Lost But Found | ✔️ - Chapter 13: Chapter 13

Walls and Cracks
Ava knew she should have left the moment Jaxon Reed sat down across from her.
It would've been the smart thing to do—cut her losses, walk away, remind him that she wasn't interested in whatever game he was playing.
But she hadn't.
And that was a problem.
She could still feel the weight of his gaze on her, the way he leaned in like he was trying to get past the invisible wall she'd spent years perfecting.
People had tried before. They'd always failed.
So why did it feel like Jaxon Reed was different?
The diner's bell chimed as she stepped outside, the cool air hitting her skin. She gripped her book tighter, staring at the pavement as she tried to shake the strange feeling lingering in her chest.
She didn't do this.
She didn't let people in.
And she definitely didn't let cocky quarterbacks get under her skin.
Ava exhaled sharply, forcing herself to focus as she walked toward her car. The lot was mostly empty, aside from a few older trucks and Jaxon's unmistakable black Jeep.
She had just reached for her door handle when a voice stopped her.
"You keep running, Carter."
She froze.
Jaxon was leaning against his Jeep, arms crossed, watching her with an expression that was too knowing for her liking.
She tightened her grip on her book. "I'm not running."
Jaxon tilted his head, his smirk softer than usual. "No? Then why does it feel like every time I get close, you find a way to slip away?"
Ava swallowed, forcing herself to stay steady. "Maybe because you're imagining something that isn't there."
Jaxon chuckled, shaking his head. "See, I don't think I am."
Ava didn't respond. She didn't know how to.
Because the truth was, he was getting close.
And that was dangerous.
Jaxon pushed off his Jeep, taking a step toward her. "You act like letting people in is some kind of weakness."
Ava tensed, her body going rigid before she could stop it.
Jaxon noticed.
He always noticed.
He exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "Look, I'm not asking for some deep confession, Carter. I just don't get why you act like being seen is a bad thing."
Ava's pulse pounded in her ears.
Because being seen had never been safe.
Because the last time someone saw her—really saw her—it ended in bruises, in silence, in a childhood spent flinching at the sound of footsteps.
She shook her head, forcing herself to look at him. "I don't expect you to understand."
Jaxon studied her, and for once, there was no teasing in his expression.
Just quiet, steady understanding.
He didn't push. Didn't pry.
Instead, he stepped back, giving her space.
"You're right," he said. "I don't understand."
Ava exhaled, relief flooding through her.
Then Jaxon smiled—just a little.
"But that doesn't mean I'm gonna stop trying."
Her stomach flipped, but she forced herself to stay calm. "You're exhausting."
Jaxon grinned. "And yet, you're still here."
Ava rolled her eyes, opening her car door. "Not for long."
Jaxon chuckled, stepping back toward his Jeep. "See you Monday, Carter."
Ava didn't respond.
Because she knew, without a doubt, that he would.