I snort. "No. Jaxon is all in. That’s never been the problem."
Since the moment he showed up this year, since he transferred to this school, since he chose me, he has been all in.
Leaving little notes on pieces of paper tucked into my textbook to make me smile when I’m studying alone. Making sure I’m always comfortable. Including me in his discussions with teammates when he could easily ignore me. Taking care of me when my body tries to end me during that time of the month, showing up at my door with soup dumplings, chocolate, and a heating pad.
He’s never made me second guess the validity of his feelings for me—I’m the one who’s still trying to figure it out.
It’s not that I don’t want to say it. It’s not even that I don’t feel the same way. It’s just…big.
The only time I’ve ever said those words out loud were to my parents, and look how that turned out.
Lyla must see something in my face, because she softens, dropping her pen onto her book. "Babes, you don’t have to rush it. I’m not saying you need to throw yourself at him and pour your heart out tomorrow, but…" She pauses, searching for the right words. "I just don’t want you to wait so long, you end up regretting it."
I swallow, nodding slowly, because…yeah. I don’t want that either. I want to tell him, I just need to do it in my own way. On my own time.
Lyla must see she pushed enough, because she just nudges my foot under the table and says, "Alright, here’s the deal—let’s get through finals first. Then, you can worry about your emotional growth and your football boyfriend."
I let out a breath of laughter, shaking my head. "Deal."
Lyla grins. "Good. Now, back to what’s really important—if you don’t pass this math final, you’re cooked.”
I groan, dropping my head onto the table. "Don’t remind me."
She just laughs, flipping through my notes.
As I sit up and start studying again, I know—whenever the moment feels right, whenever I’m ready, those words will come.
Just not yet.
36
JAXON
The house is warm, filled with the lingering scent of pine and cinnamon, the last embers in the fireplace flickering low. Laughter still hums in the air, leftover from the chaos that is Montgomery Family Game Night. Madison managed to absolutely dominate at trivia, much to my mom’s delight and my dad’s horror.
She fits in so easily here, like she was always supposed to be a part of this.
Now, as the night settles into quiet, I lean back on the couch, stretching my legs out while Madison tucks her hair behind her ear, letting out a yawn.
I grin, reaching for her hand. "Tired, Mads?"
She glares, swatting at me. "Exhausted. Unlike you, I actually had to study for finals."
I chuckle, squeezing her fingers. "Hey, I had to study too."
She snorts. "Right. Because rewatching game film counts as studying."
I lift a shoulder, smirking. "Gotta keep my mind sharp."
She rolls her eyes, but her lips twitch like she’s fighting a smile.
My mom—who has been watching us like she’s narrating a damn Hallmark movie in her head—clasps her hands togetherwith a beaming smile. "I still can’t believe you got a B in math, Madison! We’re so proud of you, honey."
Madison flushes, shifting slightly in her seat. "Honestly, I think Jax deserves most of the credit."
I shake my head. "Nah. You did the work, babe."
She bites her lip, and I swear, I see something flicker in her eyes—something soft, something just for me.
