The buzz from Jaxon's unexpected move hadn't even died down when the next big event hit: a major basketball game. The entire school was hyped. The gym was packed, students decked out in school colors, chanting as the teams warmed up. Jaxon, ever the showman, was in his elementâgrinning, high-fiving teammates, soaking up the energy like he was born for it.
Lena wasn't even planning to go. But between her friend Mia practically dragging her out of her house and the guilt that gnawed at her whenever she thought about Ethan, she found herself in the bleachers anyway.
She spotted Ethan on the court, his expression locked in that focused, unreadable mask he always wore during games. But when his eyes flicked toward her for the briefest second before looking away, she knew. The tension between them hadn't gone anywhere.
Jaxon's name was chanted over and over again as the game kicked off, and Lena couldn't help but notice how naturally he took control. His speed, his confidenceâit was effortless. And yet, every so often, he would glance up at the stands, eyes searching for something. When he finally found her, his smirk turned almost cocky, like he knew exactly what he was doing.
She groaned, looking away. Why did he have to be like this?
The game was intense, the score neck and neck, and by the fourth quarter, the energy in the gym was electric. Jaxon and Ethan ended up face-to-face more than once, the unspoken tension from their personal lives leaking onto the court.
With less than a minute left, Jaxon stole the ball and drove down the court, weaving past defenders with ease. The crowd erupted as he went for a clean, perfect shot. The buzzer sounded just as the ball sailed cleanly through the net.
The gym exploded. Students jumped from their seats, chanting his name. His teammates swarmed him, clapping him on the back as the school's victory rang through the gym.
Lena didn't even realize she was smiling until Mia nudged her. "You're staring."
"I am not," she lied instantly.
Mia smirked. "Whatever you say."
---
The afterparty was inevitable.
Jaxon's teammates were throwing a massive celebration at one of their houses, and half the school had already planned to show up. Lena hadn't even decided if she wanted to go before Mia grabbed her hand and said, "We are not missing this."
The house was packed, music blasting, people everywhere. Lena maneuvered through the crowd, dodging couples making out in corners and guys already hyping up the next game.
And then, of course, there was Jaxon Walker, the center of attention.
He was leaning against the kitchen counter, drink in hand, looking every bit the golden boy that he was. He spotted her almost immediately, eyes lighting up as he made his way over.
"Carter," he greeted, that lazy smirk on his lips. "Didn't think you were the party type."
"I'm not." She crossed her arms. "Mia forced me."
Jaxon chuckled. "Ah, so I should be thanking her."
Lena rolled her eyes. "You did good tonight. The game, I mean."
He raised an eyebrow. "Did you just compliment me?"
"Don't let it go to your head."
"Too late."
Lena exhaled, scanning the crowded party. "If I want to make this party feel less awkward, I need some alcohol. A lot of it."
Jaxon's lips twitched. "Well, lucky for you, I know just the place."
He motioned toward the makeshift bar set up in the corner, where students were laughing, pouring drinks, and daring each other to take ridiculous shots. Lena wasn't exactly thrilled about the idea, but if it meant surviving this night, she was willing to go along with it.
"Fine," she muttered. "But if this turns into a disaster, I'm blaming you."
Jaxon grinned, already leading the way. "Wouldn't have it any other way."