Page 116 of Second Chance Mates

Jaxon’s shoulders tense. Despite us speaking quietly, his sensitive hearing means I’m probably shouting. I grimace at my choice of words.

“Well, I’m glad you’re happy, Av. I’m just so pleased to have you back in my life.” She leans over to take my hand, and I give it a soft squeeze. “Please tell me we can see each other more.”

I nod without hesitation. “Of course. I would love that.”

“Our university isn’t too far away.” She nods. “Maybe you could come up and see it.”

“Sure,” I agree as Jaxon sets down their drinks on the counter.

Kayleigh thanks him before her eyes settle on the kitchen window. “Oh my,” she murmurs. “Who the hell is that?”

We all turn our attention to the window. It’s Kayden. He’s on his way back from a run, and his whole body is glistening with sweat, dripping off his large forearms. He tugs his T-shirt off his back, exposing his toned body.

“Oh,” I say, turning back to her, but I can see the love hearts blooming in her eyes. She’s in a Kayden-induced trance. “That’s Kayden. Jaxon’s B–”

“Brother,” he cuts over me, and I freeze. That was a close call. Crap.

Danny’s brows crease as he glances from Jaxon to Kayden. “Funny, you guys don’t look alike.”

“Ever thought about the fact adoption exists, Dale?”

“Danny,” he says through gritted teeth.

Jaxon rolls his eyes. “Yeah, yeah,” he mutters. “He’s like a brother to me. We’re friends, but we’re not related.”

Kayden then strolls into the kitchen, and I glance at Kayleigh, who is composing herself. He notices we have company and raises his brows.

“Kayden, these are my friends from home,” I say. He glances at Danny first and shakes his hand. “And this is Kayleigh.”

“Hey,” she greets him politely.

His eyes roam over her face as she sits on the stool. “Hey, nice to meet you.”

Kayden’s hand extends for her to shake, and she takes it delicately. The encounter goes on for a few seconds too long, like no one else in the room exists. Danny clears his throat, which snaps them out of their daze, and Kayleigh looks away, cheeks reddening by the second.

“I’m gonna go clean up,” he says, dismissing himself, but not before he looks over his shoulder to take one last glance at Kayleigh.

“So, what do you do for a job, Jaxon?” Danny quizzes.

Jaxon leans his hand on the island. “I invest in property.”

“Like this one?”

“Yes.” He nods.

“And you own it?”

“Yes.”

“And who exactly lives here? This place is a goddamn mansion.”

“Danny,” Kayleigh snaps. “This isn’t one hundred and one questions. Cut it out.”

His head whips in her direction. “I’d like to know more about Ava’s boyfriend, if that’s okay with you.”

I press a hand to my head and close my eyes for a second. “Please,” Kayleigh hisses. “Stop. Just stop.”

“Fine,” he grumbles. “Can I use your bathroom?”

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