Page 38 of Jax

"Let's get closer to the water," Jax suggested, his heart swelling with happiness at seeing Mia so captivated. “I’ll race you.”

She nodded eagerly, and they raced each other down to the lake, laughter bubbling from their lips. As they reached the water's edge, they kicked off their shoes and dipped their toes into the cool liquid, grinning at each other.

"Feels amazing, doesn't it?" Jax asked, his gaze locked on Mia's beaming face.

"Absolutely," she agreed, her voice filled with awe. “And it’s surprisingly warm.”

“It is at this time of year,” replied Jax. “But it’s equally fun when you do it in the winter and freeze your tail off.”

Mia laughed. “I like my tail firmly on, thank you.”

They picked up their shoes and walked over to a quiet sandy spot not far from the shore. Jax unzipped his backpack, revealing a blanket, beach ball, and a bucket and spade he'd picked up at a roadside stand on the way. As he inflated the ball, he watched Mia spread out the blanket on the sand, creating their own little oasis. She lay down and looked dreamily up at the sky.

"Looks like we're all set," Jax said, tossing the fully inflated ball her way. Mia caught it with a grin, her green eyes sparkling in the sunlight.

"Bring it on," she challenged. “But you should know, I was on the volleyball team in my sophomore year.” She winked to let Jax know she was obviously joking.

“Always wanted to bag a volleyball superstar,” he replied, playing along.

Mia sighed. “I wish I’d done some of that normal person stuff. College. A degree. A sports team. Whatever else it is that normal people do. Ice-skating and ordering fancy coffees and making S’mores on a campfire.”

Jax smiled. “Maybe I can help you with some of that.”

“Maybe you can,” replied Mia, looking deep into his eyes. God, she was gorgeous. Every single bit of her, inside and out. He hadn’t even seen her naked—not completely naked. And honestly, what he saw at the strip club didn’t count. He wasn’t looking at her in that way back then. But it was just . . . her. Her aura. The very air that touched her. She was like fire and ice and the sun and the rain, all mingled together into one incrediblehuman being. Someone he wanted to get to know every inch of, every atom of.

They tossed the beach ball back and forth, laughter filling the air as they dove and lunged to keep it from hitting the ground. With each successful catch, Jax felt the invisible walls around his heart crack a little more, allowing him to embrace the moment and truly enjoy Mia's company.

"So, is this what normal people do for fun?" Mia teased, sending the ball sailing toward Jax once more.

"Could be," Jax replied, catching it effortlessly. "But who wants to be normal?"

Mia laughed, and Jax could see the genuine happiness behind her eyes. It was a sight he'd never get tired of.

After throwing and catching the ball for a while, they made a ton of sandcastles. In fact, they built an entire fortress around themselves, which Mia said was “to keep the bad guys out.” Jax loved every moment of it, and he loved how easily Mia was letting out her inner Little, even when there were a bunch of other people around. He knew he shouldn’t get complacent, shouldn’t start to feel like they were safe or unwatched. But he just wanted so, so badly for Mia to have a good time. He wanted her to feel free.

He bought her an ice cream and they paddled in the lake a few more times, then finally, as the afternoon wore on, Jax knew it was time to dictate their next move.

It was time for another surprise.

"Hey, I've got something else I think you'll like," he said, his voice filled with excitement. "One of those things you mentioned. Making a campfire? Well, I actually have a tent in the trunk of the car."

"Really?" Mia's eyes lit up. "You came prepared."

He chuckled, nodding. "When I helped you escape from the club, I had to prepare to go completely off-grid for as long as ittook." He scratched the back of his head, slightly embarrassed. "Guess I got sidetracked trying to make your escape as fun as possible."

"Camping will be fun too!" she said, clapping her hands together. Suddenly, she looked serious. “But only if we can make s’mores. Otherwise, count me out.”

“We’ll make s’mores,” said Jax. “And if you’re up for it . . . we’ll make more than that.” He gave her a lingering, meaningful look, the corners of his mouth curling into a sly grin. The implication hung heavy in the air, making Mia's breath hitch.

"Let's do it," she agreed, her voice hushed but eager.

After packing up their things, they left Monroe Lake behind and drove to Hoosier National Forest. The trees engulfed them, creating a sense of seclusion and tranquility that Jax knew Mia needed.

“Oh wow,” breathed Mia. “It’s like something from a fairy tale.”

The canopy of the Hoosier National Forest stretched overhead like a verdant cathedral, the leaves filtering sunlight into a living mosaic of dancing patterns on the forest floor. As they walked deeper into the woods, the air grew cool and fresh, carrying whispers of pine and earth. Mia's steps were light, her eyes wide with wonder as she took in the emerald tapestry that surrounded them.

They found the perfect spot, secluded but not so far away from the roads that they’d get lost. There was a babbling creek a little way down the hill, and they were in a clearing with flat ground that looked comfortable to sleep on.

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