The Bodyguard | 18+

Chapter 18

Ava's POV

Joanna and Maze pull up into the driveway, halting right in front of me. Joanna rolls down the window, craning her neck to get a better view of the home.

"Wow, this place is even bigger than Brandon's," she gasped, eyes wide with awe. Jason stepped ahead, opening the back door for me. I slid into the seat and he followed close behind, settling in beside me. 

"Where are the guys?" I ask them.

"No guys. Just us girls, with the exception of Jason," Joanna answers, flashing a playful wink in Jason's direction. It's clear she's got a crush on him, I see right through her. It's not surprising; Jason seems to have that effect on girls. They just can't seem to resist his good looks. Not even me.

"Joanna and I usually hang out by ourselves, but we thought, why not invite you? We thought it'd be fun," Maze adds, smiling at me through the rearview mirror. "So like, does he have to be with you all the time?" she asks, clearly referring to Jason.

"Yes." Jason answers for me, already sounding like he's losing his patience. He leans on his elbow, gazing out the window. Maze gulps and turns pale, seeming embarrassed that she annoyed him.

I reach over and lightly tap his thigh. "What?" he responds bitterly as he turns to look at me.

Why is he always so rude? Would it kill him to be nice for once?

"Be nice," I say firmly in a low voice. He shrugs, his eyes traveling to my hand on his thigh. I hadn't realized it was still there, so I quickly remove it and look away, feeling my cheeks flush.

We pull into the parking lot of a nearby ice cream shop, the sweet scent of strawberries and mint wafting through the air. I inhale deeply, the fragrance stirring memories of my childhood visits to the ice cream shop with my mother. It was a tradition for us until my 16th birthday. I hadn't realized how much I missed those times.

We settle into a cozy booth at the back of the shop, and I'm surprised when Jason slides in next to me. His unexpected proximity sends a flutter through my chest, but I quickly shake it off. I hadn't realize I was looking at him until he glanced at me and furrowed his brows. I gave him a small smile and looked away.

"So, Ava. Would you like for us to order you something or would you like to choose?" Maze ask, "We've pretty much tried everything here, so you're in good hands."

"I'm down for a surprise," I reply with a grin.

"And what about you, Jason?" Joanna ask as she leans on the table resting her chin on her palm, eyeing him closely.

"I'm good," he responds. Joanna doesn't protest; instead, she nods and continues stealing glances at him when she thinks he isn't paying attention.

Our sundaes finally arrive, and we eagerly dig in. The birthday cake ice cream mixed with vanilla that Maze chose for me is divine. It's just what I need on a scorching summer day.

"I'll be back," Jason announces before he stands up and stalks off. I almost couldn't believe he left me alone with these girls. I thought he'd never let me out of his sight.

As Jason walked away, I caught Maze and Joanna exchanging curious glances. They both seem to be pondering something.

"So, Ava," Maze begins, her voice slightly lowered as if she's about to reveal a secret. "What's the deal with you and Jason?"

I raise an eyebrow, caught off guard by her question. "What do you mean?" I respond cautiously, unsure of where this conversation is headed. I feel heat rise to my cheeks as I try to brush off their insinuations. "There's nothing between us," I insist, though my own words sound unconvincing even to my own ears.