Chapter 12
Monday at lunchtime, Risa sat in the reception area with Corrie bottle-feeding Totes and Harle. They’d been slammed all morning with appointments, and it was the first time she’d had a chance to sit down. She didn’t mind, as she loved her work and the animals made her happy. Not that she needed help in the happiness department after the weekend she’d spent with Jax.
He’d refused to leave her longer than it took to run out for food, in case Sal made an appearance. Thankfully, he didn’t, and they’d spent the time working on the house, watching movies, and getting down and dirty (in the bed, on the couch, against the wall). Kind of hard not to be in a good mood after such a perfect couple of days.
“I wish we didn’t live in an apartment. I would totally adopt one of these cuties. I don’t care what my husband says. He’d come around after about five minutes in their company,” Corrie said as Totes slurped down her milk.
“When they’re this size, it’s hard to resist them.” She scratched Harle behind her ears. Unlike her sister, Harle took her time savoring every last drop. “They’ve already gotten to the mischievous stage. If I’m not careful, they will eat anything and everything they come into contact with. Like my underwear.”
Pretty soon she’d have none left. Not that Jax would complain He’d probably thank them.
She still couldn’t believe her luck in meeting Jax. He was practically perfect. He totally got her, wasn’t jealous of her job or resentful of the time she spent on her four-legged family members, and he understood how much her parents and Fiona meant to her. When she thought she’d almost written Jax off because of his job, she wanted to bang her head against a wall or have it checked by a professional.
“That’s one thing I won’t have to worry about with Jax. He loves these little guys, and you should have seen him this weekend. If it weren’t for him, I’d still be working to repair the damage to the house. Plus he helped take care of all the animals without a single grumble.”
Corrie looked up from Totes. “What happened to your house?”
Risa quickly filled her in, as Corrie looked more and more worried. “But none of that really matters,” Risa summed up. “I’m sure now that Sal’s been pulled in for official questioning, he’ll back off and leave me alone.”
The kids finished feeding. Risa and Corrie stepped outside to let the kids play on the grass, where they’d set up a pen for them to run and jump and get some fresh air.
“Risa, I’m glad Jax was there to help, but I wouldn’t get too dependent on him. He’s due to transfer soon, isn’t he? What’s to keep Sal from coming at you then?”
What? That couldn’t be true. The words sunk in like a punch to the gut, and Risa struggled to breathe. And it wasn’t just about Sal. If Corrie was right, then she was nothing more than a mild diversion; something to pass his time with.
She tried to reconcile the man she knew with the one looking for a distraction before moving, and the two wouldn’t mesh. It didn’t add up. Surely, he would have told her he was leaving before they fell into bed together?
“Risa, are you okay? You’ve gotten awfully quiet.” Corrie tossed a small ball, sending the goats running.
“Just remembered an errand I have to run after work, that’s all. And no worries about Jax and me. He’s just a friend.” One she’d hoped would be so much more, given a little time. Still, she couldn’t believe he’d be one of those guys who used a woman and said good-bye without any warning.
A car horn tooted. Risa looked up to see Fee drive by in her little red VW Bug. Fee pulled into an empty space and slid out. She was dressed in yoga pants, a slouch shirt, and covered in dog fur. She bent down to pet the goats and grinned.
“You know, Dylan is dying to meet these two,” Fee told Risa. “If you’re around this weekend, we’ll stop by.”
“Sure. Where else would I be? Here or home, that’s my life. Me and my animals.” Her voice came out high and fake, and she turned away before she embarrassed herself.
Corrie headed to the door. “I’m going to man the phones.” She disappeared inside.
Fee bumped Risa with her hip, scrutinizing her. “Did I miss something? You seemed pretty happy when we talked yesterday.”
“Yesterday I was high on endorphins.” Risa dropped to the grass next to the goat pen, crossing her legs and linking her hands in front of her ankles. “Today, reality has reared its ugly head.”
Fee gracefully sank to the ground across from her and folded herself into the lotus position. “Do you want his death quick and painless, or slow and filled with excruciating agony?”
Risa had no doubt if she said the word, her best friend would hunt Jax down and take him out, regardless of the fact that the man stood a foot taller and had to weigh a good hundred pounds more than Fee. She loved her friend’s undying loyalty and unquestioning support.
“It’s not that bad,” Risa said.
“So no secret wife or girlfriend or boyfriend back home?” Fee looked disappointed that an attack might not be necessary.
The woman was little, mighty, and a bit bloodthirsty.
“Not that I’m aware of.” Risa hesitated; afraid if she said more she’d be bailing Fee out of the base jail. “Corrie mentioned he’d be transferring soon.”
“Oh, sweetie. I take it you two haven’t talked about his rotation date.”
“Isn’t that right up there with, ‘hey, you want to meet the parents,’ or ‘how many kids do you see us having’ as a way to send them running?” Risa plucked blades of grass and tossed them over the goats. “It just seemed rude to ask. Kind of like saying, ‘if you’re not going to be around for the next, oh, lifetime, you’re not worth getting to know.’ I was already rude and said I wouldn’t date guys in the military. I didn’t want to be a total bitch.”
“And let’s talk about that. You slept with him.” Fee pointed both index fingers at Risa. It was like a double scolding about to happen. “Multiple times, if I’m not mistaken. Was it a weekend fling? You throwing caution to the wind? Temporary insanity?”
Could she plead the fifth?
She really didn’t know. It seemed like a great idea in the wee hours of the morning, as the sun peeked over the horizon after he’d come to her aid. There was no denying it had felt amazing. No, no, no. Amazing didn’t even come close. “Bloody brilliant” fit their lovemaking.
Jax had been sensual and playful, sweet and erotic, giving and take-charge. He’d hit her on every level, physically and emotionally.
Looking back over the past couple of days—no, the past month—she didn’t regret letting him into her life. She met Fee’s questioning gaze and smiled.
“Maybe, yes, and no.” Her earlier happiness had returned. She’d vowed to start living her life to the fullest, and sometimes that meant taking chances. “I really hope it wasn’t just a weekend thing. We had fun, and he’s easy to be around. I don’t say that about many people.”
“No, you don’t.”
Risa laughed, but her friend still looked confused. She turned and stretched out her legs. Summer was holding tight, even though fall was just around the corner. She was going to cherish every moment.
“I decided to take your advice and live a little, to be open and receptive. Maybe not to love, but to a relationship.”
“Are you going to ask Jax about his rotation now that you are involved?”
“No. I know, based on snippets of our conversation, that he didn’t just report in, but it’s too early to ask him how long he plans to stick around. That makes it sound like I’m ready to pick out rings. Besides, if it was anytime soon, he’d tell me.” She shrugged, no longer worried about Corrie’s assumption.
Fee leaned in and took her hand. “I’m happy for you and proud of you.”
The dark shadows in her friend’s eyes clashed with the smile she wore, but Risa was determined not to let doubt and fear rule her emotions this time.
“Tell me. How did Bella’s session go?” She hoped that changing the topic would make the butterflies in her stomach settle. Jax would tell her, if and when they got to that point in their relationship and his career. It was the right thing to do, and Jax always did the right thing.
“Really well. She laps up the attention and energy. I’ve already had two showers today and need a third to wash off all the doggy kisses.” Fee sat back, pulled herself into a proper lotus position, and breathed deeply. “But I don’t think it’s working.”
“Why? Did something happen?” Risa had worked with a lot of rescue dogs, turning them around and training them to be loving, trusting pets and service dogs. None of them had been nearly as difficult to break through to as Bella.
“She’s great with me, just like she is with you or Jax. The minute Moore or one of the others enters her space, she shuts down. I don’t think she wants to be there. Yet, I get the feeling if they whipped out a Frisbee, she’d be a totally different dog.”
Risa sighed, knowing she’d have to tell Jax he’d need to prepare to say good-bye to Bella soon. She just hoped the head of the program in Texas agreed with her assessment and let a good family adopt Bella, or, even better, let her go live with Jax.
“Her attitude might be a moot point because her leg isn’t healing as fast as it should.”
Fee’s shoulders slumped forward. It was the worst posture Risa had seen on Fee since they were in their teens. “If they retire her, will they adopt her out?”
“They should, and I’ll endorse her for adoption. She’ll have to pass a temperament test.”
“Will you let me know if they do? I’ve been thinking of getting Dylan a pet and I can’t stand the idea of Bella being with strangers.”
“Me, neither.”
Risa’s heart lightened a little, knowing that when she did write the report recommending Bella to be retired, she’d at least be able to add that she had a family who was ready and willing to take her.
“So I have more news for you. Some good and some weird.” Fee laughed. “Talk about a day that’s all over the place. Okay, the good first. My program using yoga for vets with PTSD has been approved. Yay me.”
The friends high-fived and hugged.
“That’s fabulous news. I knew things were going to start looking up for you. When’s your first class?” Risa asked.
“There’s still some loops and channels to clear, but if all goes well, I should be able to start next month, or November at the latest.”
“Yay.” Risa did a little dance while sitting on her butt.
“And the best part is, it will be during the day while Dylan’s at school. Which brings me to the weird news. I got a call from Sal this morning. No, wait, you’re never going to believe this. He was nice to me.”
“I call bollocks.”
“Girlfriend, I am not kidding. Cross my heart and all that mumbo-jumbo. Nice and respectful. I thought I was dreaming.”
“Hallucination is a valid explanation. Have you had any wild mushrooms with breakfast? Drinking any of that funky organic tea again? New medication?” Risa expected the call, but she wouldn’t in a thousand years have thought Sal had it in him to be pleasant and, well, grown-up.
“It gets weirder. This coming weekend is his time with Dylan. He asked if it wasn’t too much trouble, could I bring Dylan to his house because a representative from his command had to be there from now on when we meet.”
Risa’s jaw dropped.
“When I asked why, he just said it was a precaution. I don’t mind the buffer. It’s kind of a relief and I’m thankful Prince Charming is not being a jerk. But, Ris, I’m a little worried about leaving Dylan with him if something is going on. Do you think Jax can check and see if Sal got into some kind of trouble?”
“So about that…” Risa cringed when she’d realized she’d been so wrapped up in her own world and sex stupor with Jax that she hadn’t thought of warning Fiona.
She brought Fee fully up to speed on the events of Friday night and begged her forgiveness for being a horrible, no-good, lousy, selfish friend.
Fee let out a huff of air. “I knew the, the, the… wanker was holding back on something important.”
“You realize you just called him a—”
“Yeah, I know. You’re a bad influence.” She closed her eyes and took a calming breath, and then another, and another. She peeked out with one eye. “It’s not working.”
“You’re breathing kind of fast. Are you okay?” Pink spots popped out on Fee’s cheeks, and her hazel eyes darted back and forth.
“Do you really think he did it? Tagged your house and car, punctured your tires? Because if he did, I think I need to go back to court and ask for supervised visits for Dylan’s safety.”
It was a tough question, one that put Risa between a rock and a hard place or sadly, a father and a son. There was no question Sal was a jerk, but Dylan loved his dad, and while Sal wasn’t a perfect father, he’d never been a rotten one either. None of this had sat well with her from the start, and she was more confused now than ever.
“Honestly, Fee. I don’t know.”
* * * *
Jax hung up the phone and whooped in celebration. Finally, after months of waiting, NCIS had taken the next step and set up his panel interview. It wasn’t a job offer—yet—but it was one step closer to gainful employment and one step further away from his mother’s couch.
Mike and Casey glanced his way, both with expectant looks on their faces.
“Looks like I’m going to need Thursday off, boss.” Jax sat back, fingers laced behind his head, and grinned like a five-year-old holding his fishing pole and first big catch. It almost ranked up there with losing his virginity to Bonnie Long on the banks of Little Horse Creek.
“Bobbie’s Burger Barn finally grant you an interview?” Casey smirked. Jax answered him in sign language.
Senior Chief sat down in the free chair next to Casey’s desk and steepled his fingers. “NCIS?” At Jax’s affirmation, he nodded. “You ready for this? You know they’re going to screw with your head, right?”
“Yep, six ways to Sunday and eight on the way back.”
“They’re going to judge you on everything: how you dress, sit, answer, conduct yourself, and especially how fast you blow your temper.”
“I’m ready, Mike.” Jax had been prepping for this interview for years.
“Are you sure?” Senior prodded.
Jax met his friend and superior’s gaze. Mike knew what this meant to him—how he’d checked every box in his career to be an attractive candidate and worked his ass off to earn his degree while serving. He couldn’t believe the guy had doubts about him or his ability to do the job.
“I think Mike means cut the sign language,” Casey said.
“That’s just to show I love you, man.”
“Don’t fall in love with anyone during your interview, Faraday.” Mike tapped his fingers against the desk. “I talked to a buddy of mine at the local office. The agents here want you. You’ve got a solid rep and track record for doing the right thing and keeping your cool.”
Jax sensed a warning coming his way.
“Now might be a good time not to blow your streak.”
“Meaning?”
“Meaning you need to back off of Rossi. I got a call from his command master chief this morning, who read me the riot act.”
“If this is about Friday night, I have reason to believe he’s been behind the incidents involving Dr. Reynolds—”
“Two of which have taken place off-base and out of our jurisdiction. Do you have proof? An eyewitness? Something that connects him to the incident at the base clinic?”
“Not yet.” Jax dragged his hands through his hair and squeezed the top of his skull. Why was everyone so blind to the obvious? Or was he the one blinded by his growing feelings for Risa? Could he be? No. Sure, he liked her, but he wouldn’t cross the line for anyone.
“Let the locals handle it, and if and when they ask for our help or hand us the proof we need, we’ll take it from there,” Mike ordered. “Concentrate on finding a job. Am I clear?”
“Crystal.”
“Good.” He tapped the desk one more time and headed out the door, stopping at the last second. “Oh, and Faraday, I need an updated report on Bella from the doc.”
Fuck.
“For what it’s worth, Jax. I think Rossi’s behind this whole mess, too. There was something about the guy during his interview that didn’t sit well with me. When I mentioned Risa’s name, there was a flash of anger, more than I’d expect. But it was gone in an instant. From there on out, he was Mr. Cooperative and friendly. No one is that happy to be pulled in on Friday night, especially with a new wife at home, unless they’re hiding something.”
Casey sat back in his chair and swirled around to look the window. Jax looked over to see what had caught his attention and grinned: Risa and the goats. Fiona was with her, which meant they had finished the Reiki session for the day. He’d need to check in with the doc, feel out her thoughts on Bella’s progress.
Casey spun back around to face him. “What are you going to do?”
He continued to watch the women out the window as they sat and talked with the rescued kids playing at their side. He thought of how frantic Risa had been when the rabbits had gone missing. She said she didn’t like people, but he’d seen her with Fiona, Dylan, her coworker, and his team. Open, honest, compassionate. The type of person his old Sunday school teacher harped on him and his fellow classmates to be. Risa called him a boy scout, but she was wrong.
He didn’t always do what was right. He fought the urge to plant his fist in Rossi’s face when he’d seen the man messing around on his new wife. He disobeyed orders—albeit small ones—and he’d run off to the Navy to escape his mom’s nagging ways.
No, if he were half the person Risa thought he was, he’d have called his dad to congratulate him on his upcoming marriage. He’d reach out to his sister and tell her to talk to her husband rather than listening to their parents. He’d also take the job with the Jacksonville PD and make his mom happy.
Through the window, he watched the women hug and laugh. Only one choice.
“I’ll follow Mike’s orders,” Jax said.
It didn’t mean he’d like it or that he wouldn’t be on the watch for Rossi to slip up. When he did, Jax would be waiting for him.
“It’s kind of a shame I’m transferring in six months. The friend, Fiona?” Jax nodded. “She’s got a killer… smile.”
“I’m supposed to believe it’s her smile that captured your attention, Casey?”
“Among other attributes. Did you know she teaches yoga? The other day she had Bella doing that Downward Dog pose and a few others. The woman is intriguing and flexible.”
Laughing, Jax turned away from the window. “Now that sounds like you.”
“Out of curiosity, have you mentioned your career plans to the lovely Risa yet?”
“No, it hasn’t come up.”
Casey balled up a sheet of paper and beaned Jax in the forehead.
“What the hell was that for?” Jax grabbed the paper, scanned the contents, and shot it into the trash can.
“You haven’t told her you’re leaving in two-and-a-half months, and you don’t see how that might be a bad thing?” The disgusted look Casey seared him with made Jax’s gut clench. “What do you think is going to happen then? You up and leave without so much as a, ‘see you later; it’s been fun?’ She drops everything and moves to wherever you end up at a moment’s notice? Come on, Jax. Use your head. And I’m talking about the one between your shoulders.”
Shit. He hated when Casey was right.
“We’re just friends.”
“Really? Is that what the kids are calling it these days? Because if I remember right, you spent Friday night in a tree house staking out her house. I love ya, man, but I’m not willing to give up a night’s sleep for you.”
He’d done a lot more than give up a night’s sleep. Talk about being a Class-A asshole. What had he been thinking? Based on his actions, not a lot, and not with the right head. Despite what he’d said to Casey, she was more than a friend, but whether she was more than a passing attraction, he didn’t know.
Granted, she filled his mind night and day. But that was to be expected, with them working in close contact to get Bella better. Right? So she’d been his last thought before closing his eyes last night and the first one of the day. Not surprising, given their weekend together. It didn’t mean she was his soulmate or some other bullshit. They had a fun couple of days filled with great sex.
He was a normal, healthy adult.
That’s all any of it meant. Still, Casey had a point, and the last thing Jax wanted to do was hurt Risa. He grabbed the phone to give her a call, then put it back. What was he going to say? Hey, in a couple of months my life is going to be turned upside-down? No, I have no clue what I’m doing or where I’m going. Can you forgive me for being an ass and not telling you before we had amazing sex?
Yeah, he didn’t see that going over well… especially not while she was at work.
Instead, he sent her a text and asked her to dinner that night. He didn’t plan to tell her about the interview on Thursday. There was no point in bringing up his hopes and dreams just so she could feel sorry for him when they fell through. He would, however, tell her the rest and apologize.
“Please tell me you didn’t just tell her in a text message?” Casey said.
“No. I’m not that much of an idiot. I asked her to dinner, if you must know, Ma. I’ll tell her then, but do me a favor, Casey. Keep Thursday to yourself. No blabbing it all over the office. Let’s not tempt fate.”