Lost But Found | ✔️ - Chapter 14: Chapter 14

Almost Something
Monday came faster than Ava wanted.
The weekend should have been enough time to shove Jaxon Reed to the back of her mind, to convince herself that their conversation outside the diner didn't mean anything.
But it wasn't.
Because the moment she stepped into school, her eyes instinctively searched for him.
And the moment she spotted him—leaning against his locker, laughing at something one of his teammates said—she knew she was in trouble.
Not because he was cocky. Not because he was persistent.
But because, for the first time, she wasn't sure if she wanted to keep pushing him away.
She turned toward her own locker, determined to ignore him. But, of course, Jaxon had other plans.
"Carter."
Ava sighed, forcing herself to keep her expression neutral as he stopped beside her.
"You just can't help yourself, can you?" she said, glancing up at him.
Jaxon smirked. "Not when you make it this fun."
She rolled her eyes, grabbing a textbook from her locker. "What do you want, Reed?"
He leaned against the lockers, his smirk shifting into something more thoughtful. "To check on you."
Ava stiffened. "Why?"
Jaxon shrugged. "Because we spent part of Friday night locked in a closet together, and I figured that kind of thing leaves a lasting impression."
She shut her locker and turned to face him. "I'm fine."
He studied her, his blue eyes searching for something. She wasn't sure what.
Then, to her surprise, he nodded. "Okay."
No push. No challenge.
Just... okay.
And that threw her more than anything else.
Jaxon grinned. "I'll let you off the hook this time, Carter. But next time we get trapped somewhere, I expect a heartfelt confession about how much you secretly enjoy my company."
Ava fought the small smile threatening to surface. "Don't hold your breath."
Jaxon stepped back, walking away, but not before calling over his shoulder, "See you at practice."
Ava blinked. "Wait—what?"
He didn't answer.
Claire appeared a second later, sliding up beside her with a knowing look. "You and Jaxon are a thing."
Ava scoffed. "We are not a thing."
Claire smirked. "Right. And I totally didn't just witness the most flirty non-conversation ever."
Ava groaned, rubbing her temple. "He's just... Jaxon."
Claire grinned. "Exactly."
Ava didn't have a response to that.
Because, for once, she wasn't sure what to say.
And maybe that was the real problem.
Because for the first time, Jaxon Reed wasn't just annoying.
He was starting to feel like
Something she wasn't sure she was ready for.