At Year's End (The 12 Olympians) Read Online Free Page B

brothers.”
    “You’re very talented as well ,” Jaxon pointed out. “You have a gorgeous voice.”
    “You think so?” Elijah licked the ice cream that was sliding down his cone. He swore he heard a groan from Jaxon. When their eyes met, he saw something in Jaxon’s — probably the same thing that shone in his.
    Lust.
    Jaxon cleared his throat and swallowed another bite of banana split. He loaded the spoon again and reached across the small table.
    “Take a bite.”
    Elijah eyed the whipped cream-covered banana. Sprinkles were sliding off the spoon along with what looked like caramel. His stomach turned over and he shook his head.
    “Oh come on.” Jaxon wiggled the spoon a little bit. “At least try it.”
    Jaxon thrust the spoon a little closer and Elijah’s lips parted. Jaxon slid the spoon in and watched Elijah’s lips close over the spoon. He inwardly groaned at the sight and smiled when Elijah made a noise of approval.
    “Good?” he asked.
    “Yes, I didn’t think it would be, but somehow, that mess is good,” Elijah chuckled.
    “Ha!” Jaxon cackled.
    Elijah shook his head with a smile. “Again, and I’m the child?”
    Jaxon sobered and regarded Elijah seriously. “Can I ask you something?”
    “Sure.”
    “What happened on New Year’s Eve?”
    Elijah’s brows furrowed. “Okay, you’ll have to be more specific.”
    Jaxon reclined in the chair and searched Elijah’s eyes. “Are you serious? You know, at ten seconds to midnight?”
    Elijah stared at him dumbly.
    “You really don’t know? ” Jaxon sat forward now. This was not good. “You don’t remember New Year’s?”
    “Am I missing something?”
    Jaxon’s jaw dropped. That night he’d finally gotten up the courage to find Elijah at midnight and kiss him. Okay, so it would have been a peck, but still…
    “Jaxon?”
    “You’re telling me you don’t remember New Year’s Eve?”
    “I was at home by myself. Did I miss something?”
    Jaxon slumped in the chair. Oh, this was really not good.
    “What’s the last thing you remember about that night?”
    Elijah pondered the question. “Um, Skylar called and asked me to help out at the club but my guardians said I couldn’t go. I stayed home and watched the ball drop on TV.”
    Jaxon felt dread pool in his gut. Elijah had blurted that out as if he was reading it from note cards. He almost opened his mouth to ask about Elijah’s boyfriend, but Elijah hadn’t brought it up and Jaxon wasn’t in the mood to discuss the man who had captured Elijah’s attention.
    “What’s this all about, Jaxon?”
    “It’s nothing. I’m sorry.” Jaxon checked his watch. “We still have time to get some shoes.”
    Elijah bli nked at Jaxon’s swift change of demeanor. “Did I upset you?”
    “No, I’m okay.” Jaxon stood up and dropped his banana split in the trash. He’d lost his appetite.
     
    A fter buying four pairs of shoes — Elijah wouldn’t let him get any more than that — they left for Caden’s office. They made quite a sight rumbling down the streets on the Harley with shopping bags looped over their arms, flapping in the breeze.
    “You really need a car,” Elijah managed through his laughter as he tried to tuck a bag closer.
    “The bike makes me look more badass,” Jaxon shouted back.
    “Oh yeah — nothing says ‘badass’ like a man who can shop!”
    Jaxon could feel Elijah convulse with laughter behind him and smiled. But his brain was working overtime. Elijah didn’t remember a damn thing about New Year’s Eve at the club. Elijah snuggled into his back and wrapped his arms around him tighter. Jaxon warmed at the contact and almost closed his eyes at how good it felt. His feelings for Elijah were getting stronger; he’d have to be careful.
    They pulled into the parking lot at Caden’s office and Jaxon helped Elijah off the bike, stowing his helmet. They walked to the entrance and Jaxon flashed his badge at the guard out front. He got a nod and Elijah got an