Before Sunday

Sixteen

6:32 AM

For the second time, I wake in Jackson's arms. For the thousandth time, I know it's where I belong. My body shapes to every inch of his, our breathing in unison. His heartbeat is the perfect melody to lull me into a state of complete and total bliss. His arm is draped over me and although I wish I could stay here forever, I need to get up and face the day. I wrap my fingers around his wrist and set his arm gently to the side before gliding out from underneath the covers.

I make my way to the bathroom, this time, armed with my toothbrush. I brush my teeth and swoosh mouthwash around to rid myself of unavoidable morning breath. I splash some water on my face, and pat my skin dry with a fluffy white towel. I can't help it. I lean forward to inspect my reflection.

Last night I became a different person.

I look the same save for one small difference.

My eyes.

The depths of my eyes are somehow altered. Changed to something bright, vibrant, alive.

Jackson startles me, shirtless in his sweats as he leans against the door jamb. "Have you finally noticed how beautiful you are?"

I smile. "Something like that."

"Good," he says. "Bout time."

I spin and lean with the small of my back against the counter. "I meant to ask you what happened with Xavier last night but then...well... you know."

"I do know," he says biting back a smile, "I was here."

"So, what happened?"

"Didn't the man tell you himself? He told me he was headed to your place to smooth the rough waters."

"He told me his side. What's yours?"

The smile breaks and he reaches into the pocket of his sweatpants to remove his cell phone. "We're like two peas in a pod now, Angel. No worries."

"That's a lie if I ever heard one."

He holds up his pointer finger. "I knew you'd say that but rest assured. I'm prepared. I have proof."

"You do, do you?"

"I do."

His finger glides across the surface of his phone, selecting something before turning it to face me.

"We took a selfie," he proclaims proudly. "See."

I grab the phone from his hand and bring the screen to my face.

Sure enough, Xavier and Jax are standing side by side, each with a coffee in their hands. If I didn't know better, I'd say they've been friends for years.

"This is falsified," I state, handing the phone back to him.

Jax squints. "How do you figure?"

"Xavier was better, but not quite over the idea of us," I say. "He will behave himself but I still don't think he likes it and I don't think in this lifetime or the next he's going to be in the habit of bromance selfies with you."

He pockets the cell phone. "Alright fair enough. Point is, Xavier came to terms with the realization that I have no intention of going anywhere. I'd fight for you, Angel, if I had to. I told Xavier that I loved you. He doesn't like it much, but he loves you enough to put his own feelings aside."

"What feelings?"

A solid knot squeezes my stomach. Since our fight, I can't seem to let go of Xavier's reply when I asked him if he was jealous. 'What if I told you I was?'