Chapter 19

CHAPTERNINETEEN

Liv

We finish watching the football game, but my mood remains soured by the argument with Gunner. I love him and he’s my best friend, but his low opinion of my relationship continues to nag at me, causing me to contemplate how people from my past life would judge me. While I believe my parents would eventually accept my relationship after witnessing the positive impact it has on me, the opinions of others, especially the public, would likely be far harsher than what Gunner implied. Those potential judgments weigh heavily on my mind, and the guys notice my shift in mood but wisely choose not to comment on it. River holds my hand the whole time, his thumb gently stroking the back of my hand in a comforting gesture, and I can’t help but feel guilty for needing his reassurance when I should be the one supporting him.

When we finally arrive home, we settle down in front of the television, and I feel the exhaustion and moodiness take over me. Every part of my body aches, and all I want is to crawl into bed and sleep. I hesitate to ask any of the guys which bed I can use, feeling unsure and vulnerable.

Jaxon, perceptive as ever, notices my insecurity. He rises from his seat, gently takes hold of my hand, and pulls me to stand. With a brief “Goodnight” to the others, he guides me towards his room.

He closes the door and hands me one of his T-shirts, silently understanding my need for comfort. I shed my clothes, leaving only my panties on, and slip into his shirt. He watches me with a tender gaze but doesn’t make any comments or advances. Instead, he climbs into bed and pulls back the covers, inviting me to snuggle against him.

Without hesitation, I nestle myself against his warmth. The weariness overwhelms me, and within seconds, sleep claims me, my worries and troubles temporarily forgotten.

* * *

I wake up around two am, and this time, it’s not nightmares but cramps. Hello, shark week, we do not welcome you. I try to move Jaxon’s big hand resting on my hip and sneak out of his room to go to the bathroom. Thanks to Chase, I have everything I need here, stuffed in both bathrooms. I chuckle at the memory of him coming out of that store with a year’s worth of tampons. That boy has no fucking clue. It’s cute that he tries, though.

I remember how Liam used to be shitty about anything period related. He would completely stop touching me and didn’t even want to sleep next to me, but maybe that’s just a guy thing. Maybe Jaxon won’t like sleeping next to me either, once he knows I’ve started. I know they’re trying for my sake, but I could see how uncomfortable it made Chase just to talk about it, so I decide to sleep the rest of the night on the couch. I don’t want to gross Jaxon out, especially not on the first night we’re sleeping in the same bed.

I get comfortable on the couch with a blanket and try to fall asleep again. After a few minutes, I hear footsteps approaching and jump in surprise as I open my eyes to find Jaxon lifting me up bridal style. He looks disheveled and tired.

“What are you doing?” I whisper, trying not to wake anyone.

“What am I doing? What are you doing?” he asks while carrying me back to his room, where he closes the door behind him before gently placing me in his bed.

“I got my period,” I say, and he doesn’t even flinch.

“Are you okay? Do you need anything?” he asks.

“No, thanks,” I reply.

“Then why were you on the couch?” he questions.

“I didn’t want to gross you out,” I answer quietly, looking down at my hands in my lap. Jaxon looks at me incredulously.

“Gross me out? Women!” he says with a sigh before running a hand over his face. “Sunshine, you never have to worry about that with me. I want to take care of you, especially when you’re not feeling well.” He leans down to kiss my forehead. “I can eat you out right now to show you how much I don’t care.”

“Jaxon!” I exclaim, looking at him with wide eyes.

He snickers as he gets into bed beside me before pulling me back against him, placing a hand over my lower stomach, and kissing the back of my head.

“Rest, okay? I’ll be here if you need anything.”

I smile gratefully and snuggle back into him before finally going back to sleep.