My head is spinning. I don’t know what to believe. I have to get out of here. I slide off the stool and sling my purse onto my shoulder. I step into Jaxon’s space, my index finger jutting into his chest. “I’m not a toy you can play with whenever you feel bored. I’m tired of the games, and I’m sick of the lies.”

“Says the girl who pretended she didn’t know it was me. Why did you go along with it? Why not confront me as soon as you found out?”

“Don’t turn this around on me! This is about you.”

“I think you wanted it to be me. I think you liked knowing it was me on the other side of the phone.” Jaxon leans forward, that damn sexy smirk curving his lips. “Especially the other night.”

I scoff. “Don’t be ridiculous. I was just fucking with you.”

His lips are at my ear, and he whispers, “Didn’t sound that way.”

My skin prickles. I can’t think straight when he’s this close to me. I place my hand on his chest and push him out of my space.

Jaxon catches my hand and holds it there against his chest. His heart races beneath my touch. “No more games, Raegan. No more lies. No more pranks.” His eyes bounce between mine. “I’m laying it all out on the table.”

How easy it would be to melt into those muscular arms right now. His scent is intoxicating, his gaze hypnotizing. Every nerve ending in my body is tingling, screaming for me to give in and kiss him.

But intoxication dulls your sense, and hypnosis controls you. That’s not what I want for myself. I can’t give in. I need to stand my ground. Be strong.

Protect myself.

“I don’t want you. Stay away from me, Jaxon.” I yank my hand back and turn towards the exit.

I storm out of the restaurant and through the parking lot. I don’t stop moving until I’m in my car. My hand is on the shifter, car in reverse. I stare into the rear-view mirror, waiting to see if Jaxon will come after me. One second ticks by, two, three …

Half a minute later, my shoulders drop and I pull out of my parking spot.

Days Left Until Summer Break: 113

Jaxon

“The bounce house goes right there on the grass. The animals can go around back.”

The fundraiser starts in thirty minutes, and everything is going according to plan. No hiccups. No issues. It’s smooth sailing.

Raegan did an incredible job. Tonight’s event will raise a ton of money for our school, and it’s all because of her.