Page 129 of The Bitter Words

“Not true, Jax.”

“Then please expand. I’d love to hear how I have any part of your business.”

“That night we talked out on my back patio. I was about to have a panic attack. You calmed me down and my dad saw that.”

“I’m not following.”

“After that night, my parents came to me and asked me if I was planning on switching careers. When I didn’t respond, they told me they’d support anything I decided to do with my life.”

“What does that have to do with me?”

“My dad explained you were the one who pointed out I was looking for his approval.”

“True.”

I shrink a little inside. “I always thought my parents wanted me in acting and I was afraid to do anything else. When I quit without telling them, I thought they were going to be angry, but they weren’t.”

“Are you saying I gave you the courage to take the leap of faith?”

“In a way, yes. If you hadn’t said something to my dad, I don’t think I would’ve gotten up the guts to do it.”

“Then I’m glad I helped.”

I place my hand on Jax’s knee. “Thank you for opening the door for me to makemydreams come true.”

“My pleasure.” His heavy stare connects with mine.

There’s a moment of warmth that passes from my heart to his. His gaze travels to where my palm rests on his leg and he swallows hard.

He pats the top of my hand as if asking me to remove it. “I’m happy you’re doing something you’re excited about.”

“Me too.” I pull back and pick up my glass to toast him. “To you, Jaxon Crowne, for helping me get my life on the right track.”

He raises his drink and we cheers to each other.

After a sip, he places his glass down. “I’d love to hear more about your company.”

“I still feel like it’s in its infancy, but so far it’s doing well.”I just wish it reflected what I really want it to be, Lehlani Rose Designs.

He zeroes in on me. “What was that concerned look for?”

I shake my head. “What do you mean?”

“You were smiling and excited, but then your eyes dimmed and your facial features tightened.” He shifts closer to me. “It appeared to me like you’re holding back something about your business that’s causing you some discomfort.”

A rush of heat flares in my belly and rises to my cheeks. How in the hell did he pick up on that so easily? Am I an open book he can read?

My phone vibrates. I pull it out of my clutch and a message floats across the screen. My hands shake and my heart pounds the second I see who it’s from.

The Cheater:Happy New Year, vixen. I’ve spent the last eight months trying in vain to forget you. The dedication of our performance tonight was not only for you. It was my resolution for the world to hear that this is the year I finally let you go. Have a good life. Maybe in the next lifetime we’ll find each other and get it right.

My insides hollow out. I stare at the message and my soul shatters. My skin itches, so I dig my nails into my wrists and scratch them. It doesn’t relieve the ache.

Callum hasn’t stopped trying to reach out. He sends texts or leaves voicemails when he’s obviously high, saying he still loves me and how sorry he is for letting things get out of control.

He mumbles about getting back together but says he needs to keep me safe from getting hurt. I never respond.

His flip-flopping messages are confusing as hell. I’ve had to remind myself he’s a rockstar who cheats. He only wants me to stick around because he’s always seen me as his and his alone.