Chapter Thirteen
Avery
The morning light filters through the curtains, warm and soft against my skin, slowly pulling me from sleep. My first reaction is to reach out for my guys, but my hand meets cool, empty sheets instead. Frowning, I pry my eyes open, glancing around the room. Their clothes are still crumpled on the floor where we threw them last night, evidence of the passionate chaos that led us to crash afterward.
We had planned on getting up for dinner, but instead, we’d fallen asleep tangled in each other’s arms. Sleepily, I slap my nightstand for my phone, squinting at the screen to see it’s already approaching eight. With a sigh, I snuggle deeper into the soft embrace of my mattress, elated that my part-time summer schedule has given me more flexibility—not just to focus on my landscape business, but also to spend more time with the guys.
Still, a knot of nerves twists in my stomach as my thoughts turn to the future. When they go back to San Diego, where will that leave us? We talked briefly about it last night, and I know they want me to come with them. The idea is exciting but daunting—uprooting my life on a whim, leaving my dad and my growing business. It’s a lot to consider, and let’s be real—we’ve only been dating a few weeks. How can I even think about twisting my life upside down for them already?
Even as my mind races with doubts and second-guessing, a smile breaks free, and my spirit soars. Deep down, there’s a little voice inside me saying yes. Yes. Yes!
Instead of letting my internal battle take over, I call out, “Jaxton! Liam! Where are you?”
The sound of my voice barely fades when the door swings open, and there they are, carrying a tray piled high with food and a single white rose in a small vase. The grins plastered across their faces are infectious, making my heart flutter. Their messy, tousled hair and perfectly toned bodies exude an effortless, magnetic charm.
Just the two of them standing there is enough to make me weak. And the thought of Lennox and Kamden in the mix? Sweet baby Jesus, how am I supposed to survive that? The four of them together would be lethal.
Liam smirks, his expression all too knowing, as if he can read my mind. “Hey, baby. How about some breakfast in bed?”
My stomach growls audibly as the scent of French toast, eggs, hash browns, and bacon wafts toward me. I bite my lip, suppressing a laugh. “That smells incredible.”
Jaxton chuckles, setting the tray down carefully on the bed between us. “We thought you could use a proper wake-up call.”
He places a glass of orange juice on the nightstand, making sure there’s no risk of spills.
“Wow, this looks amazing. Thank you,”
I say, grabbing a fork and spearing a piece of scrambled egg. The second it hits my tongue, I let out an involuntary moan. “Oh my God, this is so good.”
Jaxton’s laugh is rich and full as he leans across the tray to capture my lips in a kiss, a soft reminder of last night’s lingering heat. “We may have feasted on you, but we still needed some sustenance,”
he teases, pulling back with a wicked grin.
I whimper softly at the loss of contact, his gaze darkening in response. To distract myself, I prop up against the pillows and dig into the food with enthusiasm. “Guys, this is incredible! Did Kam teach you how to cook?”
Liam’s expression softens, a flicker of sadness crossing his face before he smiles at me. “Our Ma was actually the biggest influence. She taught all of us boys how to cook. Kam just took it to the next level. She always said a man should know how to take care of his family.”
His voice carries a quiet reverence. “You think this is good? Wait until you try one of Kam’s meals.”
“Your mom sounds amazing,”
I say softly, my heart tugging at the obvious love and respect they have for her. “I wish I could’ve met her.”
“She was,”
Jaxton says, his voice warm but tinged with sorrow. He reaches out to cup my cheek, his thumb brushing against my skin. “We miss her every day, but the weight of her loss lessens with time.”
His hand drops as he leans back, his expression growing more introspective. “When she passed, we were all with her. Kamden and I went to her first, about a month before the twins. She didn’t want the boys to cancel their biggest modeling contract for a popular book series, so we handled things until they could get there. She was so strong for us growing up, and we wanted to be strong for her when she needed us the most.”
I set my tray aside and crawl between them, resting on Jaxton’s lap as I wrap my arms around him. “I’m so sorry you had to lose her. I can’t imagine how hard that must’ve been for all of you.”
I pressed a soft kiss to his neck, then leaned over to nuzzle into Liam.
Jaxton’s arm tightens around my waist, brushing my hair aside to press a kiss to my bare shoulder. “You know, we were on the phone with Kamden and Lennox the day we met you. We told them about you before and after we left the bakery. There was something about you, Avery. We knew it then.”
Their confession sparks a memory from that day, my cheeks heating as a small smile ghosts my lips. I’d always wondered who they’d been talking to.
“What are you thinking?”
Liam asks, his amusement evident as he strokes my cheek. “You’re blushing.”
Honesty feels like second nature with them, so I shrug, unembarrassed. “I overheard your conversations that day. When you came in and when you left. I heard you say my name, so I listened in.”
They exchange a glance before bursting into laughter, their joy so infectious it draws a belly laugh from me, too.
“You’re too cute,”
Liam says, grabbing my foot and squeezing playfully.
“Don’t hide from us,”
Jaxton murmurs, brushing his fingers under my chin to tilt my face toward his. His eyes dance with laughter as his tone softens. “We felt it too, you know. The pull, the way my heart raced just looking at you.”
He leans closer, his lips brushing against mine in a featherlight kiss. “You were the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen, even with a little drool running down your chin.”
I gasp, swatting at his arm. “You’re such a shit!”
Jaxton’s chuckle vibrates through me as he picks up the glass of orange juice. “Want some?”
“Yes, please,”
I say, snagging another bite of egg as he hands me the glass.
“What are your plans for today?”
Liam asks, his fingers tracing my jawline as I sip the citrusy drink.
“Not much. Why?”
A mischievous grin spreads across Jaxton’s face. “Want to come hang out with us? See the set?”
The question catches me off guard. “Is that even allowed? Can you bring people with you?”
I hesitate, hoping this doesn’t have anything to do with his ex, Sarah. Drama is the last thing I want.
“Of course it’s allowed,”
Jaxton says, his tone light but reassuring. “Besides, I want you to see this part of my life. It’s important to me—and so are you.”
The sincerity in his voice makes my heart skip, and for the first time, my doubts start to quiet. Maybe, just maybe, this thing we’re building really could work.
“I’m not in the movie in any capacity, but I’m on set every day with Jax. There are usually a few others hanging around too,”
Liam says casually, though his words are punctuated by a low, deliberate moan that immediately grabs my attention.
I glance over just in time to catch him licking syrup off his lips, slow and deliberate. The smug smirk on his face tells me he knows exactly what he’s doing. My pulse quickens, and I feel heat bloom across my skin.
“I’m not sure it’s such a good idea…”
I begin, trying to focus on my reservations rather than the sight in front of me, but my protest is waved away before I can finish.
“I understand why you’re nervous, but I’ve already handled it,”
Jaxton cuts in, reading the situation—and my hesitation—with his usual ease. “I called my people and made it clear that I’m not working with Sarah anymore. They’re taking care of the situation before I even get to set today.”
His tone is firm, his annoyance with his ex evident in the way his jaw tightens.
I exhale slowly, relieved but still a little apprehensive. “Okay. This ought to be fun,”
I say, leaning back against Jaxton’s chest with a small smile. “And thank you for breakfast. I’m so full now.”
“You’re welcome,”
he replies, kissing the top of my head. “We enjoyed cooking for you. Now, go get ready while we clean this up. We have to be on set in a couple of hours.”
I hop off the bed, pressing playful kisses to both of their cheeks before rummaging through my clothes. What does one even wear to a movie set? After a few moments of indecision, I settle on a casual sundress. It’s white with swirls of green, yellow, and black lines, the low neckline and fitted waist accentuating my figure.
“I’ve got to hop in the shower really quick. Either of you want to join me?”
I toss the teasing offer over my shoulder as I head toward the bathroom.
Liam’s eyes narrow with playful intent, and he’s about to take a step forward when Jaxton grabs his arm, laughing. “Naughty, Kitten. Go shower. We’ll stop by the hotel before heading to set to grab a change of clothes.”
He swats my ass lightly, making me jump.
“Fine,”
I pout, sticking my tongue out at him. “But you should both keep an extra set of clothes here, just in case.”
I wink before disappearing into the bathroom and shutting the door.
After a quick shower, a thorough shave, and a spritz of my favorite blueberry perfume, I slip into my dress. The fabric clings in all the right places, and I can’t help but admire how it flatters my figure.
Stepping back into the room, I toss my dirty clothes into the hamper. Jaxton is lounging across the bed, his arms tucked behind his head, whistling softly. The low melody cuts off the moment he notices me, his gaze sweeping over me from head to toe.
“You look scrumptious, Kitten,”
he murmurs, his voice thick with hunger. He gestures with a twirl of his finger. “Give me a spin.”
I grin and oblige, the skirt of my dress flaring out as I turn. When I face him again, his eyes are smoldering. “Yep, absolutely gorgeous. Just as I thought.”
Blushing, I bite my lip, a silly flutter filling my stomach at his praise.
He stands and closes the distance between us, his hands settling on my hips as his forehead rests against mine. The warmth of his body envelops me as he hums a soft tune, swaying gently. “You know… I’d love to take you out dancing. What do you say? Tonight?”
“I don’t really know how to dance,”
I admit, the redness in my cheeks deepening.
His knuckles brush under my chin, lifting my gaze to meet the laughter in his eyes. “Kitten, trust me, you’ve got moves. And the ones you don’t have? We’ll teach you.”
Suddenly, he spins me out and pulls me back in, dipping me low. My body reacts on instinct, my breath catching as I stare up at him.
“I think I’d like that,”
I whisper, my voice breathless.
For a few moments, we continue swaying, locked in a quiet rhythm, until the clatter of dishes from the kitchen breaks the spell. Liam appears in the doorway, grinning as he dries his hands on a towel.
“We better get moving if we want time to stop by the hotel,”
he says, grabbing his shirt from the floor and pulling it over his head. His eyes rake over me appreciatively. “You look good enough to eat this morning, Bee.”
My cheeks flush pink again, and I try to hide my face. It’s ridiculous how they can do all kinds of sinful things to me at night, yet the simplest compliments still leave me flustered.
Jaxton guides me out to the car while Liam ensures I’m buckled in before closing the door. The ride to their hotel is smooth, and soon the stately facade of the Riverfront Hotel looms over us. Newly renovated, the building is a blend of timeless elegance and modern luxury.
I glance up at the towering structure, feeling a pang of self-doubt. “We should watch one of your movies,”
I blurt suddenly, a smile spreading across my face at the thought. “I haven’t seen any of them yet.”
Jaxton hesitates, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his features. He opens his mouth, then closes it again.
The idea was meant to be lighthearted, but his reaction concerns me. “We don’t have to,”
I say quickly, shrugging. “It was just a thought.”
“It’s not that,”
he says quietly. “I’d love to watch them with you. It’s just... you know the real me. Outside of the ‘movie star.’ I guess I’m nervous about your reaction. People treat me differently once they know.”
His confession is raw, and I soften instantly. “You think I’d do that?”
I ask gently. “Why would it matter that you’re an actor? You know I don’t care about that stuff. I’ve already kind of fallen, so it’s a little late for second thoughts.”
His face lights up with a smile, the worry fading from his expression. “I’m sorry. You’re right. I shouldn’t compare. You’re nothing like anyone we’ve ever met.”
The blush creeping up my neck deepens, but his words fill me with a warmth that chases away my doubts.
“This is going to get hairy,”
Liam says, pointing toward the hotel entrance.
“What’s going to get hairy?”
I ask, confused, until I notice the crowd of about thirty people gathered near the door. Some are holding large cameras, others with their phones out, presumably fans.
“When we get out, hold my hand and don’t let go,”
Jaxton instructs firmly. “Don’t talk to anyone—it only encourages them. Security will keep them from following us to the elevators, so we’ll be safe once we’re inside. There’ll be a lot of flashes, so try not to look directly at the cameras. And if they get pushy, we’ll keep you safe. Got it?”
I nod, swallowing hard as the reality of their high-profile lives hits me all over again. This is the world they live in—and now, by extension, so do I.
That’s a lot of information to process—and completely insane. Is this really what they deal with daily? No wonder they’re so cautious about who they let into their lives. “Got it,”
I finally manage, though my voice is quieter than I’d like. My gaze remains fixed on the crowd blocking the entrance.
“Are you ready?”
Jaxton asks, his tone calm, but I’m too overwhelmed to respond immediately. All I can think about is staying between them like they instructed.
“As ready as I’ll ever be,”
I reply nervously, my voice unsteady.
Jaxton and Liam exchange a glance before moving into action. They open my door swiftly, positioning themselves to block me from view. We had parked in a regular spot off to the side, giving us a little time to prepare before anyone noticed us. Still, my nerves are frayed as we approach the entrance.
We’re about ten feet from the door when a restless fan suddenly screams, “OH! GOD! THERE HE IS!”
The sound triggers a frenzy. The crowd surges forward, screaming Jaxton’s name, cameras flashing wildly. Security steps in, holding the mob at bay, but microphones and phones are shoved into his face as reporters bombard him with rapid-fire questions.
“Who’s the girl?”
“Is this your new girlfriend?”
“Are you two dating?”
The noise is deafening, the questions invasive. Liam’s hand tightens around mine, grounding me as I struggle to keep calm. He glances at me, his reassuring grip, a silent promise to keep me safe.
“Sorry, no comments or autographs today,”
Jaxton calls over the commotion, expertly brushing off the questions and waving them away. We push through the horde, and moments later, the elevator doors close behind us, cutting off the chaos.
The sudden silence is almost jarring, but my heart is still pounding, adrenaline coursing through my veins. “No wonder you don’t want people knowing who you are,”
I say breathlessly. “I can’t imagine going through that every time you go somewhere. Don’t they ever leave you alone?”
Liam presses a comforting kiss against my neck, his lips lingering for a moment. “If we're with Jax, never. His job comes with a price—his freedom is the first thing to go.”
Jaxton leans in and brushes a kiss across my lips. His expression is a mix of worry and apology, as if he needs the reassurance as much as I do. “Technically, we’re supposed to have security detail with us at all times because some of them do follow us around. I’m sorry for springing the crowd on you like that. I want you to get used to this in small doses before I take you to a premiere or an awards show. Those events can get... hectic.”
I stare in disbelief. “This wasn’t hectic?”
I laugh nervously, shaking my head. “And now you’re talking about me going to awards shows with you? This is nuts. Don’t you ever just want to walk somewhere without all of that madness?”
The regret on Jaxton’s face is immediate, and I wish I could take the question back. Of course, they want that. They’ve already explained why they enjoy staying at my house—hidden away from prying eyes.
“That’s exactly why we dismissed our security while we’ve been with you,”
Jaxton explains softly, his thumb brushing over my fingers. “Nobody knows where you live or what we’ve been doing. It’s been nice to hide away and immerse ourselves in your world for a while.”
His words are sincere, but they stir an uncomfortable doubt in me. Could I really handle their world if this is what it entails?
Before I can spiral into that thought, Liam takes my hand and gently pulls me out of the elevator and into their suite. His touch is warm and steady, refusing to let me dwell on my insecurities.
“Jax, you’d better hurry if you need to be on set soon,”
I say as we enter the living room.
Liam grins, tugging me down onto the couch with him. His arms wrap around me securely, his playful warmth chasing away the lingering tension.
Jaxton wastes no time, invading my space and pressing me tightly to Liam. His hand tangles in my hair, securing me in place as his lips capture mine in a fierce, claiming kiss. The low growl in his throat sends shivers down my spine.
“Mmm… I like hearing you call me Jax,”
he murmurs against my lips. “Only family gets to shorten my name like that.”
His lips crash into mine again, nipping playfully, and I melt under the intensity of his kiss.
Liam chuckles behind me, tilting my head to nip gently at my neck. “Let the girl breathe, Jax, and go shower already. She’ll be fine with me.”
A giggle escapes me, and I squirm in Liam’s lap. “Don’t get too handsy. I want to call Lennox and Kamden to apologize for not getting back to them yesterday.”
Liam’s arms tighten around me protectively as he whispers, “They’ll understand, Bee. Don’t stress about it.”
Despite his reassurance, the knot in my stomach refuses to settle. I miss them, even though it’s only been a day. The thought of them waiting, even slightly hurt or confused, compels me to reach out as soon as I can. I need to make sure everything’s okay between us—no misunderstandings, no distance.
Jaxton smirks as he pulls away, giving my hair a playful tug before heading toward the bathroom. “She’ll be fine with you, huh? Don’t try anything while I’m gone, Liam.”
Liam just laughs, his hold on me loosening slightly as Jaxton disappears down the hall. “You worry too much, man. Bee knows she’s safe with me.”
And I do. But even surrounded by their warmth, my thoughts drift to Lennox and Kamden. I need to hear their voices, to know everything’s alright between us.
“Go ahead and call them,”
Liam says softly, as if reading my mind. His fingers find mine, giving them a reassuring squeeze. “They’ll love hearing from you.”
I nod, already reaching for my phone.