Page 148 of The Broken Keys

“What do you want to know?”

“How long have we been friends?”

“Friends.” He glances down for a beat, straightening the napkin in his lap. “Our relationship started when you approached me in Paris.”

“Paris.” I release a small, frustrated puff of air. “I’m sure it was magical.”

His gaze darts to mine. “Why do you sound annoyed?”

“Because I’m sure it was everything I’ve ever dreamed about.”

“It was.”

“I should go there.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Maybe I would remember something if I went back.”

He scoots toward me as if he wants to reach across the table for me. “If you want, I could take you there. We could take my jet, and I could show you around.”

“Yeah, that could—” My phone vibrates in my purse. “Excuse me, Jaxon. I’ve got to check to see who that is.”

I take it out and read the text message.

Callum:Do you want me to pick you up and take you out to lunch?

Me:No, that won’t be necessary.

Callum:I don’t like being away from you. Let me take a break from the band and come pick you up.

Me:Sorry, love. I’m already eating.

Callum:Do you want company?

Me:No, Jaxon is with me. Get back to your work and pick me up when you’re done.

I’m getting ready to put my phone away, thinking our conversation is over. It buzzes again. I peek at the message.

Callum:I love you, Lily. Being with you last night was everything I’ve been missing.

Me:I love you, too. And stop talking about sex while I’mhaving lunch with Jaxon. I don’t want him thinking I’m sexting you.

Callum:Why? I’m not embarrassed about what we do together.

I shake my head and slip my phone back into my purse. I’ll deal with Callum later.

“Sorry, Jaxon. Callum was just checking on me.”

“No problem.” Jaxon lifts his finger, catching our server’s attention.

She rushes over. “Yes, Mr. Crowne.”

“Would you please get me a whiskey neat and Livianna a glass of Sauvignon Blanc?”

“Yes. I’ll be right back.” She turns on her heels and goes to the bar.

I raise my eyebrows. “So, we drink when we have lunch together?”