She shakes her head. “I don’t know. I truly don’t know. Why did you?”
I jump up from the sofa and pace the room. “I had those drinks, and my head was fuzzy. He said I was beautiful, and Jax didn’t. I haven’t had sex in six months, and my own husband hasn’t touched me.” I continue my rambling, circling the room. I stop and turn to Jasmine. “What am I going to do?”
Chapter Five
Jax
I've missed Avery, especially after the picture she sent last night. My eyes are constantly scanning the faces of travelers as I wait to see hers. There's a bouquet of red roses in my hand, waiting for me to give to my wife. I'm practically bouncing on my toes in excitement to see her.
And then I do.
She's a bit tanner than when she left, but she isn't smiling. I was hoping to see her smile. Her eyes find mine. She looks surprised and maybe a little nervous? I guess she really was expecting that I wouldn't make it. I push the thought to the side and smile wider as she walks over to me, Jasmine right beside her. As soon as she's close enough, I step forward and kiss her like it's our wedding night.
“I've missed you. You looked beautiful in that dress, by the way,” I say quietly after one more kiss, ignoring how she seems to be holding back from me. “I brought you flowers.” I hand them to her and take her bags.
“Thank you.”
“Did y'all have a good trip?” I question, taking Jasmine's biggest bag as well.
“It was great, very relaxing,” Jasmine answers.
As we walk out, I glance at Avery. “Yes, it was a good trip,” she adds.
“I can't wait to hear all about it.” I smile, but she doesn't give me a genuine smile in return. I guess things haven't changed for her. I'll just have to change her mind. “I took the day off. I was hoping we could go out tonight if the plane ride didn't wear you out.”
Once again, her smile is almost real. “That sounds great, Jax.”
The drive to the house is mostly silent, only the radio playing in the background. I help Jasmine move her things into her car and then she’s off after hugging Avery. I take Avery’s bags and carry them into the house.
“Do you want a shower or a nap or both before we go out?”
She nods as she starts to unpack in our bedroom. “Where are we going?” Avery glances up at me.
“Do you remember when I brought you all those sandwiches?” She nods. “I got them from a deli, so I thought we could go see if they’re still as good as they were back then.”
Avery smiles as if she’s remembering that day. “That sounds perfect, Jax.”
Her reaction makes me feel better, so I offer to start a load of laundry for her while she’s showering. Afterwards, she passes on the nap and we leave for the deli. On the drive there, I reach for her hand and ask again about her trip since she hasn’t said much.
“It was fine. Nice beaches, lots of sand, the usual.”
“You just laid on the beach the entire time? Where did you and Jasmine go last night? You dressed up. Did y’all have fun?”
“Um,” Avery glances away, looking uncomfortable. “We mainly laid on the beach. Last night, we went down to the bar, nothing big.”
“Oh, okay. Maybe we can take our vacation there this summer?”
“I guess we’ll have to wait and see, right? I mean, with how the season goes. I saw you’re back in first place again. I bet Ashton’s pissed.”
I laugh. “Only because Reed chooses his favorites over points.” Reed is Ashton’s son and depending on who is leading in points, depends on which of us is his favorite hockey player. “I don’t want to talk about work though.” I find a parking space and face her with a smile. “I’m on a date with my wife and talking about work is not on the to-do list.”
Again, I only get half of a smile. I ignore it and take her hand as we walk inside. It’s been so long since I’ve been here; I’m half-surprised the place still exists. The inside has been expanded and remodeled, so it looks like their business is doing well. As we stand in line, I let go of her hand to slide an arm around her waist.
“Are you going to try one of their turkey sandwiches?” I ask, remembering that she liked that one the most on that first date, oh so long ago.
“That sounds good. I haven’t eaten today.”
My eyes move from the menu to Avery. “You haven’t eaten? You two didn’t stop for breakfast or lunch?”