Ishould've known Jaxon wouldn't go the traditional route for our first date.
As he pulls into the parking lot of my favorite taco shack—the one with the peeling paint and the neon sign that flickers between TACOS and COS—I can't help but grin.
"Wow," I tease, glancing over at him. "You really went all out for me, huh?"
Jaxon's eyes catch mine, that familiar hazel gaze warm with something new. The setting sun casts golden light across his face as he smirks. "Only the best for you, Mads."
I roll my eyes, but my stomach flutters all the same.
We hop out and head toward the ordering window, the familiar scent of grilled meat and fresh tortillas filling the air. Jaxon doesn't even look at the menu before rattling off our order.
"Two carne asada tacos, two al pastor, extra salsa, and two strawberry milkshakes."
I blink up at him, surprised. "You remembered my order?"
He shoots me a look, like I just asked if the sky was blue. "Of course I did." His voice is casual, but there's an intensity in his eyes that makes my breath catch.
When our order is ready, I reach for the bag, but he beats me toit, thanking the cashier before sliding a second brown bag onto the tray.
I frown. "What's that?"
His smirk grows as he lifts the bag slightly. "Three churros."
I narrow my eyes. "You only ordered one."
He shrugs, completely unbothered. "I got two for you."
I stare at him, something tight constricting in my chest. It's such a small thing—a few extra churros—but the thoughtfulness behind it hits me harder than it should.
"So, let me get this straight—you're taking me to a taco shack for our very fancy first date,andordering extra churros for me?"
He winks as he grabs the tray and heads back toward the truck. "You're catching on."
I shake my head, following him, but there's no stopping the stupid smile tugging at my lips.
I don't realize where we're going until Jaxon pulls back off the freeway, taking a familiar exit.
The beach.
The realization sends a rush of warmth through me. The beach has always been my place,our place, right from the start.
He backs into a spot, leaving the tailgate facing the ocean, then hops out before grabbing the bags of food. I watch him through the windshield, struck by how natural this all feels, despite the newness of it.
I slide out of the passenger seat and watch as Jaxon climbs into the bed of the truck, where he's arranged a pile of blankets and pillows into a cozy nest.
Then, he holds a hand out to me, smirking. "My lady."
I snort, shaking my head. "You're ridiculous."
"And yet, you're still here." His eyes soften, the teasing note in his voice giving way to something more vulnerable.
I roll my eyes, but I take his hand anyway, letting him help me up. His grip is strong, steady, his skin warm against mine.
We settle against the pile of blankets, unwrapping our tacos and eating in comfortable silence as the waves crash in the distance. The food is perfect, just like I remember, and the milkshake is thick enough to make me work for it through the straw.
Jaxon watches me struggle, amusement flickering in his eyes. "Having some trouble there?"
I glare at him, still mid-sip. "Shut up."
