Page 147 of The Jaded Notes

I laugh. “Not only that, but we’ve been at it since eight this morning. I’m going to tell you a secret. I’m kinda drunk.”

There’s a brief pause.

His concern spills in. “Why have you been partying all day?”

“We’re at Coachella. My brother’s band is headlining tonight. He sent a van to pick us up at the house. It was stocked with enough alcohol to get his entire crew loaded. Between stops for the bathroom and traffic, it took us five hours to arrive.”

“I didn’t realize you had plans to see his show.”

“Yeah, I didn’t expect to come, but he begged. I didn’t ask Quinn until Thursday night, so it happened on a whim.” I glance around and wish Jax were here with me.

“It’s good to hear you’re letting loose. You work hard. You should enjoy your time with your brother.”

EDM music blares as the band starts its first set.

I yell, “Hold on, Jax! A band just went on stage in the tent where I am. I can’t hear a thing.”

“Look. It’s Livianna Hemings.” A young woman approaches me. “I love your brand, Lehlani Rose. It’s so fresh and edgy. Is the outfit you’re wearing part of your collection?”

“The belt and bag are mine. I can’t take credit for the half-shirt, cutoffs, and boots.”

She giggles. “Yeah, I didn’t think The Rolling Stones shirt was yours.”

She comes closer and checks out my crossover. She nods in approval. “It’s exceptional quality.”

I beam as her friend admires my work. My heart soars when she gives me an impressive thumbs-up. They point to the phone at my ear and one of the girls’ mouths, “We’ll let you get back to your call.”

“Thanks,” I whisper, and slide my sunglasses back on as I spot a patio set in the corner away from the people. I sway that way. “I’m so sorry about that. It’s crazy here.”

“Yeah, I can tell.”

“It should be better to talk where I am now.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah, I’m in the VIP area. There’s a lounge area away from the tents and bars I found. I’ll wait for Quinn over here and I'll leave my hat and shades on.”

“It’s great to hear your voice.” He sounds more relaxed, like he just took a deep breath.

“You too. I miss you.”

“Livianna, I miss you more than I can express.”

My chest aches for him. I shake it off and sit on a bench overlooking the crowd. “How’s the business you’re tending to? Are you any closer to coming home?”

He sighs heavily. “It’s worse than I initially thought.”

My hurt surfaces and my defenses go up. “Is that your way of saying it’s going to be longer than a month?”

“Livianna…” He takes a moment.

A familiar cologne swirls around me. Fresh and clean with a hint of the ocean air. I hold my breath for a moment.

The heat of a body comes up from behind me. Two hands rest on either side of my hips as his breath hits my cheek and his profile comes into my peripheral sight.

My heart drops, and I forget everything. I exhale and turn slowly, catching his stare like a spark in dry brush.

The fire he keeps locked behind his eye flares, just a flicker, but enough to shatter something deep inside me. I thought I was ready for this, but I’m not.