Page 28 of The Broken Keys

The offer lands in my gut like something fragile and sharp. He doesn’t even know what he’s offering to help with, doesn’t know he’s volunteering to be supportive while I check to see if another man gave me the ending I don’t want. The guilt twists deeper.

“I know. Thank you.” I force a smile. “But this is something I need to do myself.”

He nods, but I catch the flicker of hurt that crosses his face before he masks it. “Of course. I’ll see you soon.”

The drive home passes in a blur of stoplights and second-guessing. By the time I pull into my garage, my hands are shaking on the steering wheel. I sit there for a moment, staring at the wall, trying to work up the courage to go inside and face whatever is in my inbox.

Inside, I drop my bag by the door and march straight to my laptop. The email sits in the sent folder in my private account, but there’s no response. Maybe that’s the answer I’m looking for.

I sit with the realization that I’ve lost the man who helped me heal in ways I never thought possible. I take a moment to mourn the loss, but don’t let myself cry. Tears won’t help. Only time and understanding will.

Callum is waiting for me at his house. He looked at me in the parking lot like I’m something precious he’s afraid to lose again. And Jax is halfway around the world, probably not even thinking about me.

My phone buzzes with a text from Callum.

Callum:Should I still expect you, or did you change your mind?

His vulnerability screams. God, I pray I’m making the right choice.

Me:I’ll be over soon.

Callum:You okay?

Did he pick up on my sadness? Can he tell I’m struggling?

Me:I think so. Being around you will help.

Maybe tonight’s the night I tell him I’d like to explore a second chance with him.

Callum:Hope you’re in the mood for Italian. Can’t wait to see you.

The sweetness of his text makes my chest ache. I type back before I lose my nerve.

Me:Perfect. On my way soon.

I shower quickly, change into a blue sundress, and grab an overnight bag without really thinking about it. Maybe I won’tneed it. Maybe I will. Either way, I don’t want to come home tonight to this empty house.

I pull out of the driveway before I overthink everything. The city blurs into a string of quiet lights, every red signal giving me one more chance to turn around and send another email to Jax. I keep going.

When I turn onto Callum’s street, his house glows warmly. As I approach the door, a sliver of music hums. He opens before I knock, as if he’s been standing there waiting for me to show up.

“Hi.” I offer a gentle smile.

“Hi.” His eyes sweep over my face with that careful scan he does when he’s trying not to let on to his worry. “Perfect timing. Food got here five minutes ago.”

“Great. I’m starving.” I step inside, overnight bag slung over my shoulder. I try to ignore the way his eyes light up when he notices it.

“Planning on staying?” His voice is neutral, but I catch the desire underneath.

“Maybe. If that’s okay.”

“More than okay.” He takes the bag from me, fingers brushing mine in the handoff. “I’ll put this in the guest room, unless…”

The innuendo hangs between us, loaded with longing emotion. We both know what he’s asking—what I’m not quite ready to answer.

“Callum, put it wherever you want it to be.”

“You know where I want it, vixen.” He releases a nervous laugh. “Dinner’s staying warm in the oven, and I opened that wine you like.”