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“How else do you think these books got here?”
“Oh.”
“Oh?” He arched an eyebrow. “You think I don’t know how to read?”
“Well,” I teased. “You are a jock.”
He laughed, big and throaty again. “Cute.”
How one word could make my stomach toss and turn was beyond me.
“I actually enjoy reading.”
“Me too. It’s pretty much my hobby.”
“I can see that. You’re always in here.”
“Oh,” I breathed out as the anxiousness rose from my chest into my throat. “I’m sorry if I’m in your space. I asked your mom, and she said I cou—”
“You talked to my mother?”
“Yes. I’d never come into your home, let alone one of the rooms without asking for permission first.”
“Does this house feel like a home to you, Sophie?”
I wasn’t shocked by his abrupt tone. I hadn’t met his father yet, so it was easy to assume it had something to do with him not being around.
When I asked my mom about him, she said he worked a lot. Then she reminded me to stay out of their house unless I was reading in their library, and even then she preferred that I read in the guesthouse.
She was constantly telling me to stay out of their way and to stay away from Jax. She said he was trouble.
I couldn’t help myself, I wanted to get to know him in a way I didn’t think anyone did. Feeling daring, I threw his question back at him, “Does this house not feel like a home to you?”
If he was surprised by my question, he didn’t show it. “It’s just a house, Sophie.”
“Is that a yes?”
“It’s not a no.”
“Is it because your dad isn’t around?” I regretted the question as soon as it flew out of my mouth. “I’m sorry.” Shaking my head, I added, “You don’t have to answer that. It’s none of my business.”
“So tell me, Soph? Do you make it a habit to apologize for things you don’t have to?”
I shrugged. “I just don’t want to upset you. I’m in your house, and you’re technically my mom’s boss.”
“If I’m your mom’s boss, then what am I to you?”
“Umm…” I bowed my head. “I’m not sure. What do you want to be?” I waited on pins and needles for his answer.
Never expecting him to admit, “I need to be the guy you stay away from.”
“Oh…” Feeling brave, I challenged, “What if I don’t want to?”
His eyes dilated, and he didn’t try to hide it from me. He wanted me to know I was having an effect on him, and for a brief moment, I felt powerful.
As quickly as it was there, he snatched it away. Pushing off the doorframe and acting unfazed before he asked, “You like popcorn, Soph?”
Despite feeling disappointed, hearing him call me Soph was doing all sorts of things to my stomach. I stood on shaky legs, hoping he didn’t notice the effect he had on me too.
