Page 45 of Fake Dating Daxton Hawk
Daxton thinks that about me? Blushing again, I settle into the couch and try to pay attention to the movie, but it’s impossible after all that Daxton just said. If he saw my TikTok, he knows how attractive I think he is. He would know I have a thing for tattoos.
Is that why he’s wearing a t-shirt right now?
I gulp at the thought. When Daxton originally offered me this exclusive escorting deal it was because I had no interest in him. He wasn’t interested in me either. But now that our dynamics have changed, I’m not sure what he wants. I don’t even know whatIwant.
Ican’tlike him. That would complicate everything, considering the exchange of money between us. He’s not even emotionally available. I’ll end up getting hurt like every other time I’ve been interested in a guy.
But right now, none of those concerns seem relevant. All I know is that the dark movie theater makes me hyper aware of every little thing Daxton does, from the rise in his chest as he breathes to each time he brings a piece of popcorn to his lips. I know that I’ve been looking forward to his return all week. That I can’t stop thinking about Daxton masturbating in the shower and how hot the sight was. I’m treading in unfamiliar water here. He has me so on edge it’s like a fuse has been lit inside me and I’m about to explode any second.
Is it possible that he was thinking about…mewhile getting himself off?
The question brings an ache between my legs. Maybe, just maybe, I want him to have been thinking about me.
Daxton shifts, and I feel the heat of his eyes on me. I lick my lips as a nervous tic, commanding myself to stare forward at the screen and not to meet his gaze.
“You can sit a little closer. I don’t bite,” he says, sounding amused, like he’s aware of his effect on me.
I do a stiff shuffle toward him and grab a handful of popcorn, asking a question to try and ease the tension. “So, um, you said we’re going on a date tomorrow. What are the details?”
“Pool party in The Hamptons.”
“Sounds like fun. Unexpected, though, considering all the expensive dinners you’ve previously needed me for. Are you performing business there?”
“Not specifically. The host is in hotel development too. It’s good to make an appearance at these things, you know. Network.”
“Oh, networking. Everybody’s favorite thing to do.”
He laughs, still watching me in the dark theater. “Do you have many friends in New York? I’ve heard about Mina. Is she the one who stole your phone while shopping and started sending me love messages?”
My breath hitches. It takes all my effort to continue watching the screen. “That was Darius. I’m friendly with him but we don’t know each other well. I was with him and Verena Valentine that day because they’re friends with Mina.”
“Verena Valentine, the reality star? You weren’t just purchasing her clothes, you were hanging out with her?”
My self-control bursts and I meet Daxton’s gaze, finding a surprised look in him. “Yeah, I told you, Mina—”
“How did I not know you’re running with that crowd?”
“I wouldn’t exactly word it like that.”
“You got any other big-name friends I don’t know about?”
“Well, there’s my brother, Ryan Hart. He’s a famous travel vlogger known for naked bungee jumping.”
Daxton snorts. “Ryan Hart is your brother? Yeah, I’ve heard of the guy. I can’t believe I never knew any of this about you.”
“You say that like you’ve known me forever and I’ve kept this massive secret from you.”
“I didn’t mean it like that. I don’t know how I meant it. You just surprise me.” He brings another piece of popcorn to his mouth and my eyes follow, dropping to his lips. From the grin fighting to make an appearance on his face, I know I’ve been caught. Daxton looks back at the movie screen. “So, you and your brother are close?”
“Yeah. We lived together for a while last year but now he’s off traveling the world with his girlfriend. They’re living their best life, off-grid in the Himalayas.”
“You miss him.” It’s not a question but an observation, spoken so gently it catches me off guard, and a lump forms in my throat.
“I…ah…yeah. Is it that obvious?”
“Yes. I can hear it in your voice.”
I watch the movie, barely focusing on it as I explain the situation with Ryan. “My brother and I have been through a lot together. We grew up with two alcoholic parents. That time in our life wasn’t easy for either of us. We always supported each other but he’s impossible to reach now. The last few months have been difficult without him, given all the recent struggles I’ve been through.” Sensing Daxton’s eyes on me again, I turn my head, finding his gaze boring through me. The intensity makes my cheeks burn. I shake the heavy moment off with a laugh. “Sorry, I’m getting too deep. What about your friends and family?”
