Ethan is staring at me like I've just announced I'm moving to Mars. His expression is serious, his jaw tight. "Lena, you know how I feel about this." "So let me get this straight. You and Jaxon are actually going on this date?"
I roll my eyes, stuffing my books into my locker. "I don't have a choice. He bid on me, Ethan. It'd look weird if I just refused."
Ethan folds his arms, his frustration clear. "You know Jaxon is off-limits. We've talked about this, Lena."
I freeze for half a second before brushing it off. "Relax, it's not that deep. He probably just did it to mess with me."
Ethan doesn't look convinced. "Lena, I know my brother. He doesn't do things like this unless there's a reason."
I let out an exaggerated sigh. "Oh no, do you think Jaxon actually likes me? Guess we'll start picking out wedding invitations."
Ethan glares. "Not funny."
I shrug. "What do you want me to say? I don't know why he did it, but it's done. And it's not a real date."
Ethan exhales slowly, shaking his head. "I'm serious, Lena. Jaxon doesn't do relationships. He doesn't get attached. And I don't want you getting hurt because he's playing some game."
Something in his tone makes me pause. There's something softer beneath the frustration. A hint of something else.
"Careful?" I ask, my voice quieter now.
He hesitates, rubbing the back of his neck. "Look, Jaxon isn't exactly known for... commitment. I just don't want you getting caught up in something that isn't real."
I narrow my eyes. "You're acting like I have feelings for him."
Ethan gives me a look that I can't quite read. "Do you?"
"No."
The answer comes out so fast it almost startles me. Ethan's eyes search mine, and for a moment, I swear he sees something I don't.
Finally, he nods. "Alright."
Before I can say anything else, Jaxon strolls up, looking far too smug. "Talking about me? I'm flattered."
Ethan groans. "Do you ever leave us alone?"
Jaxon grins. "Not when it's this fun." He turns to me. "So, Carter, where are we going for our big romantic evening?"
I scowl. "It's not romantic."
He smirks. "You keep telling yourself that."
Ethan looks between us, his expression unreadable before he sighs heavily. "This is going to be a disaster."
I couldn't agree more.
---
Later that night, I'm lying in bed, staring at my ceiling, when my phone buzzes.
Jaxon: Hope you're ready for tomorrow, Carter. I expect full date-night enthusiasm.
I snort, typing back immediately.
Lena: The only enthusiasm you're getting is me being excited when it's over.
A reply comes almost instantly.
Jaxon: We'll see about that. Sweet dreams, Carter.
I groan, tossing my phone onto my nightstand and rolling onto my stomach.
This is going to be a nightmare.
Or, at the very least, an absolute disaster.