Page 91 of The Bitter Words

“Callum.” Livianna stands at the opening of the bathroom with her eyes sliding from Leon and me in horror. “What is he talking about?”

Chapter Twenty

JAXON/JAX

Then

Crystal Pours & Black Lace

She drinks like she owns the place…and I flinch like I’ve already lost the game.

“Hi, Jaxon, it’s nice to see you.” Lorna Hemings steps to the side of her front door and shows me in. “Greg’s waiting for you in the kitchen.”

“Thank you.” I enter the foyer. “It’s always a pleasure to see you.”

“I would take you to Greg, but I’m in the middle of cleaning out my closet upstairs. I just happened to be walking by when you rang the bell.” She starts up the staircase. “Please make yourself at home.”

“Thanks, I’m sure I can find my way.” I stroll through the formal dining room and into the kitchen.

Greg’s sitting at the table at the far end.

“Jaxon, thanks for agreeing to meet here again.” He stands and motions to a seat across from him. “Please make yourself comfortable while I prepare you a drink.”

“No need. I ate not long ago and had my fill of water.”

“Are you sure I can’t get you anything?”

“No, thank you.” I sit where he indicated. “I’m good.”

“Very well.” He returns to his chair. “We’re in luck. The ladies are busy. Which means, for the most part, we have the place to ourselves.”

“If they were around, I’m sure it would be fine.”

He nods. “So you want to buy another house?”

“Yes. I love my Malibu home, but after almost two years of trying different decor, I’ve come to the realization I want to gut it and start fresh. Plus, it needs some major updates to match my security needs.”

“I’m surprised you’ve left the safety measures unattended. That’s not brave, that’s stupid.”

“I’m well aware, but I was in Paris for much of those two years. Now I’m back for a while. That’s why I’m making this a priority.”

“That’s a big project. I can see why you need another home.” He places his computer between us so I can see his screen. “I understand you want to live in this area or nearby.”

“Yes, but I don’t need anything enormous.” I scan over his real estate client questionnaire that’s on display.

“What exactly are you looking for?”

“Something with loaded security, privacy, nicely decorated, and comfortable.”

Greg peers over at me and reclines back in his chair. “Let me ask you something. Do you ever plan on getting married or having children? You’re thirty-three now, so I wonder if you’re getting the itch to settle down.”

My mind goes blank. “I don’t know. I’ve never really thought about it.”

“So you’re not buying because you’re involved with someone and plan on expanding your family?”

“No. I’m not dating anyone.”

“Do you want to have a family someday?”