Chapter Fourteen

Ethan's voice on the other end of the line is tense. "Lena, why are you with Jaxon?"

I sigh, rubbing my temple. "Because my car is officially dead, and you didn't answer your phone. And before you ask, yes, I did try other friends—at least the ones with a car—but no one was picking up."

"And Jaxon was your next best option?" Ethan sounds incredulous.

Jaxon smirks, clearly enjoying this way too much. "Jealous, little brother?"

"Shut up, Jaxon," Ethan snaps. "Lena, where are you? I'll come get you."

I roll my eyes. "I'm literally already in a car, Ethan. There's no need to swoop in for a rescue when I'm halfway home."

There's a long pause. Then, "Fine. But we're talking about this later."

I hang up before he can say anything else. The moment I put my phone down, Jaxon chuckles. "He's freaking out. You know that, right?"

I groan, leaning my head back against the seat. "Ethan freaks out over everything."

Jaxon side-eyes me, a smirk playing on his lips. "Not like this."

I cross my arms, suddenly feeling defensive. "And what's that supposed to mean?"

"It means, Carter, that I think my dear little brother is starting to suspect something." He winks. "Maybe I should tell him you're madly in love with me."

I scoff. "If I were ever to have fallen madly in love with you, assume I suffered a severe head injury—or worse, full-on possession."

Jaxon laughs, but before he can respond, his truck makes an odd noise—like a low screech followed by a sharp jolt. We both jerk forward slightly as he pulls over to the side of the road.

"What the hell was that?" I ask, gripping my seatbelt.

Jaxon frowns, shifting gears and trying to restart the truck. Nothing.

"Great," he mutters. "Now my car's dead too."

I stare at him. "Are you serious?"

Jaxon sighs, running a hand through his hair. "Looks like you're stuck with me, Carter."

I groan, tossing my hands up. "Fantastic. This is exactly how I wanted my night to go—stranded on the side of the road with Jaxon Walker."

He grins. "Hey, could be worse."

I glare. "How?"

He leans back, folding his arms behind his head like he's completely relaxed. "You could be stranded alone."

I hate that he's right.

For a few moments, we just sit there. The night is quiet, except for the distant sound of crickets and the occasional car passing by.

"So, what now?" I ask.

Jaxon stretches. "Now, we wait for a tow truck, and in the meantime... we bond."

I groan. "Kill me now."

He smirks. "Sorry, Carter. Looks like you're stuck with me. Might as well make the most of it."