Page 31

Jaxon blows out a breath. “So.” He pushes the empty basket away. “I need to go feed Kellan’s dog.”
I smile. “He’s probably demolished half his condo by now.”
He stands, grabbing our trash. “He keeps him in a cage. For good reason.”
“No doubt.” I stand too, trying not to notice how good Jaxon smells as he walks past to toss our trash.
We walk upthe street to Kellan’s condo in silence. Being next to him, knowing we’ll be alone in Kellan’s place, feels dangerous. Like playing with matches near gasoline.
The elevator ride up is torture. Jaxon leans against the back wall, arms crossed. I try hard not to stare at his biceps stretching his T-shirt, or how his sweat pants reveal the outline of his…
The elevator dings.
Thank God, because my mind was definitely heading there.
“Damn.” I whistle as we walk in. “This place is hella nice. Are you sure Kellan’s a cop?”
“That I know of,” Jaxon says, chuckling as he lets Kellan’s dog out of his crate. “Pretty sure he’s a detective now. They make decent money, I guess.”
“Yeah, probably.”
I watch Jaxon open the crate, and Bear rockets into his chest like a furry missile. Jaxon topples backward with an “oof,” suddenly flat on his back with an overexcited chocolate Lab dancing above him.
“Missed ya too, buddy.” Jaxon laughs, scratching Bear’s ears as he pushes himself up. Those blue eyes of Bear’s—unusual for his breed—are practically glowing, tongue lolling in that goofy dog way.
I can’t help but smile, remembering our summer runs with Bear. We used to take him, and one time he got so excited he yanked me into the lake. The memory’s fresh, even if Bear probably doesn’t remember me as anything more than a new friend to knock over.
Jaxon grabs two waters from the fridge and tosses me one, then feeds Bear. I’ve heard stories about this place—it belongs to his uncle Kellan Ryan. Seattle cop, or detective, perpetual bachelor, owner of what has to be the most expensive condo on the waterfront. If Jaxon’s stories are true, Uncle Kellan definitely has some interesting secrets tucked away in here.
As if on cue, Bear abandons his food and barrels into me, nearly sending me into the counter.
“Bear!” Jaxon calls. “Down!”
“It’s ok.” I laugh, pushing away from the counter. “Where’s the steam shower?”
He guides me down the hall after wrestling Bear back into his crate. The bathroom that greets us is pure luxury—something straight out of an architectural magazine. Deep charcoal walls stretch upward, contrasting with pristine white marble floors that radiate warmth beneath my feet. A massive teak vanityspans the entire wall, topped with sleek faucets that make the water seem to vanish into the counter. There’s even a mounted iPad controlling everything from lights to music.
“This bathroom’s bigger than our entire dorm,” I murmur.
Jaxon’s already playing with the iPad and the lighting shifts to a deep, sultry red.
“Seriously?” I laugh. “Red lights? What kind of kinky shit is your uncle into?”
“Don’t know,” Jaxon says, still tapping away. “But he might be my favorite uncle.” His eyes light up. “No way—he’s got Fortnite on here.”
I roll my eyes and grab one of the fluffy towels stacked by the shower. While he’s distracted, I slip out of my clothes and wrap the towel around myself. “Are you going to let me shower in peace?”
“Maybe.” He catches my reflection and smirks, setting his hat on the counter before facing me. His eyes have that dangerous glint. “Or I could join you.”
The air changes—his stare is almost suffocating. Maybe it’s the steam. Or maybe it’s the fact I’m standing here trying not to combust. Damn it. I know where this leads, and I hate it. Or do I?
Maybe don’t answer that.
He reaches for the hem of his hoodie, pulling it off with that casual grace that should be illegal. He picks his hat back up, turns it backward, and his expression becomes crystal clear.
He wants me.
And I’m here for it. Logic can fuck off for the next hour.