“What are you doing out here alone?” Jax asks as he comes closer to where I’m now lying back on back on the rock in my previous position.
“I just needed fresh air, you?” I say as I look up at the sky and watch him from the corner of my eye as he effortlessly jumps onto the rock beside me.
“Same.” He says simply as he lies down on my other mimicking the way my body lies on the rock. I can feel his eyes on me and the silence is becoming awkward.
“Do you run often?” I ask turning my head to the side so my eyes meet his.
“Yeah, you shouldn’t come in the woods at this time of night. Does your mother know you’re out here?” He asks as he changes the subject.
“No…she’s asleep.” I say looking away from his beautiful face.
“Does she do that often?” he asks in a softer tone.
“What? Sleep?” I ask smiling at him, I know where he is going with this and I know people were bound to notice sooner or later, I just wished it was the latter.
“You know what I mean, does she drink like that…often?” He asks boldly not caring that it’s a sensitive subject.
“Are you this blunt with everyone? No! She doesn’t do that often.” I say getting irritated by his impudence with my situation.
“I didn’t mean to impose, I know it’s none of my business-” He says tying to lighten the conversation but I interrupt.
“You’re right.” I say flatly.
“I’m right?” he asks confused.
“It is none of your business.” I say bitterly as I sit up and attempt to move away from him.
“No wait! Please don’t go! I’m sorry.” I stop moving as I feel his hand grab my hand softly and look at him when I hear his panicking voice. His soft touch on my hand and the way his eyes look at me makes me feel drawn to him. I shake the thought away and turn my head defiantly.
“I’m sorry Lexi, I didn’t mean to be rude I just want to get to know you and make sure you’re alright.” He says scooting closer to me, his broad shoulders and large form still tower over me as we sit side by side.
“I’m alright…thanks Jax. I’m…a… sorry I lost my cool, I’m just not used to people being so open and honest about…things.” I look up into his glistening eyes and his shoulders relax as he realizes I’m staying.
“I saw what happened at the bar tonight Lexi, I watched you look over her like a hawk, as if you were expecting what she did to happen. Were you…expecting that to happen?” he asks cautiously. I don’t think I could lie to him while I look into those striking emerald eyes so I turn my head as I answer.
“Yes…no…I don’t know, I just…she just gets wild when she’s with Amber that’s all. She’s not an alcoholic.” I say. No she’s a drug addict…even better.
“Okay Lexi, I know you’re new here and you probably haven’t made friends yet so if you ever need someone to talk to, I’m here.” he says softly and it stuns me. No one’s ever cared enough to give a shit about what’s going in my life and this boy I met just hours before is already weaving his way into my head and making me think and feel things I don’t want too.
I must have looked shocked by his admission because he continues, “Are you okay? You’re kind of pale.” I shake my head trying to clear all thoughts and look back at him only to find a grin on his face.
“I’m fine thanks Jax…that was…uh sweet.” I say praying my blushing face can’t be seen in the dark.
“Sweet? Shit…I better up my game…can’t have you thinking this badass is…sweet.” He chuckles and I watch as he swipes his hair away from his face.
“Oh whatever dude.” I playfully push him and laugh.
He laughs again, “So you’re a senior too?”
“Yeah, sucks coming when the school year has already started. I’m dreading my first day.” I say with disdain.
“Don’t stress about it babe, you will be fine and besides we’ll all be there with you.” He says casually with such smoothness that it’s magnetic and calming.
“Thanks, you stay nearby?” I say looking back from where he came out the trees.
“Yeah, just up the hill.” He says pointing in the direction of the big houses that Amber told me to stay away from.
“We should hang out tomorrow.” It’s not a question.
I nod my head and look up at the moon and stars, I can always find peace looking at this beautiful scene above me, how God could create such beauty is beyond me.