Page 27 of The Broken Keys

“What?”

“You used to wear that kind that had the lilies infused in it. Now it’s spicy and sensual.”

I glance away, knowing I changed it to put everything Callum related in the past so I could move forward with Jax.

“Lily, it’s not a hard question.”

I shrug and face him. “I know. It’s just, I can’t remember.”

“Oh, it’s no big deal. Either scent is nice.”

“Thanks.” I gesture to my car. “Where should I meet you?”

He rubs his chin between his thumb and index finger. “I’ve got an idea.”

“What’s that?”

“How would you feel about coming over to my place and we’ll order something? You can clean up while I wait for the food.”

“But I can do that at my house and meet you at yours.”

“True, but I don’t like wasting any time where you’re concerned. I like knowing you’re around.”

Warmth climbs through my chest. “You’re very sweet, Callum.”

“Is that a yes?”

I consider the past two and a half weeks. I still haven’t talked with Jax since Coachella, and Callum has been nothing but patient and kind.

My heart picks up pace. “I guess that will work.”

“Perfect. Why don’t I follow you to your place, and from there, I’ll drive you to mine?” He spins his keychain around his finger. “That way you can enjoy some wine with your food.”

“No, I’ll just meet you there.”

“If you insist.”

“I do. Give me an hour if traffic is good.”

“An hour it is.” He leans down and kisses my cheek. “Sorry. I couldn’t resist.”

“It’s fine, Callum.” I shrink inside as if I’ve done something wrong, and release a sharp exhale that’s full of clarity. “I need to check on something once I get home, so I might be just a little later than that.”

“Work?” His question sounds more like a warning.

“No. This is something personal. I need to make sure an email went out, or I’ll be thinking about it all night.”

“Personal?” His expression shifts, something guarded creeping into his eyes. “Everything okay?”

I can see him trying not to ask more, fighting that protective instinct he’s always had. The fact that he’s holding back shows how much he’s grown.

“It’s fine. Just something I need to check on.” I adjust my gym bag strap, suddenly feeling the weight of that email.

Has Jax read it yet? If so, has he replied?

“I’ll see you later, Callum.”

“Lily.” His voice stops me as I reach for my car door. When I turn back, he’s watching me with an intensity that makes my pulse skip. “Whatever it is, you don’t have to handle it alone. You know that, right?”