Page 75 of Close to Heaven

“HA!” he said triumphantly.

“You’re just jealous because you weren’t the one who rescued her,” Dakota said.

Jax couldn’t take it anymore. He sprang up and said, “Okay. Who’s ready for pie?”

“I am!” Cody said.

“Then you can help me serve it,” Jax said, shooting him a pointed look.

“Fine.” Cody huffed and heaved himself off the couch.

“I’ll help too,” Avery said.

She started to rise, but Dakota put a hand on her arm and coaxed her back down. “Let the guys do it. You’re injured.”

Avery laughed, but she nodded and sat back down.

Jax couldn’t escape fast enough, and Cody casually followed him.

The kitchen was partially open to the living room, but between the TV volume and the women’s voices, Jax felt confident that he could scold Cody without them hearing.

“Stop being an ass,” he hissed.

“What’d I do?”

“You’re making Dakota suspicious.”

Cody raised his brows. “Should she be?”

“I’m done talking about this.”

Cody leaned against the counter and crossed his arms over his chest. “What else happened last night?”

Jax glared at him. “None of your business.”

“There’s my answer!”

Jax shook his head and then opened the refrigerator to take out the pie. He plunked it on the counter a little too hard, and Cody laughed.

“Don’t worry. Your secret’s safe with me.”

Jax turned his back to get out a knife. “Go ask the women if they want whipped cream or ice cream,” he said, anxious to change the subject.

Cody left the kitchen, and Jax took out his frustration on the pie, cutting into it with firm, sharp jabs.

A minute later, his brother was back. “Ice cream for both,” he reported.

Jax took out some bowls, spoons, and the ice cream scoop. “You can dish the ice cream.”

Cody reached into the freezer and took out a tub of vanilla ice cream.

As Jax was dishing the pie, Cody leaned in and said, “I saw you two this morning.”

Jax jerked his head up and searched Cody’s expression, wondering if this was a trap.

“The guests in Above the Clouds reported a water leak, and I was there early to fix it. I saw you driving Avery home.”

There wasn’t a hint of teasing or jealousy in his voice this time. Cody acted unsurprised and unaffected as he opened the ice cream container.