3. Lila
CHAPTER THREE
Lila
I couldn’t shake the dazed, dreamy smile from my face as I stepped off the plane and headed toward baggage claim.
Whatever had just happened with Jaxon—because, oh boy, something had happened—was filed firmly in the “one time only” category of my brain.
This was a moment of madness.
Not a habit.
Just a wild, heat-of-the-moment decision fueled by heartbreak, loneliness, and maybe not enough sleep.
Right now, all I had to do was pick up my suitcase and my dog.
Biscuit, my corgi and most loyal companion, had been traveling separately in cargo, and I couldn’t wait to see him.
I quickened my steps, my chest warming at the thought of his stubby legs and wiggling butt greeting me like I was the greatest human alive.
The closer I got to baggage claim, the louder Biscuit’s signature bark became, muffled but insistent. It wasn’t a bark of distress—it was his I’ve been waiting for you forever, come get me now bark.
“There you are,” I murmured when I spotted the crate labeled with his name.
The airline worker gave me a kind smile and unlocked the door.
As soon as the crate opened, Biscuit shot out like a furry cannonball, barking happily and spinning in circles around my legs. I crouched down, barely managing to catch him as he launched himself into my arms.
“Oh, Biscuit,” I said, laughing as he licked my face furiously. His tail wagged so hard his entire body wiggled. “I missed you, too, buddy.”
He barked again, loud and joyful, as if to say, of course you did! I’m the best thing in your life, and we both know it.
“Hey, there you are!”
Nate’s familiar voice boomed through the crowd, and I stood up, Biscuit still in my arms, his head swiveling to locate my brother. I waved, relief and dread colliding in my chest.
Relief because it was nice to see him after all this time.
Dread because I was terrified my face still screamed, Hey, I just had sex at 35,000 feet!
But then my heart stopped.
Heading toward Nate, grinning like the cockiest man on earth, was Jaxon.
No.
No way.
No. Freaking. Way.
“Jax, you made it!” Nate clapped him on the shoulder, his face lighting up. “This is my sister, Lila. Lila, you know Jaxon, right? He’s a fireman who works with me....”
I opened my mouth, but no sound came out. My brain short-circuited, unable to process the horror unfolding in front of me.
Jaxon, who I’d just… on the plane… was Nate’s coworker.
For his part, Jaxon looked entirely too amused, his piercing blue eyes sparkling with mischief as he extended a hand toward me. “Nice to see you again, Lila. Been a long time.”
A long time? We’d literally met a few hours ago.
I was going to die. Right here in the airport, surrounded by luggage, screaming kids, and my overly enthusiastic corgi.
Speaking of Biscuit, he chose that exact moment to wriggle out of my arms, his stubby legs hitting the floor with a thud before he took off like a rocket.
“Biscuit!” I shrieked as my dog darted through the crowd, tail wagging like he’d just won the lottery.
Nate and Jaxon burst into laughter. Of course, they found this hilarious.
“Need a hand?” Jaxon called, his voice full of barely suppressed amusement.
“No!” I snapped, already half jogging, half stumbling after my dog.
Biscuit, delighted by the chaos he was causing, barked happily as he zigzagged through the crowd. He dodged a luggage cart, ducked under a stroller, and nearly tripped an elderly man before disappearing behind a pillar.
“Lila, he’s heading toward the food court!” Nate called, barely containing his laughter.
“Great. That’s just great,” I muttered.
My dog was probably going to steal someone’s French fries or knock over a tray of drinks.
“Biscuit! Come back!”
He reappeared, bolting between tables, his tiny legs moving impossibly fast. A group of teenagers cheered him on like he was in some kind of race, and one guy even tried to grab him… unsuccessfully, of course.
“I got him!” Nate shouted, sprinting ahead and diving toward Biscuit.
For a brief, glorious moment, I thought he did, too.
But Biscuit was faster.
At the last second, he juked left, leaving Nate sprawled on the floor, clutching at air.
The group of teenagers erupted into laughter, one of them yelling, “Nice try, dude!”
“Biscuit! Come back!” I shouted, my voice rising in frustration as Biscuit darted toward the food court.
“I swear, Lila, this dog has more moves than a running back!” Nate huffed, pushing himself off the floor.
“Got him!” Jaxon’s voice cut through the chaos.
I turned just in time to see Jaxon crouched low, his arms outstretched as Biscuit hurtled toward him like a heat-seeking missile. With one smooth motion, Jaxon scooped him up, cradling the squirming dog against his chest.
“Got your little escape artist,” he said, grinning as he walked toward me, holding Biscuit like some kind of fluffy trophy.
I stared at him, breathless and still vibrating with adrenaline. “How did you…?”
“Firefighter reflexes,” he said with a wink.
I narrowed my eyes at him but couldn’t help the grudging smile tugging at my lips. “Thanks.”
“Don’t mention it.” He handed Biscuit back to me, his fingers brushing mine in the process. “He’s got spirit. I like that.”
I held Biscuit tightly, glaring down at him. “You’re lucky you’re cute, you little troublemaker.”
Nate strolled over, shaking his head and laughing. “Welcome home, Lila. Looks like you brought the entertainment.”
I groaned, burying my face in Biscuit’s fur. “This is already a disaster.”
“Could be worse,” Jaxon teased, his voice low enough that only I could hear. “I think you’re good at handling whatever comes your way.”
I glared at him, but my stupid, traitorous stomach chose that moment to flip-flop.
This was going to be a very long day.