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“He wants to what?” Lacey’s voice rings so loud I hold the phone away from my ear. I swear the conductor ten train cars ahead of me heard. During my commute home, I do something I’ve always considered rude and inconsiderate—I call my best friend. The need to discuss my Thanksgiving outweighs proper manners.

“Spend the night Christmas Eve.”

“That’s a bad idea.”

“I don’t like it at all, but when the kids left last night, Trenna mentioned how happy she was when we spend holidays together. She’s excited about Christmas.”

“You already agreed?”

“No. The jerk said something to the kids before he even cleared it with me.”

“Typical Carl. Gah. Nobody does that. Nobody!”

“I don’t know how to get out of it.”

“Have Jax sleep over that night.”

I laugh, much to the displeasure of the passenger on my right. I mouth an apology and lower my voice. “I don’t think I can get out of it now. The hard part will be explaining to Jax why my ex is spending the night.”

“When are you going to tell him?”

“Today when I get back home.” I ignore the twinge of nausea that thought brings. “I figure the sooner, the better.”

“I’m sure he’ll understand. So, he’s still in town?”

“Yeah, he, uh…should still be at the house.” My voice ticks down a notch. Everybody and their brother doesn’t need to know this part.

“What? He’s already spending the night?”

“Yep. Last night was the first time.”

“Why didn’t you lead with that? Jax is way more interesting than Carl.” She raises her voice again, but I keep the phone tucked to my ear this time. “Yay, you finally got laid. I mean, you did get laid, right?”

“Really, Lace?” I laugh and shake my head. “But, yeah, the dry spell is finally over.”

“Oh my God. So, what now?”

“I don’t know. We really need to talk. Carl has the kids for the entire weekend, so I plan on figuring out his expectations. I’m sure it’s just a fling.” I chew my lip. I don’t want to scare him away with what is my crazy life, but we do need to talk.

“I don’t know. I’ve never seen Jax be serious with anyone. This is huge, Jocelyn.”

“Yeah, which is why I don’t want to scare him off with having my ex spend the night.”

“Good luck with that.”

“Gee, thanks.”

Her laughter fills my ear. “He’ll understand.”

“Enough about me. How’d your Thanksgiving go?”

The subway train comes to a halt as she proceeds to tell me about the big step in her life. I step outside into the cool air and sigh. Horns sound in the distance as I walk to the parking garage. It takes forever to get home. When Carl and I first got married, I agreed to live in the city, but it wasn’t supposed to be permanent. I love New York, but going out to Jax’s property two weeks ago made me realize how much I miss the country.

“I’m at my car, so I better go.”

“I want details after this weekend.”

I laugh. “I won’t kiss and tell.”

“You better.”

We end our call as I enter my car, and when I turn onto my street, I feel fully alive for the first time in ages. A familiar F250 sits along the curb, a reminder I’m not coming home to an empty house. For the past year, the worst days were when Carl had the kids. The house was too quiet. I suppose that’s part of the reason why I caved when he brought them back early, but I’m not going to lie—Jax in my house waiting on me is doing some rather strange things to my insides.

“Hey,” I say when I come through the door.

“In here.”

“Smells like chili.” I pause. Jax stands by my stove stirring a pot, wearing compression shorts with a towel around his neck—full abs on display. Sweat beads prickle his forehead while his hair is spiked in front. “Interesting outfit to cook in. I approve the new kitchen attire.”

He stalks over to me with a half smirk. “You do, huh?” He wraps his arms around my waist, his manly scent competing with the chili spices.

“Mmm-hmm.”

I grab hold of the towel ends and pull him closer to me. His lips, warm and soft, join mine. “I like this greeting.”

“I thought I’d get my run in before dinner.”

“I can’t believe you cooked.”

“I’m not as talented in the kitchen like some people, but I do make a mean bowl of chili.”

“Can’t wait to try it. It smells delicious.” And I’m not just talking about the food. “I take it you found a gym?”

“Yeah, and it’s not too far away either. I’ll grab a quick shower.”

“I’ll be waiting.”

It isn’t long until we’re sitting at the table eating.

“Wow, Jax, this is really good.” The boyish grin is cute. Unable to wait any longer, I go ahead and start with the easier question. “When are you going back?

“That all depends.”

“On what?”

“On how long you’re willing to put up with me.”

“Oh, I think I can handle you for a while longer.” I grin. “The kids don’t return until Sunday, so you can stay here as long as you want.” The hard knot in my stomach refuses to loosen as I wait for his response.

“You don’t mind me staying here that long? Because I can always get a hotel room.”

“I don’t want you to get a hotel room.”

“Then I’ll stay.”

We clear off the table and do the dishes. I’ve never been a fan of the chore, but when the new dishwashing partner looks as good as Jax, it’s way more fun. Warmth spreads across my cheeks as he rinses the sink. I suppose I’ll never look at this spot the same after last night.

When we finish, I pour the wine, and we head into the living room. The weight of telling him about Carl staying for Christmas Eve hangs over my head. I hope he doesn’t read more into it than it is.

“With Christmas coming up, I wanted to do something for you and the kids.” He grabs hold of my fingers and brings them up to his mouth. His lips brush against them. “Would it be too much if I take you guys to Florida?”

I tilt my head back, not quite sure I heard him right. “You want to take us on a trip?”

“Yeah. Spring training will be coming up before too long, and I’ll be busy until fall. You won’t be able to see much of me once it starts. I thought for a gift, we’d head south. I figure the kids would like to visit Disney World and see a real beach.”

“Are you sure you’re ready for this? Going on a trip with three children is a huge undertaking.”

“I get that. Spring training takes place in Florida, so I was hoping we could go down right before it starts which is mid-February. We could always ask Zach and Lacey to go with us. Maybe rope Lacey into watching the kids one day while we sneak away.”

I bat his arm as my eyes fill with fluid. “Why do you want to do that for?”

“Sneak away with you?”

“No, take the kids on a trip.”

“Haven’t you figured it out?” A slow grin develops as his fingers brush along the outline of my face. I bite my lower lip and give a little shake, knowing full well what he’s going to say. “I like seeing you smile.”

And I give him that smile like I did ten years ago when he used the same line. It melted my heart then, just as it’s melting mine now.

“Um, I’ll have to see if Mr. Kessler will give me the time off since I don’t have any vacation time.”

He nods. “I figured as much. Just let me know, and I’ll make the arrangements.”

“I’ll talk to him tomorrow.” I start rubbing the top my knee. Planning vacations, talking about being busy, all things that make him seem serious about our relationship. More serious than I first thought. His hand covers mine to make me stop rubbing.

“Did my asking make you nervous?”

“No, it’s not that. It’s just…” I blow out a breath, not sure how to proceed. “When you said we’ll give this a try. I thought you meant a fling. Something to keep you occupied until spring training. How serious are you? If you’re talking vacations—”

“After we broke up our freshman year, I made a pact with myself to not get serious with anyone, which has been pretty easy to keep. That was until I talked to you at Zach’s house. I can’t explain why, but it’s always been you.”

Damn, that’s a good answer. I start rubbing my hand on my knee again.

“Um—” Shit, this is harder than I thought. I don’t know why. He doesn’t seem as jealous as Carl. If Carl ever caught me looking toward Jax in college, he’d be pissy all night. I didn’t dare look up any stats in fear he’d find his name on the search bar.

“What has you worked up?”

“Yesterday Carl mentioned staying here for Christmas.”

Jax presses his lips together as his eyes haze over in thought. “Kind of like what he did yesterday?”

“No, he wants to stay all night on Christmas Eve so he can be here when the kids wake up in the morning.” When Jax doesn’t say anything, I continue. “He did this last year, but the divorce wasn’t finalized yet. I don’t know. He claims it’s less confusing for the kids since they still believe in Santa Claus.”

“Do you want him to be here?”

“No. Absolutely not, and I tried to tell him right before you came to the door yesterday. Christmas isn’t for another four weeks, so I thought there’s plenty of time left to discuss, but the bastard had already mentioned it to the kids.”

“I’m not surprised. And don’t worry what I think. It won’t hurt having him spend the night as long as he sleeps on the couch because this”—he pushes my back against the couch cushions and slides his hand in between my legs—“belongs to me.”

“You sure you don’t mind?”

“I’m not thrilled, but it’s okay. I understand. Let’s forget your ex.”

“The best statement ever.”