Page 37 of Reputation
Jax held tight to Bexel’s collar.“I insist,” he said, gesturing to the front seat.
Other members of the organization were starting to look their way as they all ambled toward their various rides.
Embarrassment crept up her neck, staining her cheeks.“Okay,” she said quickly.Stepping up to the open front passenger door.She would have liked to argue with him more, but she wanted to avoid any more attention.“You can put him down now.”She looked pointedly at where his fist held the back of Bexel’s shirt.
Jax released the poor kid, who immediately climbed into the back.Eavie slid onto her seat as Grayson chuckled beside her.Setting her bag on the floor, she turned to close the door but found Jax standing there, waiting to do it for her.She blinked, surprised.He gave her a soft smile before gently closing it.
Twenty minutes later, they arrived at the Field of Dreams main shelter.Arms full of supplies from the organization’s holiday wish list, the four walked through the front doors and into the small lobby.It contained a couch, two chairs, and a small reception desk.The walls were a warm cream color, and the floors were standard white tile.While it was not fancy, it was clean and welcoming.
“Jax,” a tall man with dark skin called out.His short black hair matched his trimmed beard, which covered the lower half of his face.
“Cade, my man,” Jax responded, giving him a back-slapping hug.
Eavie was surprised that they seemed so close.It shouldn’t have, considering he’d told her he volunteered here every year, but their greeting seemed more intimate than an annual visit would suggest.
“How are ya?”Jax asked him.
“Oh, you know, living the dream,” he answered, his face softening.
“Glad to hear it.”
Stepping back, Cade turned to the rest of them.“Welcome to Field of Dreams,” he greeted.“Thanks for being here today.It means a lot to these kids for such a well-known organization and players,” he added with a pointed look to Jax, “to take the time to spend with them.It helps with their mental and emotional state to see that there are people in the world who care.”
Eavie blinked back tears, the sentiment hitting her square in the chest.“We’re honored to be here,” she responded on behalf of their group.
Her eyes shot to Jax, who was watching her.As always, something passed between them, but it wasn’t heat or desire this time.It was softer, more…intimate.
Quickly, she looked away, returning her attention to Cade.“We’re all yours for the afternoon.Don’t be afraid to put us to work.”
Cade laughed, the sound deep and full.“Oh, don’t worry.Jax can attest that we get our worth from every minute of your time.”
“Great,” Grayson added, rubbing his hands together.“Where should we start?”
Cade pulled a phone out of his pocket and tapped a few buttons.“Grayson and Bexel,” he said, looking at them since they were the only other guys in the group.“I’ve got you two starting on furniture assembly.We just got a shipment of new bedroom items that were donated and need to be put together.Head through the doors and to the back of the gymnasium.All the pieces should be waiting.”
“Ah, furniture,” Bexel said, looking wide-eyed at Cade.
“Something wrong with that?”Jax asked, narrowing his eyes at him.
Eavie tilted her head, watching his reaction with curiosity.It was at odds with how he usually interacted with team members, and she wondered about the sharpness behind it.Eavie had always enjoyed a good puzzle, and the conflicting sides of him she kept seeing only piqued her determination to find out who the real Jax was.
“No, no,” Bexel stammered.“It’s just, well, I’ve never done that before.”
The guys chuckled, and despite not wanting to embarrass him, Eavie couldn't suppress the smile that tugged her lips.
“Come on, kid,” Grayson said, clapping a hand on his shoulder.“Today’s the day you learn.”He steered a pink-faced Bexel through the doors as Jax and Eavie exchanged a humorous look.
“You might want to check the beds before anyone gets in them,” Jax joked quietly to Cade.
Cade shook his head.“Anyway,” he said, pulling his phone back up.“Jax, I’ve got you on activities duty today.I know you enjoy spending time with the group.We’ve got the lower gym set up with volleyball.The group’s waiting for you.”
“Sounds great,” Jax said, happiness evident on his face.
Eavie couldn’t help but stare at the obvious enjoyment he got from spending this day with kids in need.
“Eavie,” said Cade, drawing her attention.
“Yes, sorry,” she said, looking away from Jax.
