Page 8 of Forever Home

“We can’t just have it sitting unused only to rot,” Jaxson finally replies, ignoring Dante’s comment. “I mean, there are no good restaurants here in Willowcreek. Folks always have to take the long drive into the city. How about we turn it into a restaurant? I’ll stick around a couple of days so we can clean it up and do the repairs, and I can provide input for the layout and the kitchen.”

The conversation carries on for a little while longer as everyone goes back and forth over their ideas. Even while we’re debating, my mind and eyes are focused on Jaxson—who seems hell-bent on turning the place into something that could change the area for the better.

I just can’t wrap my head around him wanting to do that.

Knox lets out a piercing whistle, making us all quiet down immediately. “This is all very sudden, guys. Why don’t we all think this over for a few days, then put it to a vote?”

I nod my head in agreement, and Mrs. Dorman takes the opportunity to stand up and make herself known. “Ladies and gentlemen, this decision needs to be unanimous. I agree that you all should take some time to think it over. Then, when an agreement is reached, we can schedule a meeting at my office to sign the papers.”

On this, I agree with the attorney. It has to be unanimous. Mrs. Kendall was always getting onto us about the importance of working together to accomplish things. Even if I spent one too many times venting to her about how someone wasn’t being fair or this and that.

She really was the best listener, and she would want all of us to listen to each other and come to an agreement as well. On top of that, I have to ensure her home and belongings are properly taken care of.

“We’re going to have to go through so much stuff. I can probably stop by one day and start with that,” I mutter.

Asher scoffs, pissing me off. “I don’t have the time to sit around. I have my life to get back to. Besides, my launch party is coming up for my new sneaker line, and we were even able to book the best event planning company in Chicago to ensure its success.”

“Yeah, ’cause all of uslittle peoplehave nothing better to do with our time, huh, Mr. Celebrity?” I reply snarkily as I cross my arms over my chest.

“You got a problem with me, Madison?” Asher stands up, as if challenging me on my comment. The thought of him believing that he could intimidate me is more than amusing. Rising to my feet, I march towards him fully intent on showing him that I don’t care.

Even if I’m only joking around.

“You never even finished giving me that hug earlier. You think you’re too good for us small-town folks all of a sudden, Mr. Big Shot Football Star?” I reply with a wink.

He stands there for a moment, body tense and dark eyes boring into mine before laughter finally escapes him. His arms open wide as he smiles, rolling his eyes, expecting me to walk into his arms willingly. But I have other plans.

With a split-second decision, I grab a very distracted Sam and push her into his arms instead, watching the uncomfortable exchange happen between them. “Look who’s here, too, Big Shot—your girl, Sam.”

His eyes meet mine with daggers as he mouths “fuck you” over her shoulder causing my smile to widen even more. “You two should catch up.”

“I don’t have time to deal with all this right now,” Dante snaps, brushing past Asher as he beelines for the door. “Call me when you all decide to sell.”

The hell?

“Real ray of sunshine, that one,” I say, turning to Knox who shrugs his shoulders before shaking his head.

“Come on, Madison,” Kylie sighs. “Leave him alone. He was never really in our group anyway.”

True. But it still made me wonder what the hell his problem is. And honestly, for her to say that wasn’t shocking. Growing up, she had the biggest crush on him. Not that she would ever tell anyone, but it was more than obvious with the way she always seemed to be watching him.

Though who am I to notice the obvious, when I can’t keep my eyes off Jaxson.

Letting a heavy breath escape me, I glance over my shoulder towards Sam and notice that she’s put as much distance between her and Asher as possible. Which is clearly the cause of the irritating gaze Asher now sports before he turns to Jaxson exchanging a few words before making his way towards the door.

“Let’s meet and get this dealt with,” Jaxson says, giving Asher a pointed look. “We all have things to get back to.”

The realization that Jaxson is leaving causes a slight bit of panic to well within the pit of my stomach. He was completely on board with us doing something amazing with this place not long ago, and now he wants to meet up with Asher to “deal” with it?

Hell no. All Asher wants to do is sell the place.

With a split-second decision, I turn towards the door, fully intent on talking sense in Jaxson. “Wait up, Jaxson, I’m heading out anyway.”

He doesn’t seem to heed my words, but I refuse to give up. Turning back to Sam, I give her a small smile. “We’ll catch up later, okay?”

She nods, but I don’t stick around to hear what she has to say as I’m beelining out the front door of Mrs. Kendall’s home, and straight after Jaxson.

“Jaxson, wait up!” I call out to him again, watching as he stops in his tracks and turns to face me.

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