Page 7 of Jorax (Arixxia Fields #4)
Chapter Seven
S yrryn
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."
"I'm glad." His gruff voice wraps around me like an intimate caress.
We spend the next hour alternating between companionable silence and easy conversation: his latest hypotheses, my most embarrassing lab accidents, and our beloved childhood pets. Natural as breathing.
Lulled by the springs and his presence, I could stay here forever, pruning be damned. Tension I didn't realize I carried melts away until I'm boneless.
I crack an eye open to find Jorax watching me, something soft and unguarded in his expression that makes my pulse stutter.
"Hungry? I packed some fruit tarts."
"Oooh, fancy! You've been holding out on me, Dr. Xyron." My voice comes out huskier than intended.
He ducks his head boyishly, but I catch his pleased smile. "Only the best for you, Dr. Anilore. "
Wrapped in fluffy towels, we picnic on the sunbaked rocks, sharing bites of mozzleberry and mellaberry tarts between easy laughter. I feel comfortable in a way I can’t quite put my finger on… other than it feels calm, unhurried, and natural.
Jorax points out a flock of long-tailed scarlet birds soaring overhead as he patiently explains their migration patterns and mating habits. His passion is mesmerizing. I could listen to him geek out forever.
By the time we meander back to the hover, the sun is setting in a riot of crimson and violet. Already, I'm mourning the end of our adventure.
"I had an incredible time." I have no need to hide the brilliant smile I flash at him. It just feels natural. "Thank you for sharing this place with me."
"It was my pleasure." Jorax focuses on his feet, endearingly shy. "I… I've never brought anyone here before."
My heart squeezes. He trusted me with something special. It feels like a gift.
"Syrryn…" My name is a gravelly rasp, filled with longing. Though it seemed as though he was going to say something else, something personal, his comment fades to nothing.
"Next week, hot cocoa by the falls?" I ask hopefully.
His slow, crooked smile rivals the breathtaking sunset. "It's a d—, uh, I’ll put it on my calendar."
For the first time since arriving on Hallion, I'm not nervous at all. Whatever this is between us, unfolding sweet and steady as spring blossoms… it feels unquestionably right.