Shaking my head, I laughed. Yep, it was in the genes. Poor Oliver.

Chapter Eight

Surprises

The instant I stepped outside, frigid air filled my lungs and my feet sprinted forward, searching for warmth. Logan’s driveway was recently plowed, but the road was covered in drifted snow. I jogged steadily until I reached my usual turnaround, then began my trek back.

My mind was jumbled with thoughts of Hilary, her unborn child, and the opportunity she was robbing Caleb of. It was surreal to think of how much her life was changing, and I knew it was her body and her decision. But I also knew Hilary better than anyone. She was obviously scared, and I needed to figure out a way to break through that fear and convince her that she had the support surrounding her to raise a child. Regardless of whether Caleb was one of those people, she’d be taken care of. That baby would be loved—I’d make sure of it.

My eyes closed briefly as I attempted to clear my head of everything, including the image that fought to break through as I passed the place where I’d parked my car innocently behind Kurt’s a few short days ago: the spot where I’d started my race through the forest.

I shook the thoughts from my head, increased my speed, and cranked up the music on the iPod I’d found on Logan’s dresser. His preference in music was different from my own, which created a sense of safety around me. I felt as though he was there looking out for me.

When I reached Logan’s driveway, I gazed over to my house, where two white trucks with construction logos on the side doors sat. Strangers were in my home. I knew they were there to repair the damage, but it still left me unsettled.

I switched off the blast of Pearl Jam and entered Logan’s house, ready to shower and begin my mission to find Scout. Whatever ‘studying’ Jax was up to in his room didn’t involve looking for my pup, and I couldn’t sit around and wait any longer.

Dressed in a pair of jeans and white snug-fitting sweater after my shower, I made my way to Jax’s room. It wasn’t hard to find, considering the sounds leaking out. So much for asking him to print flyers. I made my way farther down the hall to Logan’s office and opened the door. A massive flat computer screen sat on top of his desk, with a printer off to the side atop a hutch.

My internal debate to use it ended quickly. It felt wrong without Logan’s permission—not to mention, knowing him, it was probably password protected. Going to my house wasn’t an option, which left only one alternative.

I waited patiently, playing solitaire on my fully charged phone until Jax’s door cracked open and the surprisingly gracefully composed tutor slipped out. The second she saw me, she flushed.

Relax, I wasn’t listening.

“Jax is a great guy,” she said, as if words were necessary, slipping into her coat. With one sleeve on, she winced, lowering her head.

“You okay?” I moved toward her.

“Yeah, thanks. I’m a bit of a wuss. It was my first time.”

What! First time? And a wuss? What the hell? I was seething. This poor girl.

“Hey, don’t say that about yourself. I’m sorry…I know it’s not my place, but…” I couldn’t hold back. “…Jax doesn’t seem like the type of guy to get serious with a girl. You should be careful.”

Her brows knit together. “I have no interest in dating Jax. I mean, he’s hot…” She smiled. “But he’s screwed both of my roommates.”

“Oh.”

“In the last week,” she added.

“Ew, okay then.” I was officially confused and grossed out.

“See you around,” she said, looking a bit too satisfied for my taste. How was it that the West men brought even the strong women of Harmony to their knees? I was not impressed.

Holding back my frown, I waited until she turned out of the hall. The second she was out of sight, my fists began pounding.

“No need to knock.”

I opened the door slowly and warily, especially at his next words.

“Forget something, or did you change your mind about wanting more?”

Yuck. I made a face with my head downcast, not wanting to see anything I wouldn’t be able to block out. “Nope, just need a favor.”

“Shit!”

Jax’s legs were all I saw leaping across the room. I peeked up, catching sight of a white sheet floating down from his hands, covering something in front of the wall. Cautiously, I raised my head, relieved to find him standing there fully dressed and looking surprisingly nervous.

“What do you want?” his voice grated.

“What’s that?” I nudged my head toward the sheet.

“Nothing. You said you needed a favor?”

He was definitely hiding something, but considering he wanted me gone, now was the perfect time to ask. “I need to borrow your car.”

He blew out a rapid snicker. “No, seriously, what’s up?”

“Come on. Mine’s not back yet, and I wanted to make some flyers to post around town.”

“Flyers for what?”

My eyes widened. “For what? For Scout!”

“Oh, right, yeah.” He at least attempted a sympathetic shrug, but I wasn’t convinced. He’d forgotten all about my dog.

“I take it you grew bored of looking for him.”

“Not at all. I got everyone I know out there searching. So, did you make the posters?”

“Not yet. I need a computer.”

“Here, use mine.” He grabbed his laptop from the desk and unplugged it. “It will print in Logan’s office. I’d give you my car, but nobody drives it except me, so how about a compromise? I’ll give you a ride downtown, drop you off, and when you’re done with your…business, I’ll pick you up and bring you back.”

“So that would make you my…personal driver?” My lip quirked up.

“Yeah, yeah, go make the flyers. I need a shower.” His hands raked through his hair.

“I’m sure you do!”

He grabbed a towel hanging over his desk chair and snapped it at me. “Out! I’ll be ready in ten.”

Carrying his laptop, I laughed at his persistence as he guided me back to the door and ushered me out into the hall. I turned back to throw a clever retort for his briskness, but was faced with a slamming door and the telltale sound of a lock clicking. He was definitely hiding something, and if need be, I’d find out. But for now, I was pleased I had a computer and a ride.

“Call me when you’re ready, but not before three,” Jax said, pulling into a fire lane in front of The Harmony Tribune.

I unbuckled my seat belt. “Why three?” It wasn’t even noon yet.

“’Cause I have things to do, too. So if you want a ride, hit me up after then.”

“Fine.” I climbed out, my hands full of a massive stack of flyers. “Thanks,” I said, my smile genuine.

“No problem. Oh, and uh, no need to tell Logan I helped with those.” He glanced at my hands.

My brow scrunched. “Okay,” I replied.

With that, I closed the door and watched as he merged back into traffic, heading toward the college. When I turned back, I couldn’t help but want to pay a little surprise visit to Logan.

The newspaper was housed in one of the oldest buildings in town. It was also one of the largest, which wasn’t saying much; if you plucked it up and situated it in the middle of a real city, it’d probably be one of the smallest there. But to us in Harmony, it was grand. The architecture alone had caught my attention even as a young child, and although I’d been curious, I’d never entered; for some reason, the mystery held more appeal. But now I’d finally get a glimpse inside.