Lena barely had time to process his words before he leaned in, slow and deliberate. He was giving her time, waiting for her to pull away if she wanted to.
But she didn't.
Her breath hitched as his lips brushed against hersâhesitant at first, like he was testing the waters. It wasn't rushed or demanding. It was soft, careful. Like he knew exactly how much this moment meant.
Like he knew how much she meant.
A warmth spread through her chest as she melted into him, her fingers tightening slightly where they rested against his back. Jaxon let out a slow exhale, like he'd been holding it in for longer than he wanted to admit.
His hand slid up, cupping her jaw, his thumb grazing her cheek. A warmth spread through her chest, steady and grounding. The world outside this room faded into the background. There was no pressure, no expectationsâjust his touch, his presence, and the quiet reassurance that she was safe here.
Safe with him.
Jaxon pulled back just enough to rest his forehead against hers, his breath warm against her lips. "Tell me if you want to stop."
Lena swallowed hard, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't."
Something in Jaxon's expression softenedârelief flickering across his face before he kissed her again. Deeper this time. More sure. His other hand found her waist, fingers curling into the fabric of her hoodie like he was afraid to let go.
The world outside the room didn't exist anymore. It was just them, wrapped in something new, something terrifying, something impossible to ignore.
When they finally broke apart, Lena let out a shaky breath, her forehead still pressed against his. Jaxon smiled slightly, his fingers brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. "That was..."
Lena huffed out a soft laugh. "unexpected?"
Jaxon smirked. "No. Not even a little. Honestly, I've been planning that for weeks."
Lena raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And how exactly did the plan go in your head?"
Jaxon leaned back, pretending to think. "Well, for starters, I imagined you would swoon immediately. Maybe sigh dramatically. Possibly declare your undying love."
Lena rolled her eyes. "Wow. How tragic for you that I ruined your fantasy."
Jaxon grinned, bumping his forehead lightly against hers. "It's okay, Carter. You can make it up to me."
Lena scoffed. "Oh? And how do you propose I do that?"
Jaxon's smirk widened. "By kissing me again. Obviously."
Lena shook her head, biting back a smile. Because the truth was, she hadn't wanted to stop. And if the way Jaxon was looking at her was any indication, he hadn't either.