Page 21 of Jack of All Trades
"The future they're imagining, I suppose. The white picket fence, the kids, the happily ever after. I'm not against those things in theory, but..." He trails off, searching for words.
"But what?"
"But I've never met someone who made me want to build that future more than I want the life I already have," he admits quietly. "And it feels wrong to string someone along when I know they want more than I can offer."
His candor is disarming. This isn't the smooth-talking cowboy with practiced lines and easy charm. This is someone more vulnerable, more thoughtful.
"That's... surprisingly self-aware," I say.
He laughs, the sound a little self-deprecating. "Don't sound so shocked. I'm not completely emotionally stunted."
"I didn't say you were."
"Your face did." But he's smiling, no real offense taken.
A comfortable silence falls between us, broken only by the distant sound of a lawnmower and birds in the oak tree above. It's peaceful here in Jack's backyard, the kind of peace I've been chasing without realizing it.
"So," Jack says eventually, "you and Rex had a fight about me."
"Not just about you," I clarify. "About his assumption that he gets to decide who I spend time with. About the fact that he still treats me like I'm sixteen and naive, not a grown woman capable of making my own choices."
"And what choices are you making, Maya Torres?" Jack asks, his voice soft but intent.
I look at him and see past the handsome face and charming smile to the man beneath. Someone complex and contradictory, both rooted in this small town and somehow separate from it. Someone who understands the value of balance, of moving with forces larger than yourself instead of fighting against them.
Someone who, despite Rex's warnings and my own better judgment, I find myself drawn to more strongly with each interaction.
"I'm choosing to help plan my brother's birthday party," I say, dodging the real question. "Speaking of which, how are we doing with the preparations?"
Jack allows the deflection, though his eyes tell me he notices it. "Pretty well. Chairs are confirmed with Maggie, tables are here as you can see, and I've got the drinks covered. Ethan's bringing his portable fire pit for when it gets cooler in the evening."
"That sounds perfect." I lean forward, resting my elbows on my knees. "I should probably head back soon. Make peace with Rex before the party tomorrow."
"Probably a good idea," Jack agrees. "Though I'm glad you stopped by."
"Even though I caught you half-naked and sweaty?" The words slip out before I can stop them.
Jack's grin is slow and knowing. "Especially because of that. The look on your face when you saw me was worth the price of admission."
"I don't know what you're talking about," I lie, feeling heat rise in my cheeks.
"Sure you don't." He stands, stretching his arms above his head in a way that makes his t-shirt ride up, revealing a strip of tanned skin above his jeans. The man knows exactly what he's doing.
I roll my eyes, standing as well. "You're incorrigible."
"Part of my charm."
"Is that what you call it?"
His laugh follows me as I head back toward the side of the house. At my car, I turn to find him leaning against the porch railing, watching me with an expression I can't quite read.
"See you tomorrow?" he asks.
"At the party," I confirm. "Rex is supposed to arrive at six, so we should all be ready by five-thirty."
"I'll be here." He pauses, then adds, "For what it's worth, Maya, I think Rex is wrong about one thing."
"What's that?"
