Your Heart to Keep: Holly and Jax (14 page)

Chapter Twenty Five

Jax

I couldn’t stop focusing on Micah’s party I’d organized at my place tomorrow night and the fact that he’d invited Holly and a friend. It seemed that no matter how hard I tried to avoid being around her, she was always going to appear. As a friend of Micah’s she was a part of his life, whether I liked it or not. Should I just stop being a dick and accept it?

I could feel myself warming to her a little. The more I witnessed the way she went about her life, embracing her disability, the more I found myself respecting her. I just had to try to ignore the fact that Chloe’s heart was inside her.

Finishing tightening some bolts on the engine I was working on, I heard Micah’s truck pull up so I pushed the trolley I’d been lying on, out from underneath the car and walked over to the sink to clean the grease off my hands.

“Hey Bro. You ready to pump some iron?”

“You bet. Just give me a sec to get cleaned up.” Getting as much muck off my hands as I could, drying them off on a rag, I grabbed my bag with gym clothes and a towel and walked out to Micah’s truck, calling out goodbye to my boss Dave on the way.

He gave me a muffled reply from his office where he’d been holed up most of the day, leaving me to work in peace without anyone looking over my shoulder. I worked well on my own, knew what I had to do and went about it with gusto.

“Do you mind dropping me off at Beau’s bikes instead of taking me home after the gym?”

Micah flashed me a cheeky smile. “You’ve done it haven’t you. You’ve bought a bike.”

“Not just any bike, my friend. The bike. A Harley Davidson black denim Fat Boy Lo.”

“Ahh man! Sweet. You obviously had your insurance money come through.”

“Yep. Looked at the bike yesterday morning and brought her on the spot. I’m looking forward to having some wheels.”

Nudging me in the arm, Micah said while jiggling his eyebrows, “That’ll surely pull in the chicks. Might have to borrow it.”

Swatting his hand away, I growled. “No fucking way you’ll be taking it anywhere to pick up chicks and is that all you think about?”

“Pretty much. Speaking of which, it’s about time you started thinking of getting back in the saddle. Maybe there will be a hot brunette at my party tomorrow night.”

“Will you quit it? I’m not hooking up with anyone.”

“I didn’t mention hooking up. Just converse with, my friend. Get to know and all that shit.”

“Yeah, like you’d know about any of that shit. When was the last time you had anything serious?”

“I must admit it’s been a while but it’s good to play the field. Sow my wild oats before I settle down.”

Maybe that’s what I needed. Nights of meaningless sex to help me get over Chloe. A diversion. After all, a guy had needs, right?

Reaching the truck, I opened the door and was surprised and a little disappointed that Holly was absent. “Where’s sweet cheeks?”

“Sweet cheeks pulled out today. Her old man is back for a few days so she wanted to spend some time with him. I think it’s great that she is so close to her family.”

With a grunt, I hopped up into the truck and buckled in. That was all well and dandy that Holly was Daddy’s little girl. Really it was. I’d never had a hope in hell of ever having a relationship with my lying, cheating father. When he hadn’t been out getting drunk and screwing around, he’d been wailing on Mom or me. All I’d ever wanted was him to play ball in the backyard or to watch a game on the television together. Anything that would help me connect with him. To let me know he cared.

A blast from the radio brought me to my senses as we cruised towards the gym so I put the past right where it belonged and focused on more important things like picking up my bike soon. I was glad insurance had covered all the costs of my new ride and hadn’t left me with any out of pocket expense. All the restoring I’d done to the mustang had helped hold its value which is what I’d been hoping for.

I planned on taking a ride on Sunday. To wherever the road would take me.

Chapter Twenty Six

Holly

Saturday afternoon rolled around quickly. After greeting my dad at work when he came with Mom to pick me up, we’d gone out for dinner and caught up.

Dad was amazed at how well I looked and was really impressed with my progress at the gym.

“It’s like I’m looking at a different person, Hols. You’re radiant!”

“Thanks Dad. I feel terrific. The best I’ve ever felt. I think all the exercise is really doing me good.”

“Absolutely! Just keep doing what you’re doing and you’ll not only get fitter but stronger as well.”

And I could feel it. I had so much more energy and was slowly increasing the incline on the treadmill to provide me with more of a challenge. Micah had even suggested pushing some weights which I was thinking about starting next week. Just light ones.

Now as I sat on my bed, my stomach roiled. Tonight was almost monumental for me. If it hadn’t been for the tragic events leading up to this, I never would have been going.

A knock at the front door sounded and feeling my braille watch, I learned that it was exactly 2pm. Leah was prompt. She’d never been late for work ever. Even though she owned the school, thanks to funding from her parents, I had never seen her arrive late. In fact she was always there early.

She chatted with my folks for a bit before I heard her trudge like an elephant down the hallway.

When she opened my doorway and I heard a giant thud, I looked up and asked, “What on earth, Leah?”

“Hi to you too. Man that was heavy. I brought over some things for you to try on. I wasn’t sure what would suit you so I pretty much brought over my whole wardrobe.”

“Aww, Leah. You shouldn’t have done that! I do have clothes you know.”

“Maybe but you said you wanted to look extra special so we have to try on everything. And because I’m getting to choose, I want to be thorough.”

“Just don’t have me looking cheap.”

“I do have a bit of class, I’ll have you know. I happen to always dress quite stylish. In a casual, sexy kind of way.”

I laughed, not really having a clue what that meant but I had already put my faith in her. “Okay, I trust you. Let’s just get this over with.”

***

Two hours later and I was exhausted. I had undressed about a hundred times and was at my wits end.

“Leah, this is painful! Can’t you just decide on something? Please?”

“I’m thinking.”

“Oh, you’re thinking? Fine, while you’re giving yourself a migraine I have to go pee.”

Reaching my hands out in front, I made my way to the bathroom wearing heels that were way too high, a skirt that felt like it barely covered my butt and a long sleeved shirt that was so tight I could barely breathe. This was not going how I had planned.

If something wasn’t decided soon, I was going to go throw on a pair of jeans and a shirt of my own.

After finishing in the bathroom I made a beeline for the kitchen and put a pot of coffee on because I was feeling drained and needed a pick-me-up.

“How’s it going in there, Pumpkin?” Dad asked. “You wearing that out tonight?”

“Ugh. No. Absolutely not! I needed a break. I’m going to strangle Leah soon. I have tried on every piece of clothing she owns and we’re still no better off. It’s not like I’m going to visit with royalty. I just need something nice to wear.”

Dad chuckled. “Girls will be girls. Guys are easy. We just throw on jeans and a shirt and we’re done.”

“Yeah well if she hasn’t picked something out in the next five minutes, I’m going to be wearing just that.”

Walking back to my room, trying not to tumble in the shoes that were already hurting my feet, I kicked them off and moved to my bed, waiting to see what my friend had come up with.

“Right. I think I have this figured out. While you were going about your business, I put all the items I didn’t like into one pile, leaving me just ten outfits to pick from. Taking into account your skin tone, I moved another four into the ‘definitely not’ pile, so that makes six. Also factoring in the weather and the fact that it’s freezing out, that’s narrowed it down even further.”

“Just so you know Leah, I am not wearing heels. I can feel blisters forming already in those things you had me in.”

“That, my friend, could work out perfect for what I’ve chosen.”

Suddenly I was afraid of the choice she’d made. Judging by what I’d worn into the kitchen in front of my father, I was going to be the laughing stock of the party.

“Here.” She rose and walked over to where I was sitting, handing me another pile. “If my judgment is correct, this is going to look like a million dollars.”

“That’s what you said about the last fifty garments.”

I got up like a zombie with the pile in hand and went into the bathroom glad I wouldn’t be able to see the outfit. I was over it.

Placing the clothes on the vanity, I picked up the first item and felt it with my fingers. Thick fabric. Cool to touch. Smooth. Unfolding them I knew they were pants so I brought them to my nose to confirm my suspicions. Leather.

Pulling off the ‘barely there’ skirt I pulled on the pants which actually fit me perfectly and felt nice against my skin. Okay, these I could do. Plus they would help keep my legs warm.

Item two. Soft to touch. A little fluffy like cashmere. Sleeves. Definitely a top of some sort.

Slipping it on after pulling off the other ‘definitely not’ item, I decided that it was comfortable.

Realizing there was still another item on the counter, I discovered it was a jacket. A leather jacket to match the pants. It was short and fitted and didn’t feel too bad.

Liking the ‘covered up’ look, I walked back in to my bedroom.

“Oooohh. That’s the one! You’re sexy as hell, Girl! You’re gonna have the guys falling all over you in that!”

“What? No! I don’t want anyone falling all over me. I want to look nice, not like I’m open for business!”

“Hush. You look fashionable. Just in a ‘bad girl’ kind of way. Trust me.”

My father called out from the kitchen. “Girls! Coffee’s done!”

“Thanks Dad. We’ll be right there!”

“Look to be honest with you, I’m all clothed out. If this outfit is okay, I’ll wear it. I really just need my coffee and a breather.”

“You got it. That is definitely the one! Now let’s go get our caffeine.”

***

Driving with Leah to Jax’s house had me chewing on my lips. Both of them. I was way out of my comfort zone going to this party and I didn’t know what to expect.

I’d planned on looking for Micah’s gift with my mom at the mall but then an idea had hit me which saved me the trip. It was not your regular gift and knowing he was a bit of an adrenalin junkie, I hoped he liked it.

I didn’t have a clue what I looked like but I could feel my hair up in a sophisticated bun which I’m not sure would go with the whole leather look but I had to trust Leah.

“You look so hot!” She had squealed upon finishing her masterpiece. “If I was into females, which I’m not, I’d want a piece of you.”

“Leah! God! Suddenly I’m worried! I really don’t want to be drawing unwanted attention my way.”

“Hey Girl. If you’ve got it flaunt it! And you’ve definitely got it!”

And so here I sat, in Leah’s six month old Toyota Camry, a knotted mess of nerves, only minutes away from what I could sense would be my grand entrance. Having never been the center of attention, I’m not sure I liked the idea now. What would Jax think of the way I was dressed? Would he like what Leah had done to me? Or would he laugh?

Turning a corner, I suddenly heard music. As we neared it became clear that it was loud and thumping. Just like my heart beat.

“Wow! We might have to park down the end of the street. Looks like there’s a few people here,” observed Leah. “Do you want me to drop you off out front while I go park?”

“No! I’ll walk with you,” I blurted out, before she’d barely finished speaking.

She laughed. “Looks like someone is nervous.”

“Extremely. Please tell me that what you’ve dressed me in is appropriate.” I whined, not totally convinced that I didn’t resemble a biker chic.

“Relax. You look like you’ve just come from a modeling shoot. You’ll have Jax eating out of the palm of your hand.”

“That’s not my goal, Leah. Honestly! I just want him to like me and not consider me a heart thief.”

“I’m just saying. If you don’t get his attention tonight then I think it’s safe to say that Jaxon Reynolds is truly the blind one.”

I giggled at that comment, wondering why I had an inherent need to have him like me. Normally I couldn’t care less what people thought of me but with Jax it was different. A part of me needed his approval. Needed to know that he cared in any way, shape or form.

The car veered to the left and then we were turning around to face the other way. “Okay. This is as close as we’re going to get. Let’s go have some fun.”
I went for my cane which was folded out ready for my entrance.

“Why don’t you keep that in your pocket for now? You can hang onto my arm.”

“I’m not ashamed of my disability.”

“I didn’t mean that. I just thought you might want to walk in sans the cane because judging by the cars, there is a boat load of people inside and the cane might prove to be somewhat of a hindrance for you.”

“Actually, I’m thinking I might keep the cane. It’ll stop any drunken guys from trying to hit on me.”

“As long as you’re comfortable with it.”

I was. I’d rather be upfront with people and that way if anyone wanted to make friendly conversation, I’d know it was because they generally wanted to get to know me.

It felt like five minutes before Leah led me up a stony path towards Jax’s front door. I could hear party goers laughing and talking inside. I didn’t know how because the music was so loud it knocked my insides about.

Upon entering the house, some of the voices quietened down as if people had stopped to see who the newcomers were.

Leah gripped my arm as we paused. “I’m not even sure what Micah or Jax look like so I guess we’ll just wait for them to find us.” She was actually yelling in my ear to be heard.

“Is everyone staring?” I shot back at her.

“Some but they don’t seem fazed by either of us. Let’s go through to the kitchen where hopefully the music isn’t as deafening.”

Pulling on my arm, she led me through a throng of people, my cane bumping quite a few legs and shoes as I profusely apologized. Most people were very gracious which helped me to relax a little.

By the time we made it to the kitchen, my head was throbbing from the noise. I liked music but this was beyond uncomfortable. I didn’t understand how people could communicate with each other without screaming.

“Holly! I’m so glad you came!” Micah nearly bowled me over as he picked me up. He placed a kiss on my cheek, putting me down before whistling.

“Oh damn, you look fine! If it hadn’t been for the cane, I wouldn’t have recognized you. Not that you don’t look fine normally, but shit!”

I had to snicker at his reaction and could feel a little heat creep up my neck. “Thank you. It was all Leah’s idea.” I turned to where I knew she was standing. “Micah, this is my friend Leah. Leah this is Micah!”

“Well hello there! Nice to meet you. Any friend of Holly’s is a friend of mine.”

“Nice to meet you too, Micah. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

“Oh really? Well don’t believe everything you hear.”

“Haha. No, I don’t but in this case, it’s all been good.”

“Aww Holly, have you been telling tales again?”

“Yep!” We all chuckled before I handed out an envelope to the birthday boy.

“What’s this?”
“Well duh. It’s your birthday present!” I flapped it in front of him so he would take it off my hands.

“You didn’t have to buy me a gift. I just wanted you here to celebrate.”

“I know but call me traditional. If I’m invited to a birthday, I never show up empty handed.”

Grabbing the envelope I could hear him tearing it open. After a few seconds he let out a whoop.

“Oh my God! Are you serious? A tandem jump at Mile-High Skydiving Center? No way! This is frigging awesome! I’ve been wanting to do this for years now! This is the best present ever!”

He grabbed me again and squeezed me so tightly, I thought my bones would crush. “How did you know I’d like this?”

“You’ve mentioned to me that you like adrenalin sports so I was hoping you hadn’t done a jump before.”

“This is insane! You’re both going to have to come and watch. You know that right?”

Leah jumped in before me. “We’d love to! Wouldn’t we Holly?”

“Of course! Even though I won’t be able to see anything. Leah can be my eyes. I just want to be there when you hit the ground so I can hear all about it.”

“This is going to be epic! Wait until I tell Jax.”

“Oh, will he be going too?” Deep down I hoped Micah said yes.