I didn't know why I was feeling this way, only that when Axel had called himself my man… I had felt something. I couldn't put to words what it was, just that it scared me. Why? I had no damn idea. 

I took a deep breath, my eyes fixed on his. “It's nothing.” He worked his jaw, about to say something. “Really, it's nothing.”

He stared at me, his jaw clenched. He looked like he wanted to say something but decided against it. He nodded, turning and walking to his car. I followed, licking my melting ice cream. 

“I was joking when I called myself your man,” Axel said on...