Page 56 of Faking with Three

Jax is stretched out across from me, his broad shoulders relaxed, his easy grin as charming as ever.

I catch myself staring at him through my lashes as he talks about some ridiculous high school prank he pulled, the sound of his laugh deep and infectious.

I should be focusing on the wine, the scenery, the whole atmosphere of this vineyard. But no—my attention keeps drifting back to him. To the way his eyes crinkle when he laughs. To the way the sunlight catches the slight scruff on his jaw. To the way he’s so much more than I expected.

And the thing is, I’ve never thought of Jax like this before. Not really. Sure, I’ve always known he’s attractive—objectively, ridiculously attractive. But this? This is something else entirely.

My stomach twists, and I sip my wine to cover my unease. I shouldn’t be feeling like this. Not about Jax. Not when there’s Ethan to worry about. And Marcus? I would rather not take my thoughts there.

“You okay, Chase?” Jax’s voice cuts through my thoughts, and I realize he’s watching me, one eyebrow raised in curiosity.

“Huh?” I blink, heat rushing to my cheeks. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just… soaking it all in.”

“Uh-huh.” He doesn’t look convinced, but he doesn’t press the issue, either. Instead, he leans back on his elbows, his grin returning. “You know, you’re pretty bad at hiding whatever’s going on in that head of yours.”

“Excuse me?” I narrow my eyes at him, grateful for the distraction. “I am an excellent secret-keeper, thank you very much.”

“Sure, sure,” he says, his grin turning teasing. “Except for the fact that your face totally gives you away.”

I open my mouth to retort, but then he does something that completely throws me off: he reaches over and tucks a strand of hair behind my ear, his fingers brushing lightly against my skin. The gesture is so simple, so casual, but it sends a jolt of electricity through me.

“See?” he says softly, his eyes locking onto mine. “Right there. That look.”

My heart stutters in my chest, and I quickly glance away, pretending to adjust the hem of my dress. But the truth is, I don’t know what to do with the way he’s looking at me. The way he’s making me feel.

The tension in the air shifts suddenly, the playful mood evaporating as Jax leans in closer, his hand brushing against mine on the picnic blanket. His eyes are on mine, holding my gaze with an intensity that makes my breath hitch. I know what’s about to happen, and I can’t seem to pull away. I don’t want to pull away.

And then?—

“Well, time’s up.”

I flinch at the sound of Ethan’s voice.

Jax sighs heavily, running a hand through his hair before glancing up at Ethan. “Didn’t realize we were timing the date.”

Ethan’s smile tightens, his tone icy as he replies, “Well, I guess you forgot about the no kiss rule, too.”

Jax straightens, his relaxed posture from earlier completely gone as he rises to his feet. “You keeping a tally now, Ethan? Should I be worried?”

Ethan takes a step closer, his own body stiff with tension. “I’m just saying, we had an agreement. But I guess that doesn’t matter to you.”

“Guys—” I start, trying to interject, but they’re both locked onto each other, ignoring me completely.

“You’re unbelievable,” Jax says, his voice low and laced with irritation. “This whole thing was your idea, and now you’re acting like you’re the only one allowed to be close to her.”

Ethan’s jaw tightens, and his eyes narrow. “Maybe because I’m the only one who actually respects her enough to follow the rules.”

My stomach twists as I glance between them, unsure of what’s happening but certain it’s spiraling out of control. “Guys,” I try again, louder this time. “This is ridiculous.”

“Oh, you respect her?” Jax fires back, his voice rising. “Right, because barging into her date just screams respect.”

“That’s rich coming from the guy who can’t keep his hands to himself,” Ethan snaps, taking another step forward.

“Stop it!” I say, my voice sharp now, cutting through the argument. Both of them freeze, finally turning to look at me. “What is wrong with you two?”

Ethan’s mouth opens like he’s about to say something, his brow furrowed with an intensity I don’t usually see. “Olivia, I think I?—”

My phone buzzes in my pocket, cutting him off mid-sentence. “Hold that thought,” I say quickly, pulling it out. The screen flashes with my lawyer’s name, and my stomach twists into a knot. I swipe to answer, glancing between Ethan and Jax, who are still standing far too close to each other.

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