Sea Breeze 01 - Breathe

promise you. And how do you know you can’t find all those qualities in someone else? Jax isn’t the only guy on earth who is kind, polite, and sweet.”
    “I’m sure you’re right. But no guy I’ve ever met has made my heart go on a frenzy and my skin tingle just from him walking into a room. Somehow he’s the only one who has ever been able to touch my soul.”
    Marcus sighed and shook his head. “You’re right, it isn’t something just anyone can do to you. It just sucks Jax Stone is the one to make you tingle.”
    I let out a small laugh. “I’ll always love him. But I know soon I’ll have to learn to live without him and move on. Right now just isn’t the time.”
    Marcus nodded.
    I opened the door and got out. “Thanks for the ride.”
    He smiled. “Anytime.”
    I walked inside. Marcus was a great guy, and if I didn’t love Jax so much, maybe I could feel something for him. But my soul was already taken.
    I didn’t want to fall asleep for fear I would miss Jax’s call. I swept the kitchen and scrubbed the bathroom before finally getting in the shower. I left the cell by the sink just in case the phone rang. When I finished, I put on my nightgown, and then I turned to my bed and fought the urge to crawl in. I knew if I did, I would fall asleep. Closing my eyes was out of the question even though my lids were very heavy. I sat down on the edge of the bed and thought about the likelihood of him calling me tonight. I’d just about convinced myself he wasn’t going to call when I heard Jax singing “Wanted Dead or Alive.” I hadn’t expected a one-of-a-kind ringtone, and I laughed as I answered the phone. “Hello.”
    “Hey, beautiful.”
    “Do I happen to have the only recorded version of Jax Stone singing ‘Wanted Dead or Alive’ as a ring one?” I asked, unable to get the silly grin off my face.
    “Yes, you do. When I tried to think of a song to play when I called you, I realized I’d never recorded a song you liked, so I went into my studio at the house and recorded the only one I knew you would enjoy.”
    I smiled and crossed my legs on the bed. “I happen to have become an obsessed fan. You could have put any of your songs on there, and I would’ve been happy.”
    “Is that so? I wish you’d told me you were a fan. I would’ve left my door unlocked so you could sneak in and squirt perfume on my pillow.”
    I laughed out loud, and then covered my mouth so Jessica wouldn’t wake up and come in. I hadn’t discussed Jax with her again, and I hoped I wouldn’t have to.
    “I don’t wear perfume.”
    “You mean you smell that good without help?”
    “I guess I do.”
    “Hmmm . . . Well, how about I autograph one of your body parts. . . . I get to pick.” He chuckled into the phone.
    I blushed, and the silly grin stayed on my face. “Okay, maybe I am not that crazy a fan, but I am a fan. I listen to your music every night while I go to sleep.”
    He groaned. “Sadie, did you have to remind me? I have a hard enough time closing my eyes to go to sleep. I don’t need images of you all curled up in your bed with your hair spread out around you, listening to me sing in your ears.”
    “Sorry, but I don’t want you to think I prefer Jon Bon Jovi’s work over yours.”
    “Thank you.”
    “You’re welcome.”
    “I miss you.”
    “I miss you, too.”
    “Go to sleep. I’ll see you soon.”
    I sighed and wished I had a poster of him on my wall. “Good night, Jax.”
    “Good night, Sadie.”
    I pressed end and slipped under the covers with Jax playing in my ears.
    Ms. Mary stood over Henrietta, who appeared to be making bread, when I entered the kitchen the next morning.
    “Now, Mrs. Stone said she needs it to be whole wheat, but she wants it light and fluffy, not heavy.”
    Henrietta nodded and continued kneading the dough in front of her. I grinned and walked toward the laundry room to change. Today wasn’t going to be easy with Jax gone, but at least I was at his home, near his things. It was better than nothing. I slipped into my uniform and went back to the kitchen.
    “Go ahead and get some of the fresh bread over there. Henrietta made it for lunch today, but it is really good with some butter on it while it is still warm.”
    I didn’t have to be told twice. My stomach growled. I sliced off a piece and buttered it. The fresh homemade bread melted in my mouth.
    “Hey, don’t eat all the good stuff.” Marcus poked me in the ribs and grabbed the knife to slice