I try to shake off the weird, uncomfortable feeling that settles in my chest as Madison walks away. It's not a big deal. Jaxon can date whoever he wants. He could start a speed-dating club for all I care. So why does my brain feel like it's short-circuiting over this?
I make it to my next class and sink into my seat, determined to shove the entire conversation out of my brain. I'm fine. Everything is fine.
At least, that's what I tell myself until my phone vibrates on my desk. I hesitate, suspicion prickling at the back of my mind. Did he hear about my conversation with Madison? Is this him rubbing it in? If she told him, I swearâ
Jaxon: Miss me yet, Carter?
I exhale through my nose, rolling my eyes. Of course, he picks now to be annoying.
Me: Like stepping on a Lego barefoot.
Jaxon: Ouch. Brutal. And here I was, about to tell you something you'd love to know.
I hesitate, fingers hovering over my phone.
Me: Not interested.
Jaxon: Oh, you definitely are.
I should ignore him. I should put my phone away and actually pay attention to class. But, against my better judgment, I type back.
Me: Fine. What?
Jaxon: I'm not going on the date with Madison.
I blink at the screen.
Wait. What?
I reread his message, my brain not computing. He's not going? The same guy who loves attention, who loves being the center of everything, is backing out of a date with the head cheerleader?
Me: Why not?
Jaxon: Because I have other plans.
I narrow my eyes at the screen.
Me: What kind of plans?
Jaxon: Wouldn't you like to know ;)
My jaw tightens. Of course, he's being cryptic. Typical Jaxon.
Me: So you're just bailing on her? Wow. Bold move. I bet she'll love that.
Jaxon: Eh, she'll survive. She's still got a thing for me, so I'm sure she'll bounce back.
I groan, rubbing my forehead. He's impossible.
Me: Your ego is exhausting.
Jaxon: And yet, here you are, texting me back.
I freeze, staring at the message. Damn it.
Before I can respond, the bell rings, and class is over. I shove my phone into my bag and head toward the hallway, determined to avoid Jaxon for the rest of the day.
But as soon as I turn the corner, I almost collide with him.
He smirks down at me, hands in his pockets. "Hey, Carter."
I glare. "I swear, you appear like a poorly timed pop-up adâannoying, persistent, and impossible to get rid of."
"It's a skill." His grin widens. "So, what's with the frown? Still thinking about my date with Madison?"
I scoff. "Not even a little."
"Mmm." He steps closer, his voice dropping just slightly. "You sure about that?"
I roll my eyes. "You're seriously ditching her? Why?"
Jaxon tilts his head. "Why do you care?"
I open my mouth, then shut it, realizing I don't have a good answer. I don't care. I don't.
Jaxon leans in just a little, his voice teasing. "If you wanted me to take you out instead, Carter, all you had to do is ask."
I shove his shoulder, ignoring the way my pulse betrays me. "You're the worst."
He laughs, stepping back. "And yet, here you are, still talking to me."
I hate that he's right.
And I hate even more that, for some reason, I'm still thinking about his stupid non-date long after he's gone.