Jaxon pulls into my driveway just before midnight. The absurd amount of arcade tickets, the stupid stuffed basketball, and the lingering warmth in my chest make it impossible to ignore one simple fact:
I actually had fun.
Jaxon shifts in his seat, one arm draped over the steering wheel as he watches me with that annoyingly smug expression. "Admit it, Carter. Best night of your life."
I snort, hugging the stuffed basketball closer. "Not even close."
His grin widens. "You sure? Because I distinctly remember you laughing so hard you nearly fell over when I obliterated you at Dance Dance Revolution."
I roll my eyes. "Obliterated? You flailed around like a dying fish."
"It's called freestyle," he says, completely serious. "Not everyone can appreciate my moves."
I snort. "Moves is a strong word."
Jaxon raises an eyebrow. "Yeah? And what would you call what you were doing?"
I tilt my head, smirking. "Winning."
Jaxon laughs, shaking his head. "Alright, rematch then. Next time, you and me. I'll even let you pick the game."
I smirk. "Oh, so you're in the mood to lose again?"
His eyes gleam. "In your dreams, Carter."
"Every night, Walker."
I intended for it to sound sarcastic, but something in his expression shifts. His smirk faltersâjust slightlyâlike I've thrown him off balance. Or maybe like he's considering something he shouldn't.
The air in the car thickens, the teasing tension between us settling into something quieter, something charged.
I swallow, reaching for the door handle, desperate to break whatever this is before it spirals into something I don't know how to handle. "Whatever. Thanks for theâuh, I don't even know what to call this."
Jaxon leans back in his seat, watching me carefully. "A good time?"
I hesitate.
It was a good time. A stupid, ridiculous, unexpectedly fun time.
Which is exactly why I need to get out of this car now.
I force a shrug. "Debatable."
Jaxon chuckles, shaking his head. "Right. Sure. Keep telling yourself that."
I glare at him, opening the door. "Goodnight, Walker."
He grins. "Sweet dreams, Carter. Try not to dream about me too much."
I slam the door shut before he can see the way my face burns.
Because, the truth is, I probably will.