Page 52 of Undisputed Player
I stepped out of the shower, toweling off while the sun painted the ocean in shades that couldn't compete with Estelle's hair.
I was Jax fucking Easton. Soon-to-be successful at claiming the one woman who had the audacity to be immune to my considerable charms.
At least temporarily immune. Nobody stayed immune to me forever.
The drive to Jovie's was automatic, the Bentley beneath me as I navigated the coastal highway. My sister answered the door in pajama pants and a messy bun, coffee mug clutched in her hands, eyebrows raised in that knowing way.
"Fourth day in a row," she remarked, stepping aside to let me in. "I'm starting to think you actually like spending time with your niece."
I grinned, deploying the smile that charmed everyone. "What can I say? I'm a changed man."
"Bull," Jovie laughed, but there was warmth in it. "This is about that teacher. Her dinosaur friend’s aunt.”
I kept my expression neutral, though I wasn’t great at hiding girl issues from the only girl I grew up with. "I'm just being a good uncle."
"Uh-huh," Jovie drawled, unconvinced by my performance. "And all those packages you've been sending with Avery?"
I shrugged with practiced nonchalance. "Just being neighborly."
"Neighborly," she repeated, rolling her eyes hard enough to strainsomething. "Right. Well, whatever you're doing, Avery's thrilled. She thinks you're god these days."
Maybe I was. I definitely looked it.
As if summoned by the mention of her worship, my niece came barreling down the stairs, already dressed in her Seaside Academy uniform. "Jax!" she squealed, launching herself at me with complete faith that I'd catch her.
I did, swinging her up into my arms like usual. "There's my girl.”
Avery was probably the only female on the planet who loved me unconditionally, which made her both precious and useful when it came to wooing a particular teacher.
"Ready for school?"
She nodded enthusiastically, then leaned in close, dropping her voice to what she clearly thought was a whisper but definitely wasn’t.
"Did you bring something for Leo today? Ms. Estelle said the brownies were the best thing she ever tasted!"
Something warm and smugly satisfied unfurled in my chest. So Estelle had enjoyed my offerings. I knew everything I touched turned to gold, including expensive French pastries.
"Not today, pumpkin," I set her down with careful hands. "But I was thinking... maybe Leo gets lonely at home since he finished his book. Isn’t that sad?”
The seed, planted carefully.
Avery's eyes widened like I'd just offered her the keys to Disney. “OMG! Yes! Can he come over today? Please? I want to show him my toys and your pool and?—"
"Slow down, speed racer," I laughed, ruffling her hair. "We have to ask Ms. Estelle first. Think you can do that?"
She nodded firmly, as if I'd entrusted her with state secrets instead of romantic manipulation. Which, honestly, wasn't very far off. "I'll use my super special please face. The one mommy taught me always works on Daddy."
That's my girl. Manipulation was definitely genetic.
"Perfect," I praised, crouching down to her level so we were eye to eye. "But remember, this is your idea, okay? You really, really want Leo to come play at your house. Don't mention me at all. That's our little secret."
Avery's expression turned serious, her tiny brow furrowing with concentration. "Like a spy mission?"
I grinned, tapping her nose. "Exactly like a spy mission. And what do good spies do?"
"Keep secrets!" she whispered, eyes bright with the thrill of conspiracy.
"Perfect." I straightened, shooting Jovie a wink over Avery's head. My sister just shook her head, exasperation warring on her face.
