Page 40 of Fake Dating Daxton Hawk
Daxton “Dickhead” Hawk
I was waiting to see if you noticed my absence.
Fuck, I really need to change his name on my phone. But the title is kind of funny now. A joke with myself. Maybe I won’t change it. Regardless, his message brings the smile back to my face.
I get my day started by reading another chapter of my smutty mafia romance book while drinking a protein shake, then change into workout clothes and head for Daxton’s gym.
My God, I love how I have access to my own gym. I love everything this place offers me. When I first agreed to be Daxton’s exclusive escort, I told myself this living arrangement would only be for a week or two before finding an apartment to move into. But now that I’m all settled in and am friends with Daxton, the only way I’m leaving this penthouse is if he kicks me out.
I grab a yoga mat and unroll it on the gym floor, starting my warmup stretches. Only now, when I’m balancing on my hands and feet in a plank position do I think of Steel for the first time today. My mood takes a downturn as a bitter mix of emotions consumes me. Anger, sadness, embarrassment, the list goes on, and I hate that Steel has this power over me. I hate not knowing whether I’m being selfish and if something is truly wrong for him.
An overruling urge takes a hold of me to search Steel’s name on the internet and social media. But the truth is, I don’t have any way to identify him out of all the Steel Wests that exist. I’m completely powerless in this situation.
All I know is I deserve better, so I push Steel out of my mind and reply to Daxton’s text, trying to recapture the happiness I’ve felt these last few days.
Jordan
I definitely noticed you didn’t text me. You know what this means? I think you’re growing on me. I’m ruining all your plans to have an escort who hates you.
Daxton “Dickhead” Hawk
Dammit. I revoke my offer.
Speaking of which, when are you coming home?
Crap. I just meant when will I be escorting you again? I know this isn’t my home.
I don’t know. And the penthouse is your home, Jordan.
I roll onto my back and stare at Daxton’s last message, hearing his deep voice in my head.The penthouse is your home, Jordan. Warmth blooms in my chest.
What are you doing this morning?
Sweating all over your gym equipment.
Jealous.
Of me working out?
No. I’m jealous of the gym equipment.
I laugh at the sarcasm and get on with my stretching routine, but then stop and wonder if his words were a flirtatious joke.
Surely not.
Our dynamic isn’t flirtatious.
And then I realize this is the second time I’ve lied to myself this week about Daxton. Yes, I do wake with a smile every day because of him. And secondly, our dynamicisflirtatious. It always has been, even when I hated the guy.
ChapterTwenty
Daxton
“So, I’ve been thinking about your situation with Jordan.” Amabella’s voice comes through my phone as a car service drives me home after work.
“What about it?” Right as I ask the question, a text arrives from Jordan.
Jordan
