now you look irritated."
"Maybe that's just how I am." He opened his door.
"Maybe."
Where was the cocky guy who liked to tease me, or the protective man who stood up for people who couldn't? I didn't care for this silent and broody person.
"Jax." He turned to look at me. "It was nice to see you here. It made a big difference. I've heard you're quite the workhorse, even on weekends, so it was nice you took some time away."
He shrugged and shoved his hands in his pockets. "Someone recently told me that the company I keep says something about me. My cousins are some of the best people I know, so..."
"They are good peeps."
"Yeah. Maggie's sweet, too. Your friend Jade, though. Not too sure about her."
I laughed. "She takes a little more getting used to, but I love her. She and Maggie are my best friends, and there's nothing we wouldn't do for each other.
Jax smiled. "Then she must be good peeps, too."
