“Yes, but the Jaye that I knew would see that as a challenge and would have seduced the hell out of me by now.”
Sierra laughed. “You seem disappointed that he hasn’t.”
Was she? Maybe she was a little. “I just don’t understand him anymore.”
Sierra reached out and touched her hand. “What’s there not to understand, Velvet? I think he’s changing for you.”
Velvet shook her head as she picked up the wine bottle and poured herself another half glass. “Jaye doesn’t change for anyone.”
“But what if he’s doing it to get you back?”
“That’s not it, trust me. But whatever is driving Jaye to do what he’s doing will eventually come out.”
“YOU LOOK BUSY.”
Jaye turned around upon hearing Velvet’s voice. Removing his safety glasses, his eyes roamed over her. Every single inch. He liked how she looked in a pair of skin-tight jeans and a pullover green sweater. When his gaze returned to hers, he asked, “When did you get home?”
“Thirty minutes ago. When I was unpacking my overnight bag, I noticed you out here from my window.” She looked at the worktable, lumber and electric saw. “What did you do? Turn Delisa’s shed into a workshop?”
He couldn’t stop the smile from spreading across his lips. “Something like that. I figured she wouldn’t mind.”
“I’m sure she won’t.” She paused. “So, what are you making?”
“Rocking chairs.”
She lifted a brow. “Why?”
He gazed toward the house and said, “Because they will complement the style of house. I can see them on the porch. Besides, it gives me something to do.”
“Oh, I see.”
No, she really didn’t, and Jaye decided now was not the time to let her know he was building the chairs for them. He recalled her telling him once that for years her parents had his-and-hers rocking chairs, and how in the evenings they would sit out on their porch and watch the sunset, rock in the chairs and talk. She’d said that had been their private time together and that’s what he wanted for him and Velvet. A private time that wasn’t connected to the bedroom.
“Well, I’ll let you get back to what you were doing.”
He wasn’t ready for her to go yet. “How was the sleepover?”
She smiled. “It was great. The girls were wonderful, and Sierra, Dani and I really enjoyed them. Of course, Teryn thought it was the best birthday ever.”
“I’m glad things turned out great for Teryn. She seems like a swell kid.”
“She is.” Then Velvet asked, “How long will it take you to build the chairs?”
He leaned against the worktable. “Not long. I plan to work on them every chance I get. My goal is to have them finished in a couple of weeks.”
“Then you will.”
He chuckled. “Why are you so sure of that?”
She shrugged. “Because you’re the type of person who’ll accomplish anything he sets his mind to doing.”
Jaye certainly hoped so because right now winning back her love topped the list. “You can help.”
“I can? How?”
“By deciding on what color the chairs should be.”
She tilted her head to look up at him. “You want me to do that?”