Page 64 of Enemies Off Camera
“Aren’t theysogood?” she says, eyes twinkling as we both scan the room.
It’s still mostly women. Music’s playing. The vibe is alive, but relaxed.
“This gathering just for the girls?” I ask.
But before she can answer, I see them: a wave of tall, athletic men pouring into the room. One of them locks eyes with me—and I with him.
It’s Jaxon.
FORTY-FIVE
It’s been two days since I’ve seen Jaxon this close in person. Sure, I watched him on the field. I saw his image flash across the Jumbotron. We exchanged thumbs-up signals. But now, standing here under soft lighting, with his eyes locked on mine, it hits differently.
This moment feels… perfect.
As he walks toward me, I instinctively think to suck in my stomach, fix my hair, adjust my posture—anything to look just a bit moretogether. More attractive. This is the part where the boyfriend greets his girlfriend, right? Even if it’s pretend.
Across the room, a few heads turn. One woman nudges another, whispering as they both glance my way. I shouldn’t care. I tell myself this is for the cameras, for the illusion. But my pulse flutters like it’s prom night. Jaxon’s eyes haven’t left mine. And in this room full of people, it somehow feels like it’s just the two of us.
Finally, we’re face-to-face, and I have to tilt my head back to meet his gaze.
“Wow, congratulations,” he says, beaming. “You got an invitation.”
My face warms as I glance down, a chuckle catching in my throat. Then it dawns on me.
“Wait... were you planning to come without me?”
He points toward the food table. “Have youseenthat spread?”
I burst out laughing. “That’s fair. I would’ve come without you too.”
We laugh together—real and easy—and for a second, I forget everything else.
“How you been?” he asks once the laughter fades.
The memory flashes—me curled up in bed two nights ago, not answering his knock on the door. The weight in my chest returns. But I hold his gaze and keep my voice light.
“I’ve been fine.”
His head tilts, a subtle sign that he doesn’t quite believe me.
I press my lips together, considering whether to tell him the truth. Not about the store, not yet. But about my father. About Trey. About everything bubbling under the surface. But this moment—this place—feels too public. Too exposed.
“So,” he says, his tongue sweeping briefly across his bottom lip. God, he has the most beautiful mouth. “I have to kiss you. They’re all watching, waiting for proof that this is real.”
My breath catches, and heat coils in my belly. The flutter in my chest turns wild.
“Are you okay with that?” he asks softly.
“Mm-hmm.” I nod, head light, nerves buzzing.
Jaxon steps forward, curling one strong arm around my waist and drawing me in. I rise onto my toes, but he lifts me off the floor with ease, holding me tight against the strength of his body.
God, he’s so hard… and in all the right places.
Our eyes lock.
This is the scene.
