Homecoming & Old Temptations

I sensed it the instant I turned back into my hometown. That usual weight on my chest, a mix of memories and something heavier. Cut grass and pavement still warm from the afternoon sun permeate the heavy July air. The houses, the meandering roads, the subdued buzz of a place where everyone knows everyone look the same. I am not the same though.

As my buddy Ava yells from her car and almost assaults me in the driveway, I tighten the handle on my suitcase.

Oh my God, Lena! You at last find yourself home! She withdraws, keeping me at arm's distance, her emerald eyes darting about as if she were looking for changes. You really look exactly the same.

I roll my eyes and snigger. "Disappointed?"

She makes a smile. Nah. City living concerned me since it would make you all stuck-up and smart. Still, your Lena is still mine.

I laugh, but it's not natural. Knowing she has no idea how much I have changed.

Ava snatches my luggage and tosses it into the trunk like I weigh nothing before dragging me into the car.

You really have a lot of catching up to accomplish. And we are directly heading to my place.

Her place of residence.

My gut contracts.

I know what is waiting for me there. rather, who?

The drive is a whirl of her animated conversation—new drama, who's dating who, the most recent rumors from our former high school group. Still, my head is far away, fixed on one name. Jaxon.

The older brother of Ava.

The one person I told myself I never would consider once more.

Still, considering him is one thing. Upon seeing him? Still another is that.

And my pulse thrashes in my throat as Ava pulls into her driveway.

The house looks precisely the same: white trim, wraparound porch, the small creak in the front step I have memorized from years of half my childhood spent here. But Jaxon stands in the open garage wiping grease off his hands and seems to fit in some wild daydream.

I get dry in my mouth.

He no longer is the same.

He was always tall, but now his jaw is sharper, his presence heavier, muscle straying against his black t-shirt is evident. His brown hair looks messier than normal, damp at the edges like he has been laboring in the heat for hours.

Ava sounds the horn. "Jax, would you help me with Lena's bags?"

He looks up then, and for a brief fraction of a second his eyes fix on me.

There flickers in their black eyes. something incomprehensible.

He then grins.

That dumb, lazy smile used to send me nuts.

"Well, well," he says, throwing the towel over the workstation. Look what the city hauled back.

Ava lets out a scream. "Don't start," says.

I don't look away though Jaxon keeps fixating on me.

I should do it. I should definitely.

Rather, I raise my chin to project confidence I lack. Jaxon, still getting your hands filthy behind a hood? By now, though you would be past.

His lips tremble, yet his smile never wavers. "Some of us enjoy using our hands."

The air changed.

Though it's slight, it is there.

Ignorant, Ava merely rolls her eyes and heads inside, leaving me alone in the driveway with him.

I hesitate, divided between following her and whatever this is.

Jaxon approaches slowly, closing part of the distance between us. Little. Nevertheless, enough.

I pass. "Are you truly going to help with my baggage, or are you just going to stand there?"

He lets forth a gentle laugh. "Depends. Still with that keen tongue, city girl?

I raise an eyebrow. "Guess you'll have to find out."

His grin became more pronounced. "Exciting to be looking forward it.

And precisely like that, I knew this summer will be problematic.

I swear the night air, heavy with humidity, has some electric quality. Instead of sleeping, I'm standing on Ava's rear porch arms resting on the railing, starring at the moonlit yard.

I hear him before I come upon him.

The groan of the oak steps. The familiar smell of motor gasoline and something definitely him.

Beside me, Jaxon leans on the railing and carelessly taps the wood with his fingertips.

"You always were a night owl," he continues, his voice in the silence lower and harsher.

I avoid turning. And you always bothered me like hell.

He laughs softly and deliberately deep. "Good to know some things are not changeable."

Between us is a quiet pulse.

Then he replies, softer—more serious—you back for good?

I let off a breath. " No. Just July.

He nods, but by the way his jaw closes, I sense he was expecting that response.

"Figured," he says quietly.

Something thick and silent hangs in the gap separating us.

I should leave walking away. This is not the teenage crush of years. Whatever this thing is between us, it is perilous.

Still, I remain instead.

And I know—this is not over—when Jaxon turns his head and his eyes blaze into mine. Not quite sure.

Though unresolved, Lena and Jaxon have obvious chemistry.

Jaxon's response suggests something more, something from the past Lena still doesn't really grasp yet.

Though not taken action upon yet, the suspense is created.