The steady rhythm of the tires against the pavement fills the car, the occasional glow of passing streetlights flickering through the window. Jaxon hasn't said anything in a whileânot since his last smug remark.
Which gives me way too much time to think.
Specifically about the so-called 'favor' Jaxon is planning to cash in.
Knowing him, it could be anythingâfrom making me wear his basketball jersey at school for a day to forcing me to pretend to be his biggest fan at a game.
Or worseâsomething he hasn't even thought of yet.
Jaxon drums his fingers on the steering wheel. "You know, Carter, I feel like this is a bonding moment for us."
I snort. "A bonding moment?"
"Yeah." He grins. "The helpless damsel in distress calls the charming, heroic point guard for rescue. Classic."
I roll my eyes. "If you think this is some fairy tale moment, you need help. And a reality check."
Jaxon grins. "Admit itâyou're glad I came to get you."
I huff, staring out the window. "I'd be glad if you just focused on the road."
For a few minutes, we sit in comfortable silence again. The radio hums softly in the background, filling the space between us. Jaxon taps the steering wheel rhythmically, his usual cocky energy slightly subdued. It's... unusual. Then, Jaxon sneaks a glance at me. "You okay? You seem tired."
I sigh, resting my head back. "I just... sometimes it's exhausting having to figure everything out alone."
His smirk fades, replaced with something serious. "You don't always have to."
I glance at him, surprised by his tone.
Jaxon keeps his eyes on the road, but his grip on the wheel tightens. His jaw clenches slightly, and for once, he doesn't fire back with some witty comeback. Instead, he just nods, like he's filing that information away somewhere important. "Just saying... you don't have to do everything by yourself all the time."
I swallow, unsure how to respond.
Before I can, my phone rings.
Ethan.
Finally.
Jaxon exhales through his nose, muttering something under his breath as I reach for it. The moment I pick up, Ethan's voice comes through sharp.
"Where have you been? I just saw your textsâwhy didn't you wait for me?"
Iroll my eyes. "Wow, look who finally decided to check his phone."
Jaxon mutters, "Great timing, little brother."
Ethan's voice is sharp. "Waitâwhy is Jaxon with you?"
I wince. Here we go.
Jaxon glances at me, smirking slightly before turning his attention back to theroad. "Put it on speaker, Carter. Let's make this a familydiscussion."
I shoot him a glare but, for some reason, I don't immediately say no.