Page 51 of Sexted By Santa
“No, don’t apologize,” I said. “You have to put your concerns for Tori first. If you need to bail tonight…”
“No.” Jaxson grabbed his coat from the hook by the door. “Let’s go make your ex jealous and show off what an amazing boyfriend you’ve got.”
I chuckled a little. “Amazing, huh?”
“Best thing to ever happen to you,” he said with a grin as we walked out.
“No lies detected.”
“Professor Kringle!” he exclaimed with delight. “Did you just quote a meme?”
“I’m old in body, not spirit,” I grumbled.
“Not that old in body,” he murmured, his tone going low and sexy. “You can’t fool me, not when I’ve seen it with my own eyes.”
Oh, god. He’s already seen me naked. Parts of me at least.
I stopped him. “Listen, Jaxson, about that…”
He fixed his eyes on me. No flinching away for this man. Always so direct. He’d be honest with me no matter what I asked.
Butterflies erupted.
“Was that just for online, or…? Because this is supposed to be a fake dating arrangement only.”
“That depends on what you want.” Jaxson stepped closer, looking into my eyes intently. “I would be open to…exploring our options.”
“Oh.” My voice was faint. I knew he’d be honest, but damn, he wasreallyhonest. “I just…I wouldn’t want to take advantage of your kindness. You’re doing me a big favor with these dates.”
“Christian.” Jaxson cupped my jaw, thumb stroking my short beard and sending tingles through my face. “No one is taking advantage of anyone. We’re in this together.”
My heart quickened. “The, uh, the fake dating, you mean?”
That wasn’t what he meant. Iknewit wasn’t what he meant. But maybe I wasn’t ready for Jaxson’s brand of honesty after all.
Jaxson studied me. “That, and…whatever else happens between us.”
“Right.” I swallowed hard and forced myself to step back, away from his touch. Away from the temptation to kiss him for real. Without Tori in the back seat or a screen between us, I had no doubt I’d be lost if our lips touched.
And I wasn’t ready for that. As much as I wanted Jaxson, as much as my heart leapt to realize he wanted me, I didn’t know if I would be good for him. What if I rushed into this and made a mess of everything?
“We agreed to fake dates, so let’s stick to that for now,” I said. “Aunt Henry is waiting, so…”
Jaxson nodded, his expression closing off. “Okay, I guess we better go then.”
His words were neutral enough, but his tone lacked the playful flirtation I’d come to expect. To welcome, even.
It’s a good thing, I told myself as my chest tightened.It’s the right thing.
But inside, I felt cold and wretched. I blasted the car heater on high all the way to Aunt Henry’s, but it did nothing to chase the chill away.
14
JAXSON
Colored Christmas lights slid over the passenger window, reflecting from houses and storefronts, during the drive across town. I watched them intently, as if fascinated, so I wouldn’t have to look too closely at the man beside me.
Christian was quiet too, and I could feel an awkward tension emanating from him. Normally, I’d make conversation to put him at ease, but I was too busy trying to figure him out. Before he’d pulled away, I’d been so sure he wanted the same thing I did. To see where this could go between us.
