Page 31 of The Broken Keys

The mattress dips as I roll over and gaze at him. He’s always hated the mornings, and his voice sounds like he’s been awake for some time.

“Did my alarm wake you?”

“I’ve been awake for a while.” He pulls me into his chest. “I woke up and you were still here. I got excited and couldn’t go back to sleep.”

“Sorry.”

“Don’t be. This is the best I’ve felt in years.”

“I wish I could say the same.”

He shifts so his eyes meet mine. “You’re not feeling well.”

“I’m tired and wish I could sleep for another ten hours.”

“Then do.”

I fake a laugh. “If I did that, I’d be more behind than I already am.”

“Don’t you have people who help you with your brand?”

“Yeah, but the people who work in my office are at afashion seminar in New York this week. I’m by myself and can use the quiet.”

“Then that’s perfect.” He slides out of bed. “I’ll make you some breakfast while you get ready, and then you can show me where all the magic happens.”

“You want to go to work with me?”

“Sure. Why not? I’ve got nothing better to do today. Since nobody’s there, you can show me around without all the prying eyes wondering why I’m there.”

He’s got a point.

I lie on my back and prepare myself to slip out of the warm sheets. “You’ve got yourself a deal, but don’t make me anything to eat.”

He stops at the entrance to his room. “Nothing?”

“Just coffee.”

“Now I see why you’re thinner than you used to be.”

“Hey.” I sit up and pretend to glare. “I still have curves, and I eat plenty. Did you see how much pasta I ate last night?”

“Take it down a notch, love. I was just playing with you.” He flashes me a rockstar smile. “Believe me, I know you still have…everything you had before.”

I roll my eyes and flop back onto the bed. “Coffee will be a godsend, Callum.”

“On it.”

Now

We leave not much later, and my anxiety kicks into overdrive. For one night, I let myself believe I could have peace. But peace is a lie.

As Callum’s hand finds mine in the elevator, panic claws atmy throat. This building belongs to another version of myself, the woman who waited for Jax’s every move.

This place has always belonged to us, to our late-night planning sessions and stolen kisses in empty hallways. The weight of his presence is in every corner.

Just as letting Callum into the Malibu house feels like violating something sacred, bringing him into this space feels the same.

Every step toward my office is like I’m moving deeper into a trap. And when the storm breaks, I’ll be standing with no way to save myself.