Shattered Dreams

Chapter 18

Stepping back, I look at my masterpiece. The blanket, which is placed between two oak trees, is decorated with seashells and delicious food. With the help of Jaxon, I was also able to put up some backyard lights that connected the two trees. On a low hanging tree branch right above the blanket, I put up a poorly put together seashell wind chime, and Jaxon was able to find a picture of Alyssa and him at a beach, which I put into a white frame and placed on the corner of the blanket. A heavy hand falls on my shoulder and I turn around to see Jaxon admiring our work. 

"We did a pretty good job, right?" I want to snap back a witty comment at the 'we', but hold it back and instead just say, 

"Yeah. I hope she likes it though." Jaxon stops admiring the place and turns his gaze onto me. 

"She'll love it, it's the best thing anyone has done for her in years." His hand is still on my shoulder and I suddenly notice it as it spreads warmth through my body. I wet my bottom lip before twitching them into a tiny smile and expect for him to turn away but instead his eyes darken as they flicker down to my lips. Suddenly, with a sharp inhale, he jerks his hand away from my shoulder and turns to walk away. 

"Let's go, we have to go pick up Mama." He says gruffly as he walks away. My feet stay planted on the ground for a minute before his words register my mind and I run up to catch up to him. Cold air hits my bare legs and I shiver. 

"But first, we're going to my house so I can get some proper change of clothes." I say breathlessly as I final reach him. Jaxon finally stops and glances at me as if just realizing that I'm still wearing his shirt and jacket. His eyes trail down to my legs and his gaze lingers there for a minute, almost causing me to snap at him, before coming back up to my face.

"Ok. Fine." He replies curtly before walking to the car. As we near his car, I notice that Alex is leaning against it with nothing on but his boxers, causing him to get lots of strange looks, unlike Jaxon who was able to find his gym shorts. 

"I think we might need to pick up some clothes for Alex too," I say as I nudge Jaxon with my elbow. 

"There's no need," I jerk my head up to look at him. Is he being serious right now? When he notices my look, he elaborates, "While you were setting up the picnic place, we set our clothes on the car and they're almost dry now." I finally notice the clothes on the hood of the car and huff out in anger. 

"Well couldn't you do it for my clothes too? You know since I was busy and all while you guys were just chilling?"Jaxon ignores me and walks over to the clothes before picking them up and throwing some to Alex. Alex quickly slips them on and has a chat with Jaxon before he walks away. I don't know where he's going but I don't question it. Still upset, I walk over to the passenger seat and climb in. After putting on the shirt and throwing his pants in the trunk, Jaxon climbs into the driver's seat. 

"I wasn't sure if you would be comfortable with me touching your clothes." He says as he starts the car. I don't reply as he starts driving towards my house, he knows exactly where it is, now that he's dropped me home twice already. I think about his words and realize that he's right, I wouldn't have been comfortable with him touching my clothes. 

"Thank you." I reply quietly, but I know that he heard it. Half way home, Jaxon's phone rings. I don't listen into the conversation but then Jaxon turns towards me and quietly says, 

"Mama's getting suspicious," My eyes find the car clock, and it reads 4:15. "If you want to get your clothes, I don't mind being late, but...I guess, I-I just wanted to let you know." I shake my head and reply.

"It's okay, we're already 15 minutes late, let's just go pick her up." Jaxon slows down at a stop sign and turns towards me. 

"Are you sure?" My head bobs up and down.