Page 60 of Tactical Revival

I glance back at Jaxson, who stands in the doorway looking like he just stepped off the cover of a magazine—all while I look like a wet rat.

Why?

“I don’t know. The pipe just started spraying water. I was going to go turn the main off temporarily, then grab a wrench and try to fix it.” Since Chad took off, I haven’t had a lot of overhead, so I save money by trying to fix things myself.

It’s amazing what you can accomplish with a how-to video and a frugal attitude.

“I’ll go turn off the water and grab the tools.” He starts to roll up the sleeves of his button-down.

“No, I can do it. Please, you’re wearing such nice clothes.” I tighten the towel and get to my feet. Then slip on the water. I go down—hard—until Jaxson catches me against his chest. Desire burns in my belly, and I turn my face up to him, feeling my cheeks heat. “And now you’re soaking wet.”

“Worth it,” he replies without hesitation, then clears his throat and heads for the door. “I’ll grab the tools. Dinner smells delicious, by the way.” After flashing me a grin, he turns and leaves.

As soon as I know he’s gone, I risk a look at myself in the mirror.

My hair is drenched, all remnants of loose curls gone, and the dress I was wearing is plastered against me like a second skin. Fantastic. So now I’m bruised and soaking wet.

The water stops spewing, letting me know that Jaxson has turned off the main for my apartment—which is thankfully separate from the rest of the B&B. Shoving my disappointment for the way this evening is turning out down, I grab some towels from the linen closet and start mopping up water from the floor.

A few minutes later, he returns with his sleeves rolled up and a toolbox in hand. “I can handle this if you want to get changed. I imagine that’s not all that comfortable.”

“Understatement,” I say with a half smile. “Thanks. I’m sorry about this. I really didn’t want to work tonight.”

“No worries at all.” He flashes me a grin. “I’m actually decent with plumbing. And worst case, we can call Lance.”

“You are a lifesaver, thanks.” I quickly make my way out of Matty’s bathroom, and into my bathroom, then strip out of my clothes and hang them over my shower curtain rod to dry.

Knowing the evening is what it is now, I choose to wear a pair of flannel pajama bottoms and a T-shirt with the words Hope Springs Music Fest. I may not look like a million bucks, but I’m comfortable, and that counts for something.

I’m just heading back down the hall as Jaxson is stepping out of the bathroom with his toolbox. “All good. One of the pipes was loose, so I tightened it. You shouldn’t have any more issues.”

“Came loose? Does that just happen?”

“It can,” he says. “They’re older pipes. But everything tightened just fine, so I don’t think anything is broken.”

I breathe a sigh of relief. “Well, I really appreciate it.”

He sets his toolbox down, then steps up to the sink to wash his hands. “This all smells amazing.”

“We should have already been eating. I think some of it might be getting cold.” I stare at it in frustration. I worked hours on dinner. Is it really going to be spoiled because of some loose pipes?

“I think it smells amazing, and I know it’s going to be delicious.” He dries his hands, then turns to face me. “What can I do to help?”

“Nothing. Please sit.” I gesture to the small round table in the center of the kitchen, then start plating dinner as he takes a seat.

Easy, Margot. It’s just dinner with a friend. You can do this. You’ve done it before.

“So, other than the indoor waterpark, how was the rest of your day?” Jaxson questions.

I laugh. “It was good.” Turning with plates in hand, I set them down, then grab each of us glasses of water before taking my seat. “Are you up for leading the prayer?”

“Sure.” He reaches out with one of his hands, and I slip mine in without hesitation. The feel of his palm against mine warms my blood, calming the storm in me without him even trying. I close my eyes, hoping to keep my feelings from displaying all over my face.

“Heavenly Father, we are forever grateful for Your mercy and grace. We thank You for this food before us and the company we share together. We would have nothing in this life without You, and even if we don’t always understand why things happen the way they do, we thank You for always being there and we trust in Your plan because it is far greater than our own. Thank You for keeping Margot and Reyna safe the other night, and for bringing Lanetti home. Amen.”

“Amen.” I withdraw my hand and put a napkin in my lap. “You should know, you’re Matty’s hero.”

“Oh?” he asks, then takes a drink of water before loading up his fork with some lasagna.

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