Page 149 of The Broken Keys

“Only a glass, but if you don’t want?—”

“It’s fine, Jaxon. I’m just trying to piece my life together.”

“I apologize.” His shoulders roll forward. “I should’ve asked.”

“Probably, but I forgive you.” I send him a warm smile. “Tell me more about yourself.”

“There’s not much to tell.”

“The notorious Jaxon Crowne has nothing to share?” I roll my eyes. “If we’re friends, why not tell me what I want to know?”

Something strange floats through his eyes. Pain, maybe. “Livianna, I’ve never been good at this part.”

“What part is that?”

He gestures between us. “Opening up to you.”

“Oh. Does that mean we’re not friends? Are we just close business acquaintances?”

“No, we’re…friends. I just don’t know how to be a good one.”

“Then let’s fix that.”

He huffs. “How?”

“Open up to me now.”

He stares at me like a scared child. Before I can address it, he shifts closer to me.

“You know what, Livianna? It’s time. I’ll tell you whatever you want to know.”

“Great.” I pick the thing I want to know about the most. “Do you have someone special in your life?”

He tilts his head, his eyes locked with mine. “I did.”

“Did?”

“Yes, but I still love her.”

My heart squeezes for some unknown reason. “What happened that ended it?”

He’s quiet for a few beats. He runs his palm over his chest, like he’s soothing an ache as he shifts around.

“I lost her and our child in a car accident.” The love and agony in his voice can’t be mistaken.

My soul hurts for him. “Oh, I’m so sorry, Jaxon. That’s terrible.”

“Thanks. I have to believe she’s in a better place.” He rests his hands on the table as if grounding himself. “I’m no good for her, so maybe it’s better this way.”

I don’t know what to say, so I reach out and place my hand over his. “Don’t say that.”

“Why? It’s true. Otherwise, fate would’ve let us be together.”

My throat tightens. Grief is the worst and I know that all too well.

I swallow the lump that’s blocking my words. “If she had the choice, I’m sure she would be with you.”

He nods slowly, then looks down at our hands. His entire body softens, and something about it is gut-wrenching.