Page 59 of The Jaded Notes

I shake my head and lower into the chair I use at my vanity station. “Don’t judge me.”

“I’m not. It’s just… Fuck, Livianna. I know you talked about going, but I didn’t think you’d start dating someone from there. And I certainly didn’t expect him to be buying you designer ensembles. How long have you been seeing him?”

“Um…like dating?”

Bren’s eyes close and he groans. I give him a moment to sitwith the idea. Even I would know by my answer there’s a lot more going on than what I’m telling him.

He brings his gaze back to me. “Promise me you’re not doing anything stupid.”

“I know what I’m doing.”I hope.“He’s a good man, Bren.”

“Damn… You like this guy.”

I take a deep inhale and release the truth on my exhale. “Yeah, I do. I’ve known him for a while, but tonight is our first date.”

Let’s just pray the person showing up at my place in five minutes is Jaxon.

Bren flashes me a lopsided grin with a shrug. “Who am I to butt in?”

“Thanks for understanding.”

“Sure thing. But be careful.”

“Cross my heart, I’ll be good.” Just as I say it, someone knocks on my door. “Bren, I’ve got to go. He’s here.”

“All right. I love you, and call me later so I know you’re alive.”

“I love you too, and consider it done.”

“Bye for now. Have fun.”

“Thanks. Now bye.” I pick up my phone and disconnect.

I take one last peek at myself in the mirror while I try to keep down the tingles of excitement taking over my body. Hopefully, I’ll have a night like I’ve never experienced.

To say I’m looking forward to this is an understatement. I rush out of my room and hurry to find out if Jax is on the other side of the door.

I take a quick calming breath and open the door. Just as I hoped, Jax is standing before me. He’s dressed in a black suit with a crisp white button-down and a red tie. It matches my dress.

Did he coordinate that?

Thank you, God, for sending me this handsome man who makes me go weak in the knees.

“Hi.” I step to the side as my pulse pumps hard through my veins. “Would you like to come in?”

“Do you always answer your door without asking who’s here?” His stern tone takes me aback.

“Um…”

“I’ll take that as a yes.” He glances off to the side, then faces me. “In the future, you’ll ask who’s here before you open the door.”

My instincts tell me to argue, but I bite my tongue. “Of course, I will. I was just happy to see you.”

“Forgive me for my abrupt hello. I just need to know you’re not putting yourself in dangerous situations.” His tense shoulders relax. “You’re absolutely beautiful.”

A smile breaks through and spreads across my face. “Thank you. You look fabulous. But then again, you always do.”

“That’s very kind of you to say.” His gaze connects with mine and lingers for a few beats. “Are you ready to go?”