Page 6 of Forever Home

Back then, I had such a complete crush on him, certain that my teenage fantasies would come true. Instead, the man was so preoccupied with being the shining football star with Asher and Knox that he never even noticed.

Or maybe he did… and I’m the one that was an idiot.

Taking a moment, I try to collect myself.Calm down, Madison. It’s just Jaxson. He’s just another typical, run of the mill guy, nothing to get excited about.

I don’t believe my lie for a second. He’s hotter than I remember him being. Even with the same shaggy brown hair that he had back then, there’s something…moreto him. More professional, more… Godly.

Almost like a sex God took over the rock-solid body he had in high school and gave him sharper features and a knowing glint in his eyes that I couldn’t be happier for. The black slacks and maroon button-up have to be designer because they were clearly custom tailored for that impressive physique. The man may not have been playing football anymore, but it’s clear he still finds time to work out.

If only it had been him in my dream…

The moment the thought crosses my mind, his gaze scans the room and lands straight on me, almost as if he can feel me lusting after him from over here. The intensity in his eyes all but sucks the air from my lungs as he proceeds in my direction.

Oh, fuck me.

A deep flush crawls up my face as I try to stop my eyes from roaming his body. I mean I desperately need to get laid, that’s obvious. But I don’t need to look desperate…Though, I could be desperate for him if he wants me to be.

“Madi.” His deep, sultry voice slides over my skin and I shudder in pleasure. “Long time no see.”

Fucking hell… Get yourself together, woman, and get over this stupid crush. It was so long ago. He’s just being friendly!

“Jaxson… Well, I suppose if you took some time off from cooking and came back to visit more often it wouldn’t be so long, would it?” I reply in a playful, sarcastic tone that causes him to chuckle. The sound oddly similar to the man from my dreams.

“Glad to see some things haven’t changed,” he replies with a shake of his head. “You still have that mouth on you. Now, come here and give me a hug.”

There’s no hesitation on his part as he steps towards me and I awkwardly give him a hug. My senses are completely overwhelmed by the deep, dark, earthy aroma of his cologne. It wraps around me like a warm blanket, taking me back to the days we used to lay under the treehouse in the grass during the summer right before a rainstorm.

Though the moment he breaks away, I can’t help but be slightly annoyed. Not because he was bringing up memories of the past. Because the way he looks at me is almost like he’s seeing the little girl who used to hang around with him at the treehouse, not a full grown-ass woman who would rather have him bend her over the kitchen counter while he spanks her ass.

“You okay?”

His question pulls me out of my thoughts as I stand back from him and clear my throat, my eyes roaming over his body once more. “Mhm… I was just thinking about something…”

“Oh, really?” he chuckles. “If I remember correctly that was never really a good thing back in the day?”

Smartass.My brow lifts slightly as a smirk touches the corner of my lips.

“Neither is the chef who looks like he’s been eating too many of hiscreations.”

A deep roar of laughter escapes him as he nods his head and slowly pats his stomach. “I can promise you that behind this clothing, it is nothing but rock-hard abs. Wanna see?”

Oh sweet baby Jesus…

As much as every part of me wants to jump on that offer, I instantly back down, face flushing red as I roll my eyes, shaking my head. Jaxson looks incredible, there’s no denying that. But his words fluster me to the point of being speechless, and it’s at that moment that Asher walks in and I’m honestly glad for it. Because otherwise I would more than likely embarrass myself even further.

Asher makes his way around, greeting Knox and Jaxson first as I make my way back to talk to Kylie, before he approaches.

“God, Asher, you got huge! What kind of drugs are you pumping these days?” I reply as he rolls his dark eyes, shifting slightly uncomfortable under my comment. I’d meant it to sound like a sarcastic bitch. That’s who I was, when I wanted to be. And regardless of his gaze looking nothing but unpleasant… he knew I was joking.

It’s how we always got along.

“Gee, nice to see you, too, loudmouth. I see some things never change.” I shrug at his comment, a mischievous smirk glittering the corner of my lips as his phone starts ringing. “Excuse me, I’ve got to take this.”

Sam and Asher dated in high school, but broke up when she found out he was cheating on her… the entire thing was a complete catastrophe honestly. He swore up and down that he didn’t do it. Then admitted he did. Though I’d always wondered if there was more to his story.

Regardless of the past though, I’m glad to see him again. To see everyone really.

“Madi?” Sam’s voice pulls my attention from where Asher disappeared through the kitchen doorway. My eyes widen with excitement at the sight of her.

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