By the time the tow truck gets Jaxon's car hooked up, I am beyond ready to be home. Unfortunately, the universe has other plans.
"Alright, kids," the driver says, dusting his hands off. "Only room for one passenger in the cab."
Jaxon gestures toward me. "Take it, Carter. I'll ride in the truck."
I blink, caught off guard. "Wait, seriously?"
He shrugs. "What can I say? I'm a gentleman."
I narrow my eyes, suspicious. "Or you're just hoping to guilt-trip me into owing you another favour."
Jaxon grins. "Can't it be both?"
I roll my eyes. "No way. You came to pick me up. You take the seat in the cab."
Jaxon hesitates for a half-second, clearly debating whether to argue. Then he smirks. "You know, most people would just say 'thank you' and get in."
I deadpan. "Wouldn't be the first time I've made your life difficult, Walker."
The tow truck driver exhales heavily, looking about five seconds from quitting his job. "One of you needs to decide before I leave you both here."
Jaxon sighs dramatically, pressing a hand to his heart. "Fine. If you insist, I'll take the seat. But just know, Carter, this is going in the record books as your first-ever act of kindness toward me."
I scoff. "First? Please. I tolerate you daily. That's charity work."
He grins. "Touché."
---
The tow truck driver drops me off first, and I practically sprint to my front door, ready to put this night behind me. But before I can even get my keys out, Ethan yanks open the door.
I barely have time to react before he pulls me inside, shutting the door behind us. Uh-oh.
"What the hell was that?" he demands, crossing his arms. "Jaxon? Really?"
I sigh, rubbing my temples. "Ethan, I had no other option. My car was dead, you didn't answer your phone, and literally no one else was picking up."
"You should have waited for me."
"And done what, sat in a parking lot for hours?"
Ethan shakes his head, clearly frustrated. "You don't get it, Lena. Jaxon's notâ"
"Not what?" I challenge, narrowing my eyes. "Not a total idiot? Because, shocker, he actually helped me."
Ethan lets out a breath, his jaw tightening. "He's not serious, Lena. He never is. And the last thing I want is for you to get caught up in something that isn't real."
I blink, caught off guard by the sudden shift in tone. Ethan never sounds like this.
Before I can respond, the door swings open again, and in walks Jaxonâstill wearing his usual smirk.
"Aw, family meeting? Didn't realize I was invited."
Ethan scowls. "What are you doing here?"
Jaxon shrugs. "What, no 'thank you' for rescuing your best friend?"
Ethan's glare intensifies. "Lena didn't need rescuing."
Jaxon raises an eyebrow. "Really? 'Cause she looked pretty grateful wrapped up in my hoodie."
I instantly feel my face heat up. "Oh my god, you are the worst."
Ethan's expression darkens. "What hoodie?"
Jaxon grins, eyes flicking toward me. "You mean she didn't tell you?"
Ethan turns to me, waiting.
I want to disappear.
Jaxon claps his hands together. "Well, this has been fun. You two enjoy your little heart-to-heart." Then he winks at me. "Sweet dreams, Carter."
And with that, he walks out the door, leaving me alone with Ethanâand a very bad feeling about this conversation.