Page 17 of Jaxon

They ordered, and as they ate, the conversation flowed easily.Mia recounted their adventures in the park with animated gestures, and Harper listened, her eyes crinkling with affection.

Jaxon found himself watching Harper more than he intended, admiring the way she engaged with Mia, the soft curves of her smile, the way her eyes sparkled when she laughed.It wasn’t just the warmth of the diner or the satisfaction of a good meal—it was being with them, feeling like he was part of something he hadn’t realized he needed.

When they left the diner, the air was cool, and the streets were bathed in the golden glow of streetlights.Jaxon walked them back to their house, his hand occasionally brushing Harper’s, each touch sending a ripple of warmth through him.

As they reached the doorstep, Harper turned to him, her expression a mix of contentment and something deeper.“Thanks for today,” she said softly.

Jaxon reached out, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.“I should be thanking you.”

Without thinking, he leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to her lips.It was soft, tentative, but full of promise.Harper didn’t pull away, instead, she leaned into him, her hand resting on his chest.

“Do you want to come in?”she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Jaxon nodded, his heart thudding in his chest.They stepped inside, the warmth of the house enveloping them.

Harper helped Mia get ready for bed, and Jaxon listened from the living room, the sound of their voices filling him with a sense of belonging he hadn’t felt in a long time.

When Harper returned, she looked at him, a question in her eyes.Jaxon stood, meeting her halfway.They didn’t need words.The pull between them was undeniable, a current that had been building since the moment they reconnected.

In the quiet of the house, they found each other again, their kisses deepening, their hands exploring.It was tender, passionate, and full of unspoken emotions.They made their way to Harper’s bedroom, the door closing softly behind them.

Chapter Seven

Harper started herday like any other.The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air as she poured a cup for herself and one for her assistant, Clara.

The routine was comforting to her frayed nerves, helping ease the anxiety that had lingered since Clay’s visit.Jaxon assured her Clay wouldn’t dare start anything so soon.For now, they were all safe and she believed him.

She forced herself to focus on the simple tasks: the soft hum of the store, the gentle clink of cups, the rustle of book pages as early customers browsed the shelves.

The morning unfolded with the usual rhythm, the small bell above the door chiming softly as regulars entered, greeted with warm smiles and nods.

Harper relished these moments, the familiar cadence of her life before the chaos threatened to disrupt everything.Her sanctuary, her store, was more than a business.It was the heart of her world, a world she was trying to blend with Jaxon and Mia.

She moved through the store, helping customers find their next read, restocking the shelves with new arrivals, and sharing small talk with Clara.The light, pleasant atmosphere was punctuated by Clara’s laughter from the back, a sound that always managed to lift Harper’s spirits.

But the peace shattered suddenly.The low, menacing rumble of motorcycle engines filled the air, growing louder, vibrating through the walls.

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