Dax Read online

  “What the hell do you know, you drown yourself in all work and no play. When’s the last time you got laid?”

  “I get myself laid plenty enough. Just because I’m not fishing at Buck’s doesn’t mean there aren’t any bites my way.”

  Dax just shook his head at their banter. They’d never see eye-to-eye. The three of them had been friends as long as he could remember. They’d spent their childhood running down the train tracks out of town and fishing at the crick. However, as it had always been, Dax was the middle guy, smoothing the daily rifts between these two.

  He stopped now beside them and grasped each of their bulky shoulders. “There’s no need to worry about me. I got myself a woman.”

  Hawk smiled an approving sly grin. “Yeah, you did.” He pounded Dax’s middle.

  Stone rolled his eyes.

  “It’s about time. I thought you were washed out.” Hawk slapped his back.

  “Hell no. And I’m going to see her again.”

  Hawk’s horseplay dropped, along with his smile.

  “And you’re going to be nice to her.” Dax squeezed his shoulder. “You’re going to keep your crude comments about my past to yourself and you’re going to play house with me.”

  Stone patted Dax’s middle this time. “You and Ava?”

  “You bet.”

  “Come on,” Hawk groaned.

  “And Ava thinks I’ve lost my mind or I’m grieving or some shit like that, so she needs time and actions from me for reassurance.”

  Hawk shook his head. “So you’re chasing a woman who doesn’t want you? No, you haven’t lost it at all.” He looked at Stone. “I told you he wasn’t right, but would you listen to me? No. And now look, he wants to go play goddam house.”

  Dax grabbed the schedule book out of Stone’s hand and stepped back, flipping it open and seeing the ridiculous amount of over scheduling on his part. Shit. He couldn’t have gotten it together earlier than this?

  “I see we have some catch-up this weekend.”

  “We do,” Stone agreed.

  Dax could feel the heated match of triumph and loss between Hawk and Stone without looking at either of them.

  “We better get to it. I have movie night tonight with Olivia.” He slammed the book shut and into Stone’s stomach. “Where do we start?”

  ~

  DAX WAS GONE that morning. No blankets or pillows on the couch, no dishes in the sink, no sign remained of his presence at all.

  She finally felt like she could breathe. Deep, clean breaths entered her lungs as she decided today would be the day to get her life, but more importantly, Olivia’s life, back to some routine of normalcy. She packed a lunch and dropped Olivia off at school, seeing her off with a big smile and a promise of “splash pad Friday” after school. Ava’s day seemed to tick by in a blur of classes she couldn’t remember, until she picked her daughter up and her excited smile re-lit a spark inside her.

  She purposely avoided Shell Street, where the fire station was located, another change in their routine. The alternative route took them the long way to the beach parking. They spent the rest of the late afternoon at the splash pad, leaving enough time to stop by the local market afterwards and purchase a cob of corn specially prepared to pop popcorn in the microwave for movie night. The special evening had always been Olivia and Rowdy’s, but putting as much stability back in her daughter’s life was Ava’s goal.

  Once at the house for the night, Olivia changed into her cozy, purple heart design pajamas and Ava threw on a pair of grey pajama pants and an over-sized T-shirt, ready to indulge in this so called ‘movie night’ she’d often skipped in order to read a book on the back deck instead. It had been her alone time. Now, she couldn’t ever imagine wanting alone time again.

  Olivia sat on the counter in the kitchen, dangling her bunny slippers over the edge, watching Ava with a puzzled look. “Grandpa was really good at this,” she said, as Ava struggled with following the corn on the cob directions. It couldn’t possibly be that difficult. Find the temperature and then pop it in the microwave. Only, the lack of Rowdy’s presence tangled a fuzzy web inside her head and she fought to regain her concentration.

  Ava sighed loudly. The plastic wrap was impossible to peel off. “Give a mother a chance.” She tickled her daughter’s stomach and the innocent giggles elevated Ava’s lips. She set the dreadful cob on the counter deciding a full-fledged laugh attack was in order. Using both hands, she tickled her daughter’s tummy, sides and back. The laughter spilled out, freeing the emotional turmoil inside Ava.

  “Maybe I will eat all the popcorn.”

  “No, Mommy.” Olivia giggled while trying to escape her mother’s grip.

  The tickling war continued until a familiar throat cleared behind them. “Looks like I’m right on time for the party.”

  Olivia moved her head to look around her mother. “Uncle Dax!”

  Ava up-righted her daughter and tucked her wild hair behind her ears, before turning to face Dax. Her heart fluttered at the sight of him, cleaned up from a day at the shop, wearing a crisp white T-shirt and the dark-washed jeans she loved so much. His facial hair had grown back to its usual stubble, giving him more of the rough look that suited the image he had at the shop.

  “I brought a cob for popcorn, but I see you already have one.”

  “Mommy can’t cook it.”

  “Traitor.” Ava reached for one last quick tickle before looking back at Dax. “What are you doing here?”

  “I’m here for movie night.” He winked at Ava before moving in beside Olivia and taking over the cob cooking.

  Ava busied herself by grabbing a jug of juice from the fridge, while battling her torn feelings of wanting him here. She was grateful he was able to peel away the blasted plastic wrap from the popcorn, but needed to clarify that Olivia wasn’t a pawn in this game he was playing with her.

  She took the cups and juice into the living room, savoring the space from his watchful eyes. She spent a few more minutes turning on the television and setting a few movies on the coffee table for Olivia to choose from. When she went back into the kitchen, she caught the popping finale.

  “Dax did it.” Olivia proudly presented the plate of popped cob in her hands as she walked across the kitchen.

  “Good job.” Ava rustled the top of her daughter’s hair as she continued past.

  “He’s staying for movie night.”

  “So I heard.” She stole a glance at Dax leaning his hip against the counter, watching them.

  “Since Grandpa’s not here anymore.”

  Ava’s heart sunk a bit. “Olivia, take the popcorn into the living room and fill our glasses with juice.”

  Once her daughter was out of sight, Dax said, “That sounded like the teacher in you. Are you preparing to give me a scolding?” He crossed his arms over his chest, still relaxed against the counter. “Let me have it.”

  She stepped toward him. “She’s having a hard time with your dad’s death and I don’t need you coming in here only half-ass being here for her, because you’re trying to seal some deal with me.”

  Dax’s smile fell. “I’m going to let that accusation slide. Need I remind you that she is my family too? Family stands by family, and steps in when others are hurting. And above all that, family comes in all different shapes and forms. For a woman who knows that better than anyone else, you’re awfully quick to jump to conclusions on the purpose of this visit.”

  He was right. Darn it. Maybe she was the one not thinking straight. “Okay.”

  He quirked an eyebrow. “Okay?”

  “You’re right. I’m sorry.”

  “I know I’m right.”

  “You don’t have to be all cocky. I don’t want you to get your hopes up about us, because there is no us.”

  He took one large step toward her. “There is an us. There’s always been an us.”

  She fought the urge to take ten steps back, widening the space between them. “If you mean us, as in barely acquainta
nces who sneak googly-eyes at each other when the other isn’t looking, then maybe.”

  One corner of his mouth quirked up. “You snuck in googly-eyes at me?”

  “You’re missing the bigger picture.”

  He took another step, cornering her between the doors to the basement stairs and pantry. “My aim is targeted on the bigger picture.” With rapid speed, he grabbed her waist and lifted her body against his. She tried to pry away, pulling and hitting his arm, but the man was built solid.

  She hissed at him, low as to not alert Olivia, but he carried her the few steps into the privacy of the pantry. He moved like a panther hunting its prey, sharply shutting the door and pinning her against it, all in one slick movement. She remembered how good his lips had felt on hers. And darned if her mouth didn’t cooperate with her good sense and reject his advances. Instead, her tongue tangled in his and her mouth pressed harder against his. If he hadn’t pinned her hands above her, she didn’t doubt they’d be roaming his body too.

  Every last part of her body screamed for his touch. Traitor.

  When she thought his lips were going to travel down her throat, they stopped. He touched his forehead to hers, his ragged breaths dancing around them. He let her hands go and his palms pressed against the wood on either side of her. “One day you’ll thank me for not giving up on us.” His raspy voice gave her goosebumps.

  She didn’t want him to give up, but couldn’t ignore the warning signs of his feelings being the outcome of his mourning.

  “Come join us for movie night.” He kissed her forehead before pushing open the door and letting a strip of light inside. “After you.” If this man, who could melt her into a puddle of goo, didn’t get his emotions in check, she was a goner.

  She slipped by him, unsure how her shaky legs were managing to move her straight into the living room. She was amazed her trembling hands didn’t spill the full glass of juice she grabbed off the coffee table either. Finally, giving her legs a break, she sat on one of the Queen-Anne style chairs by the front window, putting the coffee table between her and Dax. The smirk he sent her before fussing over a movie with Olivia confirmed he didn’t miss her purposely chosen location.

  She ignored him. He’d always been a great uncle, but she drowned the thought of him attempting to be a good dad. He would wake up, whether tomorrow or maybe a week or month later, and realize being a father and husband was the last thing he wanted. Time would assist him.

  The two finally decided on a movie, popped it in and made it through the previews before the doorbell rang. Ava jumped to her feet, a little too rapidly. She noticed Dax gave her that smirk again.

  How she hated his chilled demeanor and oozing confidence, especially when she wanted to be curled up on the other side of Dax.

  Shaking her head, she reached the front door and started to grab the handle when it opened and Wanda’s smile swooped into the house like a breeze on a windy day. “Are we late for movie night?”

  We?

  Wanda bustled by, her paisley-patterned dress flowing behind her with Stone and Hawk following behind.

  “Hey, Ava.”

  Ava held the door open for them and nodded. “Guys.”

  They kicked their shoes off, missing the mat under the coat rack, but carrying on as if their aim had been spot on.

  “I’m going to throw this beer in the fridge.” Stone headed toward the kitchen. “And Hawk brought chips.”

  Hawk stepped by Ava and gave her a curt nod, without actually looking at her, giving her the sense that Dax may have divulged his future plans and Hawk wasn’t happy about them. He greeted Dax with a fist pump, and moved to Olivia for a smaller one. He got credit points for including her daughter, even if dismissing her.

  Ava shut the door, as she watched the commotion in the living room. A warm feeling settled inside her for the first time since Rowdy had passed. A feeling of belonging…of family. When she finally moved into the living room, the only available seat left happened to be the one on the other side of Dax, where she’d wanted to be in the first place. Was it a sign that Dax belonged here…that they belonged together? And when had she begun believing in signs? She hadn’t.

  Careful not to rub against his side, although desperately wanting to, she reluctantly and casually sat down beside him. She caught the smart-ass look he sent her right before Wanda dimmed the lights and the movie began.

  Steady breathing felt impossible with her mind’s reeling thoughts. Signs might not be her thing, but she wouldn’t put it past Rowdy to make a push from the after world. Memories of the relaxed old man with a streak of pushiness plagued her now.

  Four weeks. While Dax thought the time would be used to prove the authenticity of his proposal, for Ava, it would be for her to decide if she actually believed they should be apart.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  ~

  “THE MOST IMPORTANT MISSION AS mechanic at a fire station is keeping the apparatus in top-notch repair.” Dax leaned close over Rusty’s shoulder, carefully watching the boy work. What was the kid’s real name again? He’d have to ask Ava. His motions were smooth and almost calculated to perfection—almost—he was still learning. “They need to comply with the federal emissions standards.” The kid’s full head of orange hair bounced around as he nodded.

  Dax eased back, satisfied with the boys focus and follow-through on the details of his instructions.

  The boy was good. In the last two weeks, he’d proved himself smart, a quick learner and thinker, and without attitude. He’d heard some co-op students were quick to roll eyes at authority and Dax had been prepared to eliminate disrespect from this boy. Luckily, he’d worked respectfully of his surroundings and co-workers. Both at the fire station and the couple days he’d worked at the shop.

  Even on Rusty’s days off, Dax would catch the kid helping on a car restoration. It reminded Dax a lot of himself when he was young, learning alongside his father.

  He had to admit, although learning with his dad had been incredible, he’d been surprised to discover that he enjoyed teaching Rusty at the fire station and back at the Colyn shop. There was something rewarding about teaching the boy new skills and watching him proudly accomplish them.

  He thought about his dad teaching Olivia while they’d been working on the Impala. They’d spent hundreds of hours restoring that car, but Dax wondered exactly how much they’d actually accomplished on the vehicle. Had the restoration been about the time Rowdy and Olivia had spent together, learning and bonding and not as much to do with the finished product? The Impala was his father’s baby, and the finished product undoubtedly would excite him, but perhaps the journey achieved just as much.

  Rusty finished his task and stood up, awaiting further instructions. “By inspecting the apparatus on a daily basis we are able to find minor problems that we can fix. That suction valve is a good example.” Dax nodded at where Rusty had finished lubricating. “Now it will work smoother.” He turned and the kid followed. “When hinges, compartment door latches, and spring-type open devices are found to be hard to operate or like they have sand in them when you’re trying to open them, they need to be cleaned and operated. Let’s continue with this engine.”

  “Yes, sir.” Rusty moved to the truck and began checking doors when someone called Dax’s name. He turned to find the new chief’s wife walking toward them.

  “Good afternoon, Lucy.”

  She carried a clip board with her, tapping the end of a pen on the edge. She stopped in front of him. “I don’t have your name down to volunteer for the fundraising barbeque this weekend. Do you want to buy a ticket, instead?”

  While he still struggled each day to walk through the doors of the fire station for a half day of teaching Rusty, he hadn’t felt up to volunteering here too. The memories were too close and too fresh. There were enough guys to make up for his absence but his workmates were still missing Rowdy themselves.

  It was ironic, because he didn’t want to go home alone to his condo, either. He h
adn’t realized how many nights he’d spent at Buck’s wasting away his life with people who’d meant nothing. He didn’t want to waste another day, but he wouldn’t barrage Ava every single night, either. He’d only randomly popped in here and there—tonight would be one of those times—respecting her space. Most nights the two of them just hung out with Olivia. Dax would always call an early night to prevent any make-out sessions. But he couldn’t wait until the make-out sessions were in full force.

  “Dax? Tickets?”

  He shook his head, coming back to the present. “Of course, give me a few.” He didn’t plan on attending, but didn’t mind supporting the station.

  “Alright.” Lucy dipped her head down, filled out three coupons and then tore them off and passed them to him. “Are you bringing Ava and Olivia? I’m not one to gossip—” She moved in closer. “—but I have heard things from the other women.” She glanced around. “And even some of the guys. I think you two are a good fit.” He didn’t disagree. “And besides, I haven’t seen Ava or Olivia in weeks. Not since Rowdy’s funeral.”

  Now that Dax thought about it, had Ava gone out at all since Rowdy’s death? She hadn’t stopped by the shop with Olivia, they were both home whenever he popped in, and now he learned they hadn’t visited the fire station either. Why didn’t he know this simple detail about her? Now that he thought about it, their conversations were limited to surface questions and answers without ever digging deeper on the topics they discussed.

  Had she shut herself out from the rest of the world, the town…her life?

  “You never know,” he told Lucy. “The three of us just might show up.”

  “That would be lovely.” She rubbed his forearm. “I always knew there was a domestic side inside of you. I could tell from the relationship you and Rowdy had. You just needed the right woman to uncover that part of you. Treat Ava good.”

  “I will.”

  Lucy walked away and Rusty stepped in front of him. “All finished and my time is up for the day.”