Page 79 of The Jaded Notes

“Jaxon, did you hear me?” She places her hand on my shoulder and brings me out of my thoughts.

I turn her way. “No. Sorry, I was lost in this sketch.”

“So you like it?” Her voice is timid, but hope lingers in it.

“It’s one of the best I’ve seen.”

Her eyes sparkle like a diamond, which gives me an idea.

I pull my phone out of my jacket pocket to pull up my concierge’s information. “What are you doing tonight?”

“I’m having dinner with Trent. Why?”

“Cancel your plans.”

She folds her arms over her chest. “No. I have a previous commitment.”

“No?” I raise my brows. “Are you saying…”

Well, shit. I can’t ask if Trent is more important to her than me. I growl and roll my eyes.

Her gaze narrows. “What were you going to say?”

“Nothing that matters.”

“Jaxon, I don’t go back on my word when I tell my friends I’m going to do something with them. It’s hurtful when people drop everything just to do something different. I won’t be that kind of person.”

“When you say it like that, I understand.” My letdown must be clear by the way I sound like a longing fool who just got turned down. I square my shoulders and take my attention to her work. “Show me what else you have.”

“I will, but first tell me why you wanted me to cancel my plans.”

“It doesn’t matter, Livianna.” I slide my phone back into my pocket. “Let’s get back to your business.”

She stands still, tilts her head, and studies me. I stare back at her and wait for her to do what I’ve instructed.

But in true Livianna form, she shakes her head in defiance. “I would, but I don’t think you would care that much at the moment.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Because your expression is like someone slapped you.” She takes my palm in hers. “Did I do something that upset you?”

Aware of where we are, I pull my hand away and slide it into my pants pocket. “No.”

“Yeah… Okay, then.” Her cheeks turn red, and she picks up the sketch. “You said you like this one. Why?”

She builds an iron mask and puts it on in seconds. I clench down on my molars.

Why is she so damn difficult all the time? Better yet, why can’t we ever be on the same page?

A rumble lies deep in my chest, and I move to leave before I say something I’ll regret. Like, pick me and ditch Trent.

I turn to leave. “You’re right. I’m no longer interested in this discussion. I’ll check back with you later.”

She starts to say something. I face her, but she stops and drags her wounded gaze away. I should’ve seen that one coming.

For a moment, I let my feelings surface and be exposed. “Livianna?—”

“No, Jax. It’s fine.” She packs up her things. “I should’ve known this is how it’s going to be.”