Chapter 015
~ Jaxon ~
The night seemed to end as soon as it began. I’d just closed my eyes, and then morning was already here, dragging me into the same old routine.
After a quick shower, I got dressed and headed to the kitchen to put together a simple breakfast. Eating out had never been my thing. I wasn’t opposed to the idea, but why bother when I could cook?
My mum had been adamant about me learning how to cook—God bless her soul—and those lessons were proving valuable now. If only she could see me, I think she’d be proud.
A small smile crept onto my face as memories from last night surfaced—specifically, Michelle’s reaction to dinner. That satisfied look in her eyes lingered in my mind, and the corners of my lips tugged upward involuntarily.
Despite how hard she tried to keep her distance, I’d like to think I’d found one surefire way to her heart—good food. It was a small victory, but I’d take it.
“Whatever you do, lock my house before you leave,” Michelle’s voice called out from outside my door.
I scarfed down the last bite of breakfast, leaving the plates in the sink, and grabbed my keys. As I opened the door, I found Michelle standing there, her usual calm demeanor intact, though a faint blush colored her cheeks. Beside her stood Barbara, who was giving me a once-over.
“Good morning, ladies,” I greeted, locking the door behind me. I slipped my hands into my pockets, leaning back slightly in casual confidence.
Barbara grinned, her lips curling into a teasing smile. Michelle, on the other hand, avoided my gaze, but I could feel her eyes darting back to me when she thought I wasn’t looking.
Thank the heavens for good genes. Moments like this made me grateful for them—especially when I caught Michelle sneaking those glances.
“Oh, Jaxon, you’re looking good this morning,” Barbara said, her tone light.
“Thank you,” I replied politely, though my attention had already shifted to Michelle. “Heading to work?” I asked.
She shrugged, her fingers toying with the strap of her bag.
Today, her hair was tied into a sleek ponytail, and she wore a fitted blue blouse paired with black pants that hugged her curves in all the right ways. My gaze lingered a moment too long before I forced myself to focus.
“Yes, I was just about to leave,” she said. Her voice was casual, but there was a certain softness to it.
Her eyes flicked toward Barbara. “And lock the door. I mean it.”
Barbara rolled her eyes dramatically. “Yes, Mum,” she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
Michelle shook her head in exasperation and turned toward the elevator. I gave Barbara a quick nod and a “see you later” before following Michelle, doing my best to ignore the sway of her hips as she walked.
“So,” I began, breaking the silence, “about your device—how’s it going?”
Michelle sighed, pressing the elevator button. The doors slid open with a soft chime.
“I’ve got a rough sketch,” she admitted as we stepped inside. “But I’m not sure it’s a good idea.”
“What’s the concept?” I asked, genuinely curious.
She moved to the far side of the elevator, putting a noticeable amount of space between us. Her fingers fiddled with the strap of her bag, and her eyes remained fixed on the floor.
“Michelle?” I prompted gently.
She pinched the bridge of her nose, her cheeks flushing a deeper shade of red. I couldn’t help but wonder what it other scenes would put that shade on her.
Bad idea. The thought sent a jolt straight into my cock and I shifted uncomfortably, willing my body to behave.
“Well…” she hesitated, her voice barely above a whisper. “I was designing a…penis ring.”
I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Interesting. And?”
She gestured vaguely with her hands, avoiding eye contact. “I can’t seem to finish the design. Every time I try, I hit a wall. It’s frustrating.”
“You’re stuck?” I asked, my tone softening.
She nodded, exhaling heavily. “Something like that.”
The elevator doors opened, and we stepped out into the hallway.
I fell into step beside her. “If you had more time, I’d suggest taking a break. But since the deadlines is around the corner, maybe you just need —some inspiration.”
She glanced at me from under her lashes, and for a moment, my thoughts spiraled. The innocent action made my younger man twitch.
“What are you suggesting?” she asked, crossing her arms. The movement drew my attention to her chest, and I quickly averted my eyes, forcing my thoughts to behave.
“I’m not sure yet,” I admitted. “But I’ll figure something out and let you know.”
“You don’t have to,” she said softly. “I can handle it.”
“I promised to help, and I’m not backing out now,” I replied firmly.
She studied me for a moment, her lemon-yellow eyes searching mine. Finally, she nodded. “Well…thank you.”
“You’re always welcome.”
We stood there in silence, the moment stretching between us until she jerked her thumb towards her car.
“I should get going,” she said.
I nodded, watching as she offered me a small, hesitant smile before walking away. My gaze followed her, tracing the sway of her hips until the sound of my phone snapped me out of my thoughts.
I pulled it out and checked the caller ID. Sasha.
“Hey, sis,” I greeted warmly, though a pang of guilt hit me. It had been a week since we last spoke—too long, by our usual standards.
“Jax…Jaxon,” her voice cracked, and my heart dropped.
Her sobs came through the line, and everything around me seemed to freeze.
“Sasha, calm down,” I said, keeping my voice steady even as dread curled in my stomach. “What’s wrong?”
“It’s Steve,” she cried. “He won’t wake up.”
I froze, my mind racing. Relief washed over me when I realized she wasn’t hurt, but it was quickly followed by guilt.
“Have you taken him to the hospital? Called for help?”
“Yes, the neighbors helped get him to the ER, but Jax…he’s not waking up,” she choked out.
“Listen to me,” I said firmly, though my own fear was clawing at my chest. “Nothing’s going to happen to him. He’ll be okay. You hear me?”
Her sobs quieted slightly.
“I’m heading to work now, but I’ll figure out something and maybe come down later. Will that work?”
“Yes,” she whispered, her voice trembling.
We spoke for a few more minutes before I ended the call and leaned back against my car.
The dread hadn’t eased. Sasha was all I had left—my only family since our parents died in that car crash. The thought of her facing something so devastating…it was unbearable.
I clenched my jaw. She couldn't be a widow at such a young age.
I wouldn’t let anything happen to her—not to my little sister.