Page 118 of A Little Crush
My eyes widen. “An hour? Seriously?”
“I’ve been thinking about it for a little while, but officially booking things? About an hour, yeah.”
His boyish grin tugs at my core, making me want to jump his bones and slip in a quickie before we need to leave. Or at least, I would if the idea of seeing Tatum and showing Jaxon a glimpse of my college days wasn’t so damn tempting.
“Okay. I’ll get dressed. Wanna let Hades out for me while I call my parents?”
“Sure thing.”
My parents are awesome.A little oblivious sometimes, but awesome nonetheless. I told them the truth. That I’m going back to Harden Heights for an impromptu trip. I just left out the part where Jaxon’s tagging along. They agreed to watch Hades without any reservations, even adding a part about how they’ll do the same for their human grandbabies, too. You know, whenever I decide to have any. Bless their souls.
The flight goes by in a flash, and so does our short drive to Paxton’s beach house. I’ve only been here a handful of times, but the view is as breathtaking as I remember. After Paxton unlocks the automatic gate, we drive along the winding path before reaching the driveway.
“Thanks again,” Jaxon tells the driver. He reaches for the door handle and lets us out as Tatum squeals from the front door.
“Squeaks!” The pitter patter of bare feet smacking against pavement greets me, and I look up in time to catch a glimpse of dark hair before a pair of arms wrap around my torso, squeezing the daylights out of me.
“Tater Tot,” I say between gasps. “Can’t. Breathe.”
She lets me go and slaps my butt. “Missed you, too, Sweet Cheeks.” Her attention catches on Jaxon. “Why, hello, Grandpa.” His expression drops, and her grin widens. “Just kidding. Come on. Paxton and I are making lobster rolls.”
Threading her arm through mine, she leads me up the steps while Jaxon grabs our luggage. I give him an apologetic look over my shoulder, but he only mouths, “You’re good. I got this,” before Tatum drags me into the house and Jaxon disappears from sight.
Paxton’s house is gorgeous. Floor to ceiling windows give a perfect view of his backyard, which is the beach and ocean.Add in the winding staircase and insanely tall ceilings, and it’s basically like a castle and beach house made a baby. A really gorgeous, really breathtaking baby.
“Tatum!” Paxton calls from the kitchen. “The butter’s burning!”
Tatum blanches. “Shit!” She darts into the kitchen and turns off the stove as I follow behind her. When the smell of burnt popcorn hits my nostrils, my mouth spreads into a grin. I kind of love seeing my best friend like this. Playing the domestic partner, when a not-so-small part of me wondered if she’d ever settle down. Period. It’s nice. Really nice. Watching her fall into the role of partner, even if it makes me feel a little replaced sometimes. The reminder is as bittersweet as the scent permeating the air. She’s found her other half, and I can’t help but wonder if maybe, down the road, I’ll get confirmation that I’ve found mine, too.
The thought hits harder than I expect, and I glance toward the entrance, finding Jaxon juggling our luggage.
“Hey, Baby,” Paxton calls over his shoulder, greeting me.
I motion for Jaxon to join everyone in the kitchen and reply, “Hey, Pax.”
“Good news,” Paxton adds. “The cold lobster rolls are in the fridge and taste delicious.”
“He already stole one as an appetizer,” Tate informs me.
“Hey, I gave you half,” he reminds her. “And I think we bought more butter if you’ll check in the fridge.”
Their banter fills the kitchen as I scoot around them and look for extra butter. When I find some behind the eggs, warmth hits my back.
“What’d I miss?” Jaxon asks.
“Burnt butter.” I turn and wiggle the newfound cube in my hand. “How are your cooking skills, Mr. Thorne?”
“Depends, but if you’re asking if I’ve ever made a lobster roll, the answer’s no.”
“It’s all right, we hadn’t, either,” Pax chimes in. “Obviously.”
“And we’re clearly killing it,” Tatum quips. “Now, toss me the butter and take a seat. We want to hear all about how much Jaxon loves my best friend.”
My eyes bulge at Tatum’s use of the L-word. She did not just say that. To anyone, let alone the man himself. Jaxon doesn’t love me. Not yet, anyway, and maybe not ever. We’re taking baby steps, dammit! Part of me wants to call her out for making assumptions, but if I do, I’ll probably just stumble over my words and look even more like an idiot than I already feel. But seriously? Have you no filter, Tatum?
“I got a better idea,” Paxton announces. “Who wants drinks?”
I knew I loved this rockstar.
