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Noah eschewed the common courtesies, a sure sign he was as flustered as Jax felt. Jax opted to answer the questionas asked.
“Yeah. She’s having a lie down and watching the boys play with their friends in thebackyard.”
Why was he babbling like an idiot? He clamped his jaws together and pushed past before adding,“I’d better get going now. Nice to see you again.”
Embarrassment dogged him as he headed to the cashier. If he were a cartoon character, he’d be melting into a puddle of slimy humiliation right now. Maybe he could escape before he made more of a fool of himself. Noah’s cart had only two or three items in it, suggesting that he’d just started his own shopping. So maybe Jax would get checked out and be able to leave before he was done. He chose to hope and when he was out in the bright sunshine of midday again, headed toward his car, he finally let his shoulders down and sighed.
“Ina hurry?”
Noah’s voice behind him was a shock he wasn’t prepared for. “Not really. But I wanted to get back so I could see about finding some touristy thing to do this afternoon.”
His only plan had been to maybe drive to the closest beach and spread out his beach towel with a book. But he wouldn’t mention that in case Noah took it as an invitation. He wasn’t looking for company, unless it came willingly without any suggestionfrom him.
“Any plans for the rest ofthe week?”
They had stopped in the middle of the parking lot, right in the middle of the roadway. Jax moved to the side behind a big Ford F350 beforeanswering.
“I’m going up to the college tomorrow. I have a meeting in the music department and three houses to see with the realtor after that.”
See? He had a life, and the next day’s plans were proof positive of that fact. He wasn’t waiting around for validation from Noah. He had a career he still loved and was about to embark on another adventure that would hopefully take him through middle age to retirement.
“I can hang out with you this afternoon, maybe show you a couple of sights if you like, and then you can choose between a hike and beach time.”
Was this another olive branch? “And tomorrow?” What the hell? That wasnotwhat he had planned to say.
“I have two lessons in the morning and one in the afternoon. Sorry.”
“It’s fine. I will probably be too busy anyway, once I get up there. And house hunting is no fun.”
“So is that a yes for this afternoon? I can swing by and pick you up.” Definitely an olive branch.
Jax had been trying to read Noah’s face while they talked, but aside from the way he avoided direct eye contact—he wondered what was so fascinating over his left shoulder—there was no giveaway emotion. He would allow hope a foot in the door, but no more. Maybe this was Noah’s next move and since he had nothing better to do, and really wanted to be with him,he nodded.
“Sure. Give mean hour.”
If this was their second date, he was not going to look less than his best for an afternoon in a museum and maybe hiking or swimming. Which was a preposterous thought, forcing him to stifle the laugh tryingto escape.
“Say hi to everyone for me, please.”
“Will do.” Suddenly, leaving was difficult. “How’syour dad?”
Noah looked at him at last, his eyes shining as though he knew what Jax was doing and found it highly entertaining.
“He’s fine. He went golfing yesterday and is worn out, so he’s resting for his poker game at the men’s clubtonight.”
“Retirement goals,” Jax said with a laugh. “Goodfor him.”
Noah smiled. “Well, I’ll see you inan hour.”
Jax watched him for a long moment before heading to his own car. He ended up driving behind Noah and watched him pull into his driveway, tooting his horn as he drove past. And once he got back to Jim’s place, he unpacked the groceries in record time and texted Jim to tell him he’d be out when he got home in an hour.
[Jim: Hot date???]
[Jax: You could say that. I mean, itisa hot afternoon.??]
[Jim:??Have fun, bro.????I’ll see you later.]
Jax laughed out loud as he packed his beach towel, sunscreen, and Kindle into the duffel he pulled from the closet. Annie was just waking up when he walked out of his room with the bag inhis hand.
