“Yes, she’s going to try one on, please.”
Mary couldn’t breathe as Jax took one of the rings – and her hand – sliding it onto her finger as his dark eyes held hers. His thumb caressed her skin as they stood there, unmoving.
“We have rose gold, black, and silver, if you prefer,” the clerk said, clearing his throat pointedly.
“What do you think?” Jax asked, his voice hoarse.
“It’s a little intimidating… but I think I like it,” Mary said openly, not looking away from him.
“Then we’ll take this, too.”
“You want to wear it out, miss?” the clerk asked. “I can put the box, care directions, and a business card in the bag.”
Mary blinked and looked at the man – nodding to whatever he’d just said and feeling her cheeks flush as she knew Jax was still watching her.
It was extremely unsettling that he’d just put a ring on her finger - even if it was for self-defense… because she never expected it to feel so wonderful deep inside of her.
They made their way to the register, and she stepped forward to pay – only to have Jax push her hand away.
“Nope.”
“But this is…”
“A gift for my friend,” he countered firmly, still smiling.
She stared at him, stunned, and realized that he was indeed always seemingly happy. Nothing ever bothered him, and everything was just fine in whatever world he was existing in.
No wonder Karen’s husband had teased about how he was always finding a silver lining and called him Pollyanna. He was so easygoing, so jovial, and so relaxed that it was admirable. Even when he’d gotten upset at her apartment, he wasn’t menacing or threatening – just concerned.
Jax took the bag of things and reached for her hand easily, leading them out of the store.
“I could have paid for this stuff.”
“Or you could let me spoil you…”
“Buying weapons isn’t spoiling a girl…”
“Then what is?” he asked, looking at her curiously. “What would make you feel spoiled or pampered – because I’d really like to know.”
Mary blinked nervously and pressed her lips together, realizing she’d just fallen into a trap of her own making.
He chuckled, smiling, and shook his head easily.
“Keep your secrets then,” he teased, unbothered, “… and let’s go eat.”
* * *
An hour later,they were sitting before a huge deep-dish pizza that was steaming. The aroma of tomatoes, meats, and cheese were heady, causing the both of them to sigh in unison… before laughing.
“It’s nice that we both like the same things,” Jax said easily. “Do you mind if I cut?”
“Not at all,” she agreed. “The first cut is the messiest, and you feel free to butcher the pizza instead of me.”
“It’s gonna look the same no matter what, once it’s in my belly.”
Mary chuckled, realizing he was right – maybe about several things.
What would it be like to just be content with everything in the world? To see things as they were, accepting, and happy to just be there. If the pizza place ovens had been down, she knew he would have shrugged and asked for a salad instead. He was just that type of person, it seemed.