She had laid down on her couch/bed and marveled at the photograph he’d texted of the two of them in their face masks, laughing at the sheer joy in both of their expressions.
He made her feel alive.
Just seeing him there, smiling at her, her heart fluttered in her chest as everything seemed to just sharpen around her, like the world was coming into focus because he was there.
“Hey,” he smiled shyly. “Sorry I’m early. If you want to ring me up for a coffee, I can just wait over…”
“Actually, I already talked to Eva and I can leave now,” she said breathlessly, as Eva came around the corner at that moment.
“Oh hello,” Eva smiled. “I thought I heard my name. You must be Mary’s friend…”
“I am,” Jax said easily, extending his hand politely. “Mary speaks highly of you.”
“She’s a joy,” Eva said, smiling at her. “Go, have some fun, Mary. I’m just waiting on Dylan to show up and I’m heading out, too. Robin said she’s got it, and I’ve got someone else on the way in, so we can both play hookey this beautiful afternoon.”
Mary nodded and clocked out, smiling shyly at Jax as he extended his hand towards her. She moved to say ‘bye’ to Eva – only to see the woman’s face light up… and understood that sensation for the first time ever.
“Speak of the devil…” Eva laughed easily, taking off her apron. “Hey Dylan.”
“I thought you said I was a perfect angel,” Dylan quipped easily, winking at Eva. “Hey Mary. Nice to see you. Are you outta here too?”
“She’s got a hot date,” Eva teased, walking over to her husband.
“Good for you, girl!” Dylan grinned – and extended his hand towards Jax. “Dylan Luka, nice to meet you.”
“Jax Cunningham,” he said easily, shaking the other man’s hand – and saw Dylan’s eyes widen as he looked at Jax’s shirt, a bright blue T-shirt that said FLYBOYS across the chest.
“One of those Flyboys, huh? They are pretty good guys… I’ve met a few of them over the last two years. Hang onto this one, Miss Mary,” Dylan winked obnoxiously – which was something Eva would do, but only when no one else could see them.
Dylan had no qualms at making a scene with his playfulness.
“Bye, you two…” Mary said nervously, feeling her cheeks redden – and then to her surprise?
She heard Jax’s voice.
“Wearepretty good guys – and I have no intention of Mary ever letting me go now that I’ve found her,” he said openly as she looked at him, feeling so much hope building in her chest.
Was any of this real?
Jax couldn’t be this perfect – could he?
“C’mon Mary,” Jax smiled, opening the front door of the bakery for her and holding it while she stepped into the sunshine. “I’ve got a surprise for you and hope you like it.”
“I should probably follow in my car,” she hedged.
“Or you could let me drive you home tonight – and pick you up tomorrow morning?”
“I’m off tomorrow.”
“Even better…” Jax smiled, making her wonder what he was up to.
* * *
Twenty minutes later– she knew.
They pulled up in front of Flyboys and saw several people waving at them happily, knowing something was up. Jax turned to her, his face alight with hope, as he took both of her hands in his.
“I want to show you a little bit of my world and treat you to a surprise,” he began. “Do you trust me?”