Page 18 of The Jaded Notes

“Yeah.” I adjust my bag so it stops biting into my shoulder. “It’s one of my favorite songs, but now…it’s ruined along with everything else tied to him.”

“If you love the song, why is it ruined?”

“Think about the words, Trent. Consider the cruelty of the lyrics.”

He hums the tune and sings a few verses.

“You’re a rerun, babe. Now I’m the star. Too loud to miss, I raise the bar.” His voice fades. “Oh, Livianna…ignore that. The song probably isn’t about you.”

“Right.” I release a resigned sigh. “He’s got a point. I am a rerun.”

“You’ll never be that to me. He’s an asshole.” Trent takes my hand and squeezes it. “I’d say let’s go dance tonight toburn off the pissy attitude I’m in now, but that doesn’t seem like the right move.”

The doors open on the bottom floor, and we shuffle out. A small group of people waits to file in.

I glance up at Trent as we stroll out of the way. “Dancing sounds good.”

“Really?” His honey-brown eyes shine down on me. “You think?”

“Yeah.” I nod once in defiance. “And if they play ‘Packed Train,’ I say we scream our lungs out with the words as we dance our asses off.”

“That’s the spirit, my special little boo.” He throws his arm around my shoulders and pulls me into a side hug.

I squeeze him just as my gaze meets the man who always unexpectedly brings me to my knees. He’s absolutely stunning.

He’s back.My pulse kicks up a notch.

Jaxon steps back and stops right before us. “Livianna. We seem to keep running into each other.”

“Fate must love me.” I giggle, slipping out of Trent’s arms. “I thought you went back to the States.”

“I did.” Jaxon turns to Trent and holds out his hand. “Jaxon Crowne, and you are…?”

“Oh, wow!” Trent licks his lips and eyes Jax up and down. “I’m Trent Diamandis. Livianna and I are headed to her place for a drink. Would you like to join us?”

A whispered “please” follows as Trent unabashedly bats his eyelashes at Jax. This could be fun to watch.

“Thanks for the offer, Trent.” Jax glances at me. “I’m sure I’d just get in the way.”

“Well, that’s a delicious thought.” Trent faces me. “What’s your input on the situation, Livianna?”

I smirk and shrug a shoulder, assuming Jax will do anything to get out of it. “You’re welcome to join us, Jaxon. We’re dropping off our stuff, having a drink, and going out dancing. You should come with us.”

Jax peeks at his phone, then slides it into his designer pants pocket. “Sure. It’s Friday, and I was only here to grab something from my office. Do you two mind waiting for a minute while I get it?”

My jaw drops and my heart skips a beat. “What? You’re really coming with us?”

“I said yes.” He moves his head to the side with a slight shift. “Unless you’d prefer I didn’t.”

“Livianna and I wouldlovefor you to join us. Run and get your things. We’ll be waiting outside because I need a cigarette.” Trent takes my hand and steps away from Jax. “This could be a dream come true.”

I stare at Jax with wide eyes as Trent drags me away. Jax laughs and rushes into the elevator to get whatever he came for. A smile spreads across my face. He never ceases to surprise me when he lets the stiffness drop and lets himself be playful.

“You didn’t tell me you knew Jaxon Crowne.” Trent forces the glass door open and steps outside.

The February chill takes hold.

I tighten my long leather coat around me. “I didn’t tell you because he hasn’t come up.”