Page 19 of Jack of All Trades
"I saw the way you were looking at him," Rex says quietly. "And the way he was looking at you."
I feel heat rise to my cheeks, remembering the warmth in Jack's eyes when he talked about finding balance, the way his smile had seemed to be just for me. "You're imagining things."
"Am I?" Rex challenges. "Because Betty Wilson is already telling everyone how Jack Morrison and Rex Torres nearly came to blows over Torres's pretty sister."
"Oh my God." I cover my face with my hands. "This town is ridiculous."
"This town is home," Rex corrects me.
"I still need to be able to make my own choices and live my own life," I cut in. "Not have my big brother scaring off anyone who talks to me."
"I'm not trying to control your life, Maya. I'm trying to protect you from getting hurt."
"Maybe I don't need protection anymore!" The words come out louder than I intend, echoing in the small kitchen. "Maybe what I need is for you to trust that I can handle myself."
Rex falls silent, huffing and staring at me. When he finally speaks, his voice is lower. "I do trust you. It's just... you're my little sister. Keeping you safe has been my job since forever."
Some of my anger deflates at the vulnerability in his voice. I know how much Rex sacrificed to raise me after our dad drank himself to death and our mom disappeared to who-knows-where. I know the weight of responsibility he's carried.
But I'm not a child anymore.
"I appreciate everything you've done for me," I say, my tone gentler now. "But part of keeping me safe should include letting me make my own mistakes."
"Even when I can see the mistake coming a mile away?"
"Especially then." I set my coffee down and move closer to him. "Rex, I love you. But I need to be Maya Torres, not just Rex's little sister."
He looks away, jaw working like he's chewing on words he doesn't want to say. Finally, he nods once. "Fine. I'll back off."
"Thank you."
"But," he continues, holding up a finger, "if Morrison hurts you, all bets are off. I don't care how long we've been friends."
I can't help but smile at his protective streak. "Fair enough. Though for the record, there's nothing going on between Jack and me."
The lie tastes bitter on my tongue. There might not be anything tangible happening, but there's something brewing—a connection, an attraction, a pull I haven't felt toward anyone in a long time.
Rex clearly doesn't believe me either, but he lets it slide. "You free today? I thought I could show you around town a bit more."
The guilt of planning his surprise party behind his back twists in my stomach. "Actually, I have some errands to run. Rain check?"
"Sure." He glances at the clock on the microwave. "I should head out anyway. Promised Ace I'd help him with his Harley this morning."
"I'll see you later, then." I move in for a quick hug, relieved that our argument seems to have defused. "Try not to threaten any more cowboys while you're out."
He gives me a playful shove. "No promises."
After Rex leaves, I stand in the quiet apartment, feeling restless and conflicted. The fight might be over, but the issue remains. Rex doesn't want me getting involved with Jack. Jack apparently has a history of brief relationships that end badly. And I'm potentially moving to this small town where everyone knows everyone's business.
The sensible thing would be to keep my distance from Jack Morrison. Focus on Rex's birthday party tomorrow, then spend the rest of my visit exploring whether Pine Haven could really be my fresh start.
But when have I ever done the sensible thing when it comes to matters of the heart?
Before I can talk myself out of it, I grab my purse and car keys and head out the door. The morning is bright and warm, typical for early summer in Pine Haven. As I drive throughtown, I notice details I missed on previous passes. The way the mountains frame the town like protective arms, the tended flower baskets hanging from lampposts, the easy way people wave to each other on the sidewalks.
It feels right here, in a way Seattle never has. Like I could belong, if I let myself.
I take the now-familiar turns toward Jack's house, still not entirely sure what I'm going to say when I get there. I just know I need to see him, to figure out what this thing between us is before I make any decisions about my future.
