Two weeks later I’m half expecting Jax to show up at the bakery. Each time the bell chimes upon someone’s arrival and it’s not him, it becomes increasingly clear that Jax is continuing to push me away. I kept telling myself he needed time and then we could go back to normal, and a tiny part of me hoped we could go back to being more. I replay the night of the ball on a continuous wheel in my head.
Every time I see him in passing, he avoids me. I finally force myself to stop trying to talk to him when it became obvious that he wasn’t going to respond to any of my text messages or calls. I wanted to scream at the top of my lungs when I met the guys for dinner the other night, and as soon as I sat down, Jax made an excuse to leave. He shouldn’t have bothered showing up, it’s our weekly dinner. Of course I’m going to be there. I need to move on. That mantra is easier said than done.
I’m trying desperately to concentrate on booking a pirate-themed birthday cake for a customer, but I keep losing focus. I really need to pay attention to her, but I can’t. She changes her mind every single time I’m almost done with the paperwork. My temper starts to awaken. I honestly don’t know how many times I’ve crossed everything out because she’s changed her mind. Ha, someone changing their mind on me. The irony is not lost on me.
I’m contemplating how illegal it is to poke her in the eye with my pen, or if it would be better to stab myself with my own pen, when a deep voice saves me from doing something extreme. I want to feign happiness at seeing Kohen, but I can’t. Jax has ruined even the simple act of masking my emotions, like he’s ruined me.
Despite my indifference, Kohen in scrubs is a sight to behold. He has an amused expression and it takes me a second to realize what’s so funny. At first I think it’s because he heard the customer, whose name I keep forgetting, but then it becomes apparent why he’s standing here pleased with himself. He asked me something. Crap . . . Think . . . Think . . .
The girl glances up when she notices she doesn’t have my undivided attention any longer and gasps loudly as she takes Kohen in. Yeah, who can blame her? It’s pretty hilarious to watch her whole demeanor change. The bitchy side of her disappears and she’s giving him a look that I can only describe as the come-fuck-me look. It’s a look I have become very aware of from women when I’m with the guys. I have to turn away to keep from laughing in her face. Honestly, does she not have class?
When I face them again, she’s narrowing her eyes at me. Okay maybe my coughing didn’t cover up my laugh like I thought. Whoops. I don’t even feel a little guilty. I peer at the form to see that her name is Amanda. Ah, that’s what it is. Kohen beams at me and it makes me smile my first real smile all week. Well, the second if I’m being honest. The first was when I saw Jax sitting with the guys in the restaurant. I give Kohen the universal sign for five minutes before I try unsuccessfully to rush Amanda. I could always ask someone from the back to help Kohen, but I have a feeling that he would just wait for me anyway.
It’s the longest ten minutes of my life before Amanda is on her way out the door, but not before she tries again to get Kohen’s attention. She pouts when he shows no interest in her. A laugh slips out of my mouth. I’ll make sure to remain in the back when she picks up her cake in a few days. The bell chimes, signaling Amanda’s departure. I turn to find Kohen standing in front of me, leaning over the counter. My surprised gasp makes him smile.
“Hi . . . ?” I ask because I have no idea why he’s here.
I haven’t talked to him since our date, nor have I responded to his text messages. I’ve just deleted them without reading. I wouldn’t say I was ignoring him per se, I was just hoping things with Jax would turn out differently and I didn’t want to lead on Kohen if I pursued things with Jax. But now seeing him in front of me, looking way too good in his scrubs, I’m wondering why I didn’t seek him out. He’s exactly the kind of distraction I need in my life. And it’s pretty clear that he likes me so that’s a plus. I definitely don’t need someone who’s going to play the hot and cold game with me, I get enough of that from The God.
“Okay, feel free to turn me down.” Kohen pauses to see if I’m going to stop him, but when I don’t say anything, he continues. “I was hoping I could talk you into a quick lunch, but I have to get back to the hospital now, so how about dinner tonight? Anywhere you want, just text me the location, let’s say seven?”
Before I can say anything, he gives me a chaste kiss on the lips. He walks out of the bakery, leaving me with my fingers touching my lips, fighting the urge to throw up. Why do I feel like I’ve betrayed Jax by letting him kiss me? It infuriates me to even think that. Seeing Kohen might be exactly what I need to get over Jax.
Hmmm . . . A little cocky assuming I’m just going to say yes. Well, it’s a good thing I’m having dinner at Connor’s tonight after therapy. Hopefully Kohen’s ready for another dinner date with the boys because that’s what he’s getting, sans Jax, of course, since apparently having dinner with me is so appalling. At least someone wants to have dinner with my winning personality. I idly wonder if I should let Kohen know we’ll be having company, but dismiss that idea. He’s the one that assumed I didn’t have plans so he can suffer through dinner with my overprotective brother and Connor. I text Kohen to meet me at the coffee place around the corner from Connor’s.
Chapter Ten
When I step outside into the humid air, I see two cars waiting for me. Logan’s and Connor’s. Because driving one car is so difficult. I’ve never understood driving in New York, especially when they have drivers. You never know when the guys will have a driver. As far as I can tell, their current mood dictates being behind the wheel. Which is strange when I think about it because sometimes I get the impression that Logan fears being behind the wheel because of what happened to our family.
“Connor’s taking you back to his place while I get the food.”
I shake my head as I walk into his open arms. When I turn towards Connor, he slides off the hood of his car. He engulfs me into a hug. When I pull back, he clutches me tighter to him, refusing to let go. I bite him on his forearm.
He shouts, “Ow Addie! Only in the bedroom! How many times do I have to tell you?” as he rubs his chest. “Does Jax like it rough?” he whispers so only I can hear.
I don’t know if I should reprimand him for risking that comment or if I want to kick him in the shin for bringing up Jax.
“Leave her alone, Connor! I swear if you were anyone else you would be dead for talking to her like that. Go with the jackass and I’ll get the burgers.”
I hug my brother. “Don’t forget about Kohen’s burger.” I slide into the passenger side and yank the door from Connor’s grasp to slam it.
Connor grins at me and faces my brother. The window is down so I can hear everything he says to Logan.
“She just sank her teeth into me and you’re mad at me?” He claps my brother on the shoulder. “Don’t worry, I’ll get her to fall in line with all the others.”
We ignore him. My brother shakes his head at Connor before leaving. I can’t believe Connor has the nerve to say something about Jax in front of Logan.
“Love you too!” Connor shouts at him.
Logan flips him off before getting into his car and peeling out into New York traffic. I love my brother.
I give Connor the silent treatment the entire ride. He tries to make me talk by putting on the worst pop music in the world. And I do mean the worst! I won’t let it get to me. I won’t let it get to me. Drown it out. It’s just music. I smile sweetly at him, not willing to play into his games. He turns it up even more. I won’t let it get to me . . . I won’t let it—