Page 33 of Jax & Knox

Not yet.

I sit back down, my hands curling into fists.

A few minutes later, Tessa walks over and grabs the glass for her, saying something that makes Ainsley smile. It's a small smile, but it's there.

And it's not because of me.

Around five, I grab a glass of water and walk over to the bar.

Ainsley looks up when she sees me, and for a second, I see the panic flash across her face. But then it's gone, replaced by something guarded.

"Hey," I say, setting the water down in front of her. "Thought you might need this."

She looks at the glass, then at me. "Thanks."

"You doing okay?"

"I'm fine."

She's not fine. I can see it in the way she's holding herself, in the way her hands are shaking slightly as she wipes down the bar.

But I don't push.

"Alright," I say. "Let me know if you need anything."

And then I walk away.

It's one of the hardest things I've ever done.

Later that evening, Knox pulls out his phone and texts Ainsley.

Knox: That hinge on your front door is getting worse. Would it be okay if I fixed it tonight?

He shows me the message before he sends it, and I nod.

A few minutes later, her reply comes through.

Ainsley: You don't have to do that.

Knox: I know. But I want to. If it's okay with you.

There's a long pause. Then:

Ainsley: Okay. Thank you.

Knox looks at me. "Let's go."

When we pull up to the cottage, Ainsley is sitting on the porch swing with Owen in her lap. She looks up when she hears the truck, and I see the wariness in her eyes.

"Hey," Knox says, climbing out with the toolbox. "Thanks for letting me fix this."

She nods. "I appreciate it."

Knox gets to work, his movements efficient and precise. He doesn't say much, just focuses on the task at hand.

I sit down on the porch steps, a safe distance away, and pull out my phone, pretending to check messages.

Owen babbles happily, reaching for me, and I glance up.