Page 19 of Faking with Three

I pause, looking around the table—Jax’s playful grin, Marcus’s more serious but not unfriendly gaze, and Ethan’s easy, confident smile that he gives so freely. I feel a flicker of something unexpected. Could this actually be fun? A disaster, sure, but maybe a fun disaster.

"I don’t know," I say, pretending to mull it over. "I mean, if I’m going to be stuck dating random guys on camera, I guess it could be worse. At least you all know how to order good food."

Jax leans in a bit closer, dropping his voice like we’re sharing a secret. "Stick with us, Liv. We might just surprise you."

I roll my eyes but can’t stop the smile tugging at my lips. "Alright, alright," I say, taking another bite of food. "But if this all blows up in our faces, I’m blaming you, Jax."

He holds up his hands in mock surrender. "I’ll take the blame if it means I get to stick around and see what happens next."

And there it is again—that feeling, like he’s flirting, but also like there’s a genuine interest there. It’s been so long since I’ve felt this kind of attention, and I have to admit, it’s nice. Still, I can’t help but sneak another look at Ethan, who’s now engrossed in discussing camera angles with Marcus. He hasn’t looked at me once like Jax does.

I swallow back the disappointment and turn back to Jax, deciding to play along. For now, it’s more fun than I’ve had in a while, and maybe it’s time to stop worrying so much about what this is or isn’t.

I turn to Ethan, pushing down my frustration and putting on a smile. “Hey, since this was a bit of a fail, maybe you could drop me home? I need to send out a few urgent emails.”

Ethan looks up from the camera bag he’s packing, his expression apologetic. “I’d love to, Liv, but is it okay if I take you back a little later? I need to return this gear first. I promised Alisha I’d have it back by five.”

Alisha. My brain snags on the name like it’s caught on a thorn. It’s stupid how quickly my mood shifts, my smile tightening at the edges. Who the hell is Alisha? A friend? A girlfriend? I hate the little stab of jealousy that pokes at me, unwelcome and totally irrational.

“Oh, sure,” I say, trying to sound breezy. “No worries.”

Jax, ever the observant one, raises an eyebrow at me. “Hey, don’t look so disappointed,” he says with a teasing grin. “I can drop you home. It’s on my way anyway.”

I hesitate, glancing back at Ethan, who’s already busy packing up the rest of the equipment. He barely seems to notice; he just gives me a quick smile and a nod before hoisting the camera bag over his shoulder.

“Thanks, Jax,” I finally say, turning back to him. I force myself to smile. It’s not like I’m going to sit here pining after Ethan when he clearly has other priorities. “I’d appreciate it.”

“Huh,” Ethan is saying. “I must have accidentally left it on live on WeTube, some people are watching.”

“Let me see that,” Marcus says, walking up to him.

“Guys, everything okay?” Jax asks.

Marcus waves him away. “Yeah, you guys go ahead.”

Ethan hesitates, glancing between the two of us, like he’s about to say something but then decides against it. "You sure, Jax? I could drop her off after I finish up?—"

Jax waves him off. "Nah, it’s fine. We’re already here, and you’ve got things to do." He looks at me with that playful gleamin his eye. "Plus, I’m pretty sure I’m more entertaining company, right?"

I smile, feeling a bit deflated but covering it with a laugh. "Well, when you put it that way... Alright, Jax. Let’s go before you change your mind."

"Wouldn’t dream of it," he says, getting up and offering me his hand. I take it, letting him help me up from the table. I glance back at Ethan one last time, searching for something—anything—in his expression that might show he cares a little more than he lets on.

But he just gives me a casual smile, the kind you’d give any friend. "I’ll catch you later, Liv. And hey, don’t forget to let me know about those emails you need to send. We can set up a time for a brainstorming session tomorrow if you’re up for it."

"Yeah," I say, my voice quieter than I intended. "Sure thing, Ethan."

As Jax and I head out together, the cool breeze hits my face

Jax opens the passenger door of his car for me with an exaggerated bow, and I can’t help but laugh at his theatrics.

"Milady," he says, grinning as I slide into the seat. "Let’s get you home safe and sound. And don’t worry, I promise I won’t talk your ear off about the channel—unless you want me to, of course."

I glance at him, grateful for the distraction. "I think I can handle it.”

The walk from the car to my apartment feels charged, like the air is buzzing around us. Jax keeps a hand on my lower back, guiding me as we head up the stairs. I can feel the heat of his touch through the thin fabric of my shirt. It’s not unwelcome—hell, it’s thrilling. The way he looks at me, the lazy confidence in his eyes, it’s like he knows exactly what he’s doing to me.

"Well," I say, my voice coming out a little uneven, "thanks for the ride, Jax. You didn’t have to walk me all the way up, you know."

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