Page 57 of Wallflower No More

Holy hell, Batman. When will these jokers learn Axel Creed does not play about his lady? Blaze Atwater, was it worth it? With the way you were limping afterward, we're thinking not.

Scarlett

My friend Blaze said he would text me when his team arrived at their hotel. He's asked me to meet him for breakfast, and I've accepted. I've not broached the subject with Axel yet because his possessive alpha hole self will probably shit a brick after I say the words—deep cleansing breaths.

I'm currently straddled across his back, giving him a massage. No time to deliver bad news then when you're giving a loved one a massage. The words tumble out like they have diarrhea. "So, babe, you know my friend Blaze is coming, and he's asked me to go out with..."

He flips me on my back so fast I don't know which way is up. "Over my dead fucking body, Scarlett."

I knew he'd be difficult. "Axel, I wasn't asking. I was telling."

He looks at me in shock. "Scarlett, do you want your friend to live a long and healthy life?"

I laugh but stop when his face turns dark. "That's it. He's JUST my friend, Axel." The muscle in his neck starts ticking. He's about to lose his shit, but I won't back down. Blaze will always be a part of my life. He was my first friend. "You're more than welcome to come with us to eat."

He growls. It's not a no. So, I continue. "Axel, unless we eventually have kids, you will be the most important person in my life forever. But Blaze will always be in my life in one capacity or the other. And I can understand it being a little awkward for you at first, but when you see us together, you'll see it's only ever been friends."

He kisses my lips, my eyes, my collarbone—all over. "We will have kids, Scarlett, and you'll be a great mother," Axel whispers gently.

I place feather-tip caresses on his cheek with my fingers. "And you'll be a great daddy because you know exactly what not to do, Ax." Axel leans down and kisses me softly like he's scared that I'm a mirage and he's worried I'll leave. But my name isn't Alexia or Theodore. He will always be able to count on me.

He gets up and gets dressed for early morning football practice. He kisses my forehead before he leaves. "Do whatever you want, but know I'll be watching."

I laugh, not because he's making a joke but because it's laughable that his always watching turns me on so much. What is wrong with me? I blame it on romance books. They've ruined me for "normal" men.

My phone buzzes.

Blaze: I've got time in about an hour. Breakfast?

Smiling because I've missed him.

Me: You got it!

He texts back instantly.

Blaze: Axel didn't almost stroke?

I laugh.

Me: Let's just say he's okay with it now. Well, okay is a strong word. It's hard for Axel to trust, but he trusts me.

I get dressed in comfy clothes and wear my hair on my head, because it's just Blaze. Tonight's game starts at seven, so there will be plenty of time to get dolled up before then. My nerves settle down deep in my belly. I hope Axel doesn't go all Rabies on Blaze tonight. We haven't broached the topic since brunch, and Axel doesn't make idle threats. The conversation plays in my mind again. No details left his mouth, but he's been planning something. We've dated long enough for me to realize that with Axel, you must read between the lines of some things he says. That boy keeps me on my toes.

Pulling out my phone before heading to the truck, I shoot Axel a text. He appreciates transparency.

Me: Heading to breakfast to meet up with Blaze.

The dots appear letting me know he's typing, but nothing ever comes through. Oh dear. But I won't let it make me nervous. Part of me wonders if he'll show up. Axel doesn't have to ask me where we're eating because of the tracker. We haven't put his on yet, because I didn't want to be that person, but if we had, I wouldn't be surprised when he pops up. That damn tracker will be put on him soon.

I make it to the 50s diner. Blaze has to try these pancakes because they are to die for! He pulls me in for a long hug. It's good to see my friend. He's a part of home and always will be. "Blazeeeeee!"

Blaze pulls back and laughs. "Scarrrrrr!" He imitates my shrill voice.

We sit down, and I order for the both of us. Blaze grins in that boyish smile of his, and it makes me happy to see him doing so well. He's battled depression his whole life, and college looks good on him. "How's life, Atwater?"

His green eyes shine mischievously. "Just kicking ass and taking names, Quinn. How about we talk about you instead? Axel Creed? My little Scarlett is dating a man nicknamed Rabies?"

I laugh because, yeah. Unexpected. "Yeah, yeah. It's my way of kicking ass and taking names."