Page 146 of The Broken Keys

He sits straight, lifting his head high. “Okay, it’s important to me, but I’m not in the position to…”

I study his contorted face. “What? Just tell me what you meant.”

“It’s just something I need to deal with on my own.” He stands and peers down at me. “I need to grab some lunch. Would you like to join me?”

“As long as you’ll let me pay.”

“Absolutely not.”

“Why?”

“Because I said no.” Something in his tone tells me not to push.

In most cases, I would just to see how far I could go, but I don’t have that urge with him.

I tilt my head. “Jaxon?”

“Yes, Livianna.”

“Are you always this bossy?”

He smiles at that. “When the situation calls for it, yes.”

“Then so be it.” I laugh a little to ease the tension. “What are you in the mood to eat?”

“You pick.” He holds out his hand.

I take it and he helps me up. “Jaxon, I would, but I don’t know this area. What’s good that’s nearby?”

“There’s a Thai place we love. How does that sound?”

“Great. I haven’t had Thai in…” My mind goes blank. “I don’t know how long it’s been.”

“Then, no time like the present.” He gestures toward the door. “Ladies first.”

We leave my office with me replaying his suggestion. He said we’re going to a place we love. Just how often did we go out to lunch?

When we get to the hallway, he points to his office. “Do you mind waiting while I get my jacket? My wallet is in it.”

“Of course not.”

He rushes off as I try to make a connection to this Thai place. I can’t, and that’s the problem.

I rest against the wall, staring at the floor. The doctor toldme not to stress over my lost memories, but I don’t know how I can’t.

My phone dings with an incoming message. I take it out of my purse, and my heart swells when I see Callum’s name light up the screen.

Callum:Can’t stop thinking about you. How’s everything going today?

Me:Better than I expected. How’s the album coming along?

Callum:I can’t focus on anything but you. How’s that for an answer?

A smile breaks free. I get ready to respond but Jaxon comes back.

“Ready?”

I slip my phone back in my purse. “Yes, I’m starving.”