Chapter 7: Tender Steps
Lena woke to the soft patter of rain against her window. The clock glowed 7am , casting a dim light across her room. Her eyes felt heavy, puffy from the tears shed yesterday, but her heart carried a flicker of hope. The talk with Jax in the park replayed in her mind, his apology, the photo of him and Ella as kids, his promise to never cheat on her. His text; Thank you. See you soon?—sat unanswered on her phone, a quiet challenge. She rolled over, pulling the blanket tighter, Sarah's words echoing: Take it slow. She wanted to believe in him, to feel his warmth wrap around her again, but the sting of doubt lingered like a shadow.
Downstairs, the smell of frying eggs filled the air. Sarah stood at the stove, humming a tune, her brown hair tied back. "Morning, babes," she said, turning with a smile. "You look a bit better. Thinking of Jax?"
"A little," Lena admitted, pouring herself a cup of coffee. The warmth steadied her hands. "I might see him today. Just to talk, see where we stand."
Sarah's smile faded, her spatula pausing mid-air. "Okay. But I'm here if he slips up or pulls anything. You're too good for more heartbreak, Lena."
Lena nodded, the coffee bitter on her tongue. She pulled out her phone, hesitating before typing: Can we meet? Your place? Her thumb hovered, then pressed send. Jax's reply came almost instantly: Yes. Can't wait to see you again. Her stomach fluttered, a mix of hope and nerves twisting inside her. She spent the morning pacing, brushing her hair, changing outfits—finally settling on a soft sweater and jeans, his presence already pulling at her.
At 2 p.m., she stood outside Jax's door, heart pounding like a drum. The rain had eased to a drizzle, misting her face. She knocked, and he opened it, his hair messy, eyes warm and welcoming. "Lena," he said, his voice soft as he pulled her inside. The room was cozy, cluttered with books and sketches scattered on a table. He led her to a worn couch, sitting close enough for her to feel his heat. "I'm so glad you're here," he said, his smile tentative.
"Me too," she replied, offering a shy smile. "But slow, okay? I'm still figuring this out."
"Slow," he agreed, taking her hand. His thumb rubbed her palm, sending gentle shivers up her arm. "I missed you, Lena. Ella's gone back home she won't bother us again. I promise."
She relaxed a little, the tension in her shoulders easing. "Good. I was so scared after what she did..thought I had lost you."
He leaned in, his breath warm against her cheek. "I'll earn your trust back. Every day, if I have to." His lips brushed hers, soft and hesitant, like he was testing the waters. She sighed, leaning into the kiss, letting it deepen. His tongue slipped in, slow and sweet, stirring her heart. She felt his heartbeat through his shirt, strong and fast. Pulling back, she breathed hard, a flush creeping up her neck. "That's enough for now," she said, smiling to soften her words.
He chuckled, a low sound that warmed her. "Fair enough. So..Tell me about you, what's been going on?"
She opened up, her voice quiet at first. "I've been lonely without you. Scared to trust again after that jerk who left me. And work—it's a mess." She paused, then continued. "This marketing assistant job is after my life. My boss is crazy, he yells about deadlines, watches me like I'm in the office to steal from him. It's draining me."
Jax frowned, his brow furrowing. "That sounds rough, Lena. You deserve better than someone screaming at you all day."
"Maybe," she said, shrugging. "But I need the money to pay rent and other stuffs. It's not easy to walk away just like that."
He squeezed her hand, his grip firm but gentle. "I get it. But don't let him break you. Well, it'll get better one day, you won't have to worry about rent or whatsoever."
They sat in comfortable silence for a moment. Then he shifted, pulling out his sketchbook from the table. "I've been working on something," he said, flipping to a page. It was her, her eyes, bright and alive, captured in pencil. "For you," he added, watching her reaction.
Lena's breath caught, a blush spreading across her cheeks. "It's so beautiful," she whispered, tracing the lines with her finger. Then he handed her a pencil, guiding her hand to draw, his touch warm and steady. She tried a flower again, her strokes shaky but improving under his patience.
Hours passed, the room filling with laughter and quiet talk, his dreams, her fears, the small things that made them smile.
As evening approached, it was almost time for Lena to leave. Jax's fingers brushed her arm, lingering at her shoulder. "Can I kiss you again?" he asked, his eyes dark with longing.
"Yes," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. His lips met hers, deeper this time, a hungry edge to it. His hand slid to her waist, pulling her closer until she felt the heat of his body against hers. Her hands rested on his chest, feeling his heartbeat race. The kiss stretched, their breaths mingling, and a warm ache spread through her. She wanted more, his touch, his skin—but pulled back, panting. "Slow," she reminded him, her voice shaky.
"Slow," he echoed, his hands gentle as they settled on her hips. "But I want you close. Always."
Her heart swelled, a mix of desire and trust. "Thank you," she said, leaning against him. Her phone buzzed, breaking the moment. She glanced at it—Sarah. You okay? Lena typed back: Yes. I'm with Jax, I'd be home soon. Sarah replied: Be careful okay, don't rush things. Lena sighed, the reminder grounding her.
"I should go," she said, standing reluctantly. Jax rose with her, walking her to the door, his hand still in hers. "i honestly don't want you to leave...See you tomorrow??" he asked, his voice hopeful.
"not sure, but I'd let you know," she said, turning to kiss his cheek softly. "Text me, okay?"
At home, Sarah waited in the living room, her eyes sharp but soft. "How'd it go?" she asked, setting down her book.
"Good," Lena said, a glow in her voice. "We talked a lot, kissed a little. He's a good person, Sarah. He really is, I actually do trust him."
Sarah smiled and hugged her, her grip warm. "That's good to hear. I know you trust him, but keep your guard up, babes. I trust you to know what's right."
In lena's room, Lena changed into pajamas, the day's emotions settling. She lay in bed, Jax's face in her mind—his sketches, his gentle touch. The storm inside her calmed, but a flicker of desire lingered, a quiet promise. She drifted to sleep, while playing a soft lullaby.
The next morning, Lena woke up and sighed. She felt stronger, but the ache of work loomed. She quickly got out of bed, went to the bathroom— had her bath, brushed her teeth, and got dressed.
She has a quick breakfast and then left for work.
At her marketing assistant job, the office buzzed with chaos. Mr. Hale, her crazy boss, stormed in, his face red. "This report's late again!" he barked, slamming a folder on her desk. "Fix it now, or you're out!" His eyes glared, watching her every move as she typed frantically. The stress crushed her, but there was nothing she could do at that moment. "Take a deep breath Lena, he's your boss and you don't have a choice, you've got this." She whispered.
Lunch break came, and she escaped to a quiet corner, calling Sarah. "He's unbearable today," she said, voice low. "I'm thinking of quitting."
Sarah's voice was steady. "If it's that bad, maybe you should. But plan it—save some money first. You know how bad we need this money. Just take it easy."
Lena nodded, even though Sarah couldn't see. "Thanks. I'll think it over." She hung up, staring at her phone.
A new text from Jax: Hey baby, been thinking of you. Can I call later? Her heart lifted. She typed back: yeah, later. Work's hell today. He replied: Sorry, baby, I'd call you after work, Miss you. She smiled.
That evening, after work, Lena sat with Sarah, sharing takeout. "Jax's call might come in soon, he misses me and wants us to talk tonight," she said, poking at her rice. "I'm so excited, I just love hearing his voice."
Sarah grinned. "That's a good sign. Just calm down, Mrs lover girl." Lena laughed hard.
Soon Jax's call came in, his voice was warm. "Hey, how was your day?"
"Awful," she admitted. "Boss yelled again. I'm thinking of quitting."
"I'm proud you're considering it," he said. "You're too good for that. he cannot be stressing my baby girl. You know what, let's go out tomorrow, coffee date, tomorrow?
"Maybe," she teased, laughing softly. "Text me the time, your Excellency." Jax laughed uncontrollably.
After talking for few minutes, they hung up, and Lena felt lighter, and Sarah? She already went into room, leaving the love birds to talk.
The night was so quiet. Lena thought of Jax, his sketches, his kisses, and wondered where this feeling would lead. For now, it felt like a gentle rain, washing away some pain, promising more.