By the time we finally get out of the closet, thanks to a very confused janitor who finds us mid-argument, I'm still fuming.
But the worst part? Jaxon won't let it go.
"Trapped in a closet with me and already dreaming about spending money on me?" He flashes that infuriating grin. "Carter, I didn't know you felt that way."
I groan, shoving my notes into my bag. "Oh, don't flatter yourself. I'd rather set five dollars on fire."
"Harsh." He clutches his chest in mock devastation before recovering way too quickly. "You sure about that? Because I think you're starting to like me."
I whip around, narrowing my eyes. "I would rather kiss aâ"
"Careful," Jaxon interrupts, tilting his head. "If you say 'rock,' I'll be personally offended."
I glare at him. "A cactus."
He bursts out laughingâgenuine, full-bodied laughterâand I hate that for half a second, I actually like the sound of it.
This Bachelor Auction is going to be the death of me.
---
Later that day, I head to the gym to finalize the auction setup, praying that Jaxon will leave me alone for at least five minutes. But, of course, that's too much to ask.
"Hey, Carter," his voice rings out as he jogs up beside me, flipping a basketball in his hands. "Miss me?"
"Like I'd miss food poisoning," I mutter, focusing on my clipboard.
"Wow," he chuckles. "The insults just keep getting better. You sure you don't secretly love spending time with me?"
I stop walking and turn to him. "Jaxon, the only thing I love about you is the moment you walk away."
His smirk deepens. "You wound me."
Before I can shoot back a response, Ethan appears, completely oblivious to the ongoing war between his best friend and his older brother.
"Hey, Lena," Ethan greets with his usual easy-going grin. How's the auction stuff going?"
"Great!" I say, forcing a smile. "Except for the part where I have to deal with him."
Ethan laughs. "Yeah, welcome to my life."
Jaxon places a hand over his chest, feigning devastation. "Wow. Two betrayals in one minute. A new record. "
Before I can shoot back a response, the gym doors swing open and in walks Ryan Porter.
The moment his eyes land on me, my stomach drops.
Ryan PorterâJaxon's teammate and a star on our school's basketball team. Also, my ex-boyfriend who turned out to be the worst kind of guy. And now, he's walking straight toward me, wearing that smug expression I once mistook for charming.
My breath catches, but I force myself to look away. Not worth my time. Not worth my energy.
But Jaxon's gaze sharpens instantly.
The smirk? Gone. The usual teasing glint in his eyes? Replaced with something unreadable.
"Great," I mutter under my breath. "Just what I needed today."
Ryan's gaze lands on me, his smirk so effortless and confident that once upon a time, I might've fallen for it.
Jaxon, to my surprise, doesn't move. He just watches. Studying. Calculating.
Then, in a voice low enough that only I can hear, he murmurs, "Don't worry, Carter. I've got your back."
I blink. "What?"
But before he can answer, Ryan reaches us, his smirk firmly in place as he says, "Lena, long time no see."