Page 5 of Jorax
Pity lances through me. Beneath his gruff exterior, Jorax clearly craves connection. “Well… if you’re sure you don’t mind… I’d enjoy that.”
His mouth hitches higher. “It’s settled then.”
Over the next few weeks, Jorax shows me around all his favorite spots in Arixxia Fields. We spend long weekend afternoons meandering through fragrant botanical gardens, sipping fruity concoctions at quaint cafés, and discovering hiking trails.
Although Jorax and Icaron arrived on Hallion around the same time, Jorax has taken the time to explore Arixxia’s interesting underbelly, where Icaron seems to have put his energies into finding the best gourmet food and meeting all the “right” people.
Jorax, I’m finding, has a biting sense of humor. It’s just that he didn’t let me see that side of him until we’d spent more time together. The more we talk, the more his stories hint at not just his kind demeanor, but the isolation and loss underlying his stoic manner.
I’m reluctant to mention Icaron’s lavish date that first weekend. It feels somehow garish next to Jorax’s simple kindnesses.
Since several weeks have passed since my evening with Icaron, I assume we both thought better of continuing to see each other. Jorax’s companionship is undemanding. Perhaps one day I’ll find the nerve to ask about his… disfigurement.
One day, as we’re browsing for odd knick-knacks in a colorful outdoor market, I can’t stop myself from picking up a trinket I spot.
"Look at this little guy!" I hold up a stuffed figure of a chubby bluegarneeshpup giving a toothy grin. "He's so cute, I just want to squish him."
Jorax chuckles, a deep rumble that makes my insides flutter. “I’m not one for stuffed toys, but that is certainly a cute one.”
"Huggable."
Jorax buys the figurine with a wink and hands it to me as he says, "For what I imagine will be your growing collection."
I beam at him, affection swelling in my chest. He remembers every silly trinket and inside joke. Despite his gruff demeanor, Jorax notices everything.
As we wander between booths strung with twinkly lights, inhaling the aromas of spices and sizzling meat pies, I can't stop smiling. With his dry observations that showcase his keen mind and blink-and-you-miss-it humor, Jorax is the best tour guide—and company—a woman could ask for.
Chapter Seven
Syrryn
Today Jorax is taking me to some natural hot springs outside of town. I can smell a slightly coppery odor as I practically skip up the winding forest path. Jorax lumbers alongside me, a picnic basket dangling from one beefy hand.
"You're going to love this spot," he says, ducking beneath a low-hanging branch. "It's so peaceful, like something out of a fairytale."
"Ooh, I do love a good fairy story! The springs are magic pools that turn handsome princes into beasts, right?" I waggle my eyebrows.
Jorax barks a surprised laugh. "Nothing so dramatic, I'm afraid. Unless you count becoming as wrinkled as a raisin 'beastly'."
"That’ll do." I bump my hip playfully against his, thrilling when he bashfully bumps me back. It's a silly gesture, but something about it feels significant. It’s wonderful watching as Jorax allows me behind his quiet, aloof walls.
The path opens into a secluded grove where turquoise pools steam invitingly among moss-covered boulders. My breath catches. Jorax is right—it's enchanting.
"Jorax! This is absolutely gorgeous."
His normally compressed lips hitch into that cute half-smile I'm coming to adore. "Worth the hike?"
"Totally." I beam at him. "Best tour guide ever."
As I shuck down to the swimsuit I wore under my clothes, I'm buzzing with anticipation. And it's not just the prospect of a muscle-soothing soak. Being with Jorax like this, relaxed outside of work, feels almost… intimate. Like we're on the cusp of something momentous.
When I emerge, Jorax is already in the pool, steam curling around him. It doesn’t surprise me that he’s wearing a t-shirt. He’s so self-conscious about his scars. When he notices I’ve emerged from behind the tree, his eyes go wide and he makes a strangled sound.
I glance down at my modest one-piece. "What? Is there a snag?"
"N-no." He clears his throat roughly. "You look… nice."
I ease into the deliciously hot water across from him, taking a while to acclimate to the heat as I smile shyly. "Thanks for bringing me here. This feels amazing."
