Chapter 2 #2
I stare at his message, then at the documents. He’s offering to celebrate the biggest victory of my career. And Jax is halfway around the world, absent except for generic motivational quotes that feel like he’s talking to a mentee.
Another message comes in.
Callum: If being out in public is too much, you can always come over here again, or I can go to you. No pressure. Just wanted you to know I’d love to see you.
My stomach spins, and I can’t deny that it feels good to have someone want to spend time with me. That’s all it takes to make up my mind.
Me: I’d enjoy celebrating with you. Nobu is perfect. It’s near where I’m staying.
Callum: I’ll pick you up at 7:00 sharp.
Shit! I don’t want Callum to come to Jax’s… Wait.
It hits me like a bucket of ice water being thrown on me. I lean back in my chair and glance around. This is my house now, and I can have anyone I want visit.
Me: I’ll send you the address after I take a nap. I’m beat and a bit lightheaded.
Callum: Get some rest. And vixen, I’m looking forward to later.
I curl up in the bed I shared with Jax and vow to burn the sheets tomorrow. Today, I just want to feel him close to me. His smoky, leathery cologne still clings to the blankets. The comfort closes in on me, pulling me into a deep slumber.
My alarm, which I set just in case I didn’t wake in time for my dinner with Callum, goes off. I must have slept heavily because I have to pry my eyes open.
Once I send the address to Callum, I take my time getting ready, washing my hair and styling it in beachy waves. Then I perfect my makeup, opting for something more natural.
It’s a softer style than I would’ve worn when I was with Callum before, but I’m not trying to be a rockstar’s standout girlfriend. I’m just trying to be a woman who blends into the background so she can enjoy dinner with an old friend.
Who am I lying to? He’ll never be an old friend. No, he’s something more than that, but I don’t know what that is yet.
I slip into a tight pink dress that’s from my spring collection. It’s not a statement. It’s more of a hug I need on me at all times.
It’s still low-cut, but it isn’t as revealing as something I would’ve picked out in the past. It’s time to look to the future.
I let the thought roll around in my mind. Callum’s changed, and that’s a good thing from my point of view.
Can I move on from Jax? I don’t know if I can, so where does that leave Callum?
The buzzer for someone requesting gate access goes off in the other room. He’s here, and my hands start to shake.
The betrayal of having him here slips in for a second, but I stop myself and hold my head high. Jax said to explore if something should arise. I’ll follow his wishes, even though I shrink a little inside.
I hit the entry button and wait for Callum to knock. I scan the area, making sure there are no signs of Jax. Nope, nothing but furniture and neutral home decor that has a coastal flair.
“You’ve got this, Livianna. It’s just dinner.” Even though I expect it, I jump when the doorbell chimes.
I open the main door. He comes into view, wearing his signature outfit: jeans, a black button-down rockstar-style shirt, and a leather jacket.
I let Callum in, still in shock I invited him here. He pulls the storm door open and offers me a bouquet of black and white lilies.
His eyes shine my way. “I couldn’t resist.”
“Thanks.” Warmth spreads through my chest, and I take them from him. “That was very thoughtful of you. Please come in while I put them on the counter.”
He hesitates for a moment and cranes his head around me, peeking into the house as if he’s waiting for someone to come up behind me.
“Callum, do you want to come in?” I step aside and open the space.
“Yeah, sure.” He drags his teeth over his lip and walks inside. “This is a nice setup.”
“Thanks.” I twist away and lead us through the living room and to the kitchen, while trying to avoid any talk about this house.
“So, this is where you live?” He slides his palm over the top of a stool that’s pushed into its spot at the center island.
“For now.” I place the flowers on the unique white quartz slab, with gentle waves of blue veins that melt into the surface. “My house just finished being remodeled. If it passes the final walkthrough, I can move there.”
“Whose place is this?” There’s an edge to his tone that I can’t quite place. He glances around, seemingly judging the walls around us.
I sigh as a heaviness settles in my heart. “It’s mine.”
“Yours?” His face screws up. “That’s strange.”
“Why?”
“Guns didn’t tell me you owned a beach home in Malibu.” Callum shoves his hands into his pockets. “If you own this, what will you do with it when you move?”
“I don’t know. I haven’t thought that far ahead.”
His brow creases together. “How long ago did you buy it?”
“Um… It’s… It’s not that simple.”
“Now it’s my turn to ask why?” His gaze burns into mine as if he knows a secret and he’s testing me.
My defenses rise, and I deflect. “What’s with your fascination with this house, Callum?”