Page 21 of Drive

“Thank you, sir.” Jaxon smiles at my father and takes his hand, offering him what sounds like a rehearsed response. “Your gratitude is appreciated.”

So that’s what happened.

Jaxon went into the military.

Mystery solved.

“We better not lose our reservation.” I look up to find Bri frowning at her cell phone. “I had to book it six months in advance.”

Actually, I booked it, and it was nearly nine months ago, but I don’t point that out. I’m too busy watching Jaxon. He leaves my father at the bottom of the porch steps, walking toward me at a fast clip.

“Relax, we won’t be late,” I say to her, still looking up at Jaxon through the open car door. His jaw is clenched tight and even thought I can’t see his eyes, I can feel them, dark and intense, trained on my face. He’s angry. Feels rejected. Confused.

Good.

Now he knows what it feels like.

“I’m sure Lurch is an excellent driver,” I say andI have the satisfaction of watching his jaw go slack, right before I shut the door in his face.

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