Page 95 of The Bitter Words

She listens intently to what I describe as my perfect living arrangements. She even gives her father some great suggestions based on what I’ve said.

I peek her way a few times to get a read on her, but she’s got one hell of an iron mask on. I can’t penetrate it. It’s unnerving because picking up on people’s reactions and emotions is something I’m skilled in.

I stumble over my words more than once and keep moving around in my seat like I’m a two-year-old in church. Greg and I finish mapping out what type of home I’m looking for while Livianna remains seated.

“Thanks, Greg. Let me know what you find.” I stand to leave.

He gets to his feet. “I’ll have one of my agents tour a few that may be a fit. If they are, I’ll get you out to see them.”

“Perfect.” I take my drink to the sink and extend an olive branch. “Livianna, it was nice to see you again.”

She slips out of her chair. “You too, Jax.”

“Livianna!” Greg scowls at her. “That’s not what he goes by. Do not call him that. Show him some respect and use his full name.”

“Sorry, Daddy.” Her shoulders roll forward. “I didn’t know it meant so much to him.”

Greg’s phone rings and he asks Livianna to see me out. He excuses himself to the living room to take the call. She strolls up next to me, putting her whiskey on the counter.

I lean over and whisper to her, “There’s a reason my name is Crowne. You’d be best not to forget that.”

She spins to me. “Why are you kind one minute and like this the next?”

“I only respond to your actions, Livianna. Think about that.”

“What did I do today that made you flip? We were talking and getting along.”

“Then you got mouthy with me.”

“You started it when I asked you why you were looking at me like you were mad at me. You told me to grow up, so how did you expect me to act?”

I think back. Why did I say that to her?

I was upset by her getting a better drink than mine. I stare at her.

My world tilts off-kilter and I start to slide off into some other galaxy where I’m not in control. I step back and shake my head.

Livianna’s eyes gloss over. “I thought you understood me.”

“I don’t know why you’d believe that. We’re nothing alike.”

“How do you know? You don’t even try to get to know me.”

“Livianna—”

“You helped me that night when you were here with Cindy. You made me feel safe and I calmed down. I thought we were moving past from how poorly I treated you the first time we met. And you go off about how disturbing I am? What did I do to you?”

“You were…”

Well, shit!

I can’t tell her she was causing some strange effect on me. I huff a laugh. The realization hits me square in the eyes.

I’m not upset by what she was doing. I’m bothered that I’m attracted to an eighteen-year-old woman.

It’s my behavior that’s disturbing. I cave into myself and wonder how the hell I let this happen.

“Livianna, I need to leave. This whole interaction is wrong.”