Page 151 of The Broken Keys

“Yes, but before the incident the other day, you didn’t need me much anymore.”

I glance down.Am I taking up too much of his time by trying to connect with my past?

I raise my gaze to his. “I appreciate your help today andpromise to get up to speed so I’m not pulling you away from way more important things.”

“That’s not what I was saying. I was pointing out that you know what you’re doing. You just need to remember.”

I release a heavy sigh. “Yeah, I’d like to. Believe me, I give myself headaches trying to force back my memories.”

“So, you want to remember?” His thumb brushes across my knuckles once before he pulls away.

“Very much.”

“Then that’s what I’ll hold on to.”

“Why does that comment make me believe there’s more to the story?”

We walk back to the building in silence as I try to dissect Jaxon’s messages. He talked in circles all through lunch.

Every time I had a question about our past, he answered with a vague response. And what’s throwing me off the most is that I’m not bothered by it. No, I’m strangely at ease with his reaction to me.

The afternoon sun heats my shoulders as I let that thought roll around in my head, but it’s Jaxon’s presence beside me that settles the anxiety coiled in my chest.

Something about him quiets the chaos in my mind. I don’t understand it.

This pull I feel toward him, this sense that being near him makes everything less overwhelming, is settling. It must be because he mentored me, but I need to learn to be independent.

We step into the elevator, and I press the button for our floor. The doors slide shut, trapping us in this small space together.

I should say something. Thank him for lunch and tell himI can handle the rest of the day on my own. Instead, I stay quiet, stealing glances at his reflection in the polished metal doors.

“Thank you for lunch,” I finally manage as the elevator climbs. “And for answering my questions. I know some of them were difficult.”

“It’s fine, Livianna.” He adjusts his tie. “I’m glad I could help.”

The elevator dings, and the doors open onto our floor. We step out into the hallway, and my stomach spins at the thought of him going back to his office while I face mine alone.

“Jaxon?”

He turns, one hand braced against the doorframe of his office space. “Yes?”

“I know you have work to do, and I don’t want to keep you from anything important, but…” I fidget with the strap of my purse. “Would you mind staying nearby?”

“What does that look like?”

“Just for the afternoon? I have calls to make about the Marcus Chen deal, and it would help to have you available if I need clarification on something.”

It’s not a lie, exactly. I do have calls to make. But that’s not why I’m asking.

I’m asking because the thought of being alone in that studio, surrounded by memories I can’t access, is unbearable. And because his presence makes me feel grounded in a way nothing else does right now.

“Of course.” He doesn’t hesitate. “I’ll work from your office. That way I’m right there if you need anything.”

Relief floods through me. I almost sag against the wall.

“Thank you, Jaxon. I promise I won’t be a distraction.”

“Sometimes distractions are part of the joy of working.” Something flashes in his eyes, but it’s gone before I can name it.