Poke at Jaxson's ego

“Just a heads-up on the control panel for the hot-tub, it’s a high-end, commercial-grade system. It can be a little complicated, if you don’t know what you are doing, so just let me know if you need me to come back up and explain it to you.”

Jaxson’s jaw tightens instantly at the subtle dig, his chest puffing out slightly as he glares at the control panel through the window. “Yeah, I think I can handle a hot tub, bro. It’s not rocket science.”

“Of course,” you reply smoothly, your voice dripping with easygoing charm. “Oh, and if you’re planning on hitting the upper mountain trails, just watch your step. The spring thaw makes the higher inclines incredibly steep and muddy. It takes some serious leg power and the right footwear to make it up to the ridge without wiping out. Pristine sneakers usually don’t survive the first quarter-mile.”

You glance down at his spotless, expensive designer shoes with a knowing, highly amused smile. Jaxson instinctively shifts his feet, his face darkening as your casual confidence completely deflates his alpha-male posturing.

Before he can snap back, you give a polite nod to Paige, who is hiding a tiny, genuine smirk behind her hand.

“Have a great stay, everyone. Call the front desk if you need anything else figured out.” With that, you turn and step out into the misty spring morning.

Later that morning, you catch sight of the trio making their way toward the upper mountain trail.

Paige is bringing up the rear, visibly struggling. She is practically buried under a tangle of straps, a heavy tripod bag slung across her front, and two bulky camera cases clutched in her raw hands, her boots slipping occasionally on the muddy incline. Skylar and Jaxson are several yards ahead, completely ignoring her; Skylar is focusing on her phone screen, while Jaxson struts forward in his pristine sneakers, occasionally glancing back only to huff with impatience.

Stepping off the main path, you catch up to them near the trailhead. “Looks like you’ve got your hands full,” you say smoothly, stepping into Paige’s space and gesturing toward the gear. “Let me take some of that weight off your shoulders before you hit the steeper parts of the ridge.”

Paige looks up, startled, a bright, grateful flush immediately warming her cheeks as she lets out a breathless, “Oh... thank you so much.”

Jaxson stops and turns around, crossing his heavily muscled arms as he watches you effortlessly hoist the heaviest camera cases. He scowls, his alpha-male ego clearly chafing at your intervention, but he gives a dismissive shrug. “Yeah, whatever. Take them, bro. I’m tired of waiting around for her to catch up, and we’re losing the morning light.”

He steps a few feet closer to you, lowering his voice into a confidential, arrogant rumble while Skylar remains focused on her phone. “Just don’t get any ideas and don’t be a perv,” Jaxson mutters, a smug, possessive smirk touching his lips. “We’re going up to the top to film a scene where Skylar is going to give me a blowjob, so just drop the gear at the ridge and beat it.”