Page 92 of The Jaded Notes

“I hope I’m not intruding.” Jax shifts just enough in his seat that his arm brushes mine. It’s subtle but unmistakable—a touch invisible to everyone but me.

“Not at all.” My dad rests his arm over the top of my mom’s chair. “We were just discussing Livianna’s work. I have to say, your mentorship program has been a godsend. She says her numbers are up, and just look at the shine in her eyes.”

Jaxon’s gaze slides to mine for the briefest second, unreadable steel cloaked in warmth. “She doesn’t need much guidance. Talent like hers just needs space to grow and expand.”

My mom beams. “She’s always been creative. Even as a little girl, she used to redesign her doll clothes.”

“Some habits don’t fade.” Though Jax addresses them, his stare lingers on me.

My heart pounds against my ribs so hard I’m sure it must be cracking them. The server arrives with the wine, filling each glass with precision.

My dad raises his glass. “To our daughter and to the future she’s building.”

We clink glasses, but I’m hyperaware of how Jax holds the stem of his wineglass, deliberate and steady.

After taking a sip, he places his drink on the table and rotates the glass in a slow, meticulous way, like it’s a secret only I’m supposed to notice. He’s always in control.

Conversation moves effortlessly once we’re settled in and have ordered our food. My parents seem charmed by his calm presence.

My dad brings up investments, Paris real estate, and the latest fashion trends. Jaxon fields each subject with the ease of someone who doesn’t just read headlines; he writes them in isolation before the world ever catches up.

Every answer he gives is measured, polished enough towin their respect, but edged with just enough restraint to keep the mystery alive.

He laughs once. It’s quiet and low, more a rumble than a release. Both of my parents lean in as if they’ve been granted something rare.

Meanwhile, every time his eyes stray toward me, the rest of the table blurs. His confidence doesn’t just bend the air; it owns it, and my body answers with a treachery I can’t disguise.

My knee bumps his under the table, and he doesn’t move away. He lets it rest against mine, a slow burn of contact hidden beneath linen.

“So tell us, Jaxon.” My mom leans forward with interest. “What exactly drew you to mentor young talents like our daughter?”

His jaw flexes faintly as he considers his words, but his stare doesn’t leave mine when he answers. “Because people like Livianna already carry brilliance. All they need is someone willing to protect it until the world recognizes it.”

Heat surges up my neck, too hot to swallow with another sip of wine. My mom seems touched by his response. Her hand lands against her chest as if she’s been given a gift.

My dad nods in approval, and I know they’re seeing him as a man of honor, someone steady and admirable. Maybe someday I’ll be open with them about my feelings for him.

I laugh to myself. Now I’m jumping ahead, and that’s a definite way to get burned. No, I’m not doing that.

But then again, Jaxon Crowne is different. He carries a storm beneath his composure. He intrigues me.

I notice something else as I admire him in secret. There’s an apology threaded in the lines of his mouth, the unspoken truth that this run-in wasn’t a coincidence at all.

He came here for me, and that means everything. It’s his way of fighting for me and showing me he cares.

Even more so, his promises that I’m safe with him and thathe’ll always protect me weld to my heart. He meant those words. That realization has me doing something even I’m not expecting.

I lift my chin. “Mom, Dad, I have something I’d like to discuss.”

They turn their attention to me.

My dad tilts his head, his brows narrowing. “Is this something you want to talk about in front of Jaxon?”

“Absolutely. He’s the one who pointed it out, so he should be here.” My pulse kicks into overdrive.

He must sense something profound is about to happen because he places his hand on my thigh. My parents can’t see it, so I’m not worried. What terrifies me is how they’ll respond.

“My business is stuck.” My voice cracks, so I clear my throat. “What I’m trying to say is I’m rebranding everything to reflect what I want the world to see.”