Page 73 of Close to Heaven

Twenty-One

Jax must have glanced at the clock a dozen times over the past two hours, although he’d tried to do so discreetly. Dakota had given him a few curious looks, but Cody was watching football and seemed oblivious.

Finally, there was a knock on the door, and Jax practically leaped off the couch, but Dakota beat him to it.

“I’ll get it,” she said.

Jax settled back down and feigned interest in the football game as Avery came inside.

“Let me take your coat,” Dakota said, followed by, “Oh, you look so pretty!”

Jax had to look, and to his chagrin, Cody turned his head too.

“Hi, guys,” Avery said and gave them a little wave.

She was wearing a red and black plaid dress that buttoned all the way down the front. The first few buttons were undone to reveal a black tank top underneath and a wide black belt cinched at her waist. As if that weren’t sexy enough, she also wore black knee boots that zipped. Somehow she always managed to look sweet and sexy at the same time.

“Happy Thanksgiving,” Jax said.

“Hello, beautiful,” Cody said.

Naturally, his brother had outdone him. Jax scowled, but Cody ignored him as usual.

“Have a seat,” Cody said, patting the space beside him.

Avery hesitated, and Dakota jumped in and made the decision for her.

“I’ll sit next to Cody so he doesn’t harass you. You can sit next to Jax.”

Jax wanted to hug his sister, or at least thank her, but obviously, he couldn’t. Instead, he moved over to make room for Avery and Dakota.

“How was your dad?” he asked.

“He was good today. Oh, and he had a lady friend over.”

“Really? Who is she?” Dakota asked.

“Her name is Carolyn, and she lives a couple houses down. Apparently, she’s been bringing food over for him.”

“Is that all?” Cody said, wiggling his brows.

Dakota reached out and swatted his arm.

“Ouch!” Cody rubbed his arm, feigning injury.

Avery laughed. “It’s okay. I wondered the same thing, but I think it’s mostly innocent.”

“It’s good that he had company,” Jax said.

“I agree.” She gave him a sweet smile.

She crossed her legs, and her dress rode up. Jax saw a flash of skin above her knees and forced himself to look at the TV screen, though he’d lost interest in the game.

“Did you save room for dessert?” Dakota asked.

“Maybe in a little while,” Avery replied.

Smoky had lain at Avery’s feet, and she leaned over to pet him. Her tank top gapped open and Jax saw a glimpse of cleavage. Thankfully, Cody wasn’t paying attention, or he’d have seen it too.