“Yeah,” he says, not looking at me. “Maybe.”
He walks out without saying another word, never glancing back, and I release the tears I’ve been holding back. I shouldn’t have given it to him. It hurt him. I sure as hell didn’t mean to hurt him. In the end, this is more about me than him, but Jax is the string that can unravel me with a simple tug. He’s my strongest weakness, and I’m not as tough as I thought I was.
When I hear the gentle thud of my front door shutting, I slowly climb out of bed to shut my bedroom door. I want to be alone right now.
But I pause when I look into the living room and see Mom holding an icepack to Amani’s head, while he holds an icepack on his crotch.
“What happened?” I ask, stepping into the living room as all eyes turn to me.
Amani snorts while shaking his head, then wincing like it hurts to move that way.
“I may have underestimated da boy’s feelings,” he says with his deep, rich accent.
“What?” I ask, confused.
Amani takes over holding the icepack my mom was holding, and he grimaces as he turns to face me with one hand on his head, and one on his manhood.
“I forgot an important lesson in life: No matter how big you are, never mess with a man in love when he’s trying to reach his woman. Those men don’t fight fair.”
Pretty sure those shards of my heart all scatter, and I slowly back into my room and shut the door as the tears fall harder. I wish I hadn’t asked now.
Chapter 49
JAX
Everyone is congregated around the viewing window of studio two. Hell, it’s going to be better for business than I thought, but I had my own selfish reasons for putting those yoga classes in studio two.
When I convince Bo to come, I’ll get to watch her. Like a fucking creeper.
Twice as many guys are here this morning, and they’re all crowding the exercise equipment that is right in front of the massive viewing window, watching the curvy asses that are stuck up in the air.
This might not work out. I’ll end up killing someone if they stare at Bo’s ass and drool the way they’re drooling now.
ME: Just got those yoga classes running. When will you be coming?
You got it. I’m desperate enough to take that friend preserve she tossed out to me in her pitying tone after she yanked my heart out and set it on fire. I even stooped so low as to steal her number from Ruby’s phone when she wasn’t looking.
I don’t expect her to text back, but she does, and I’d be lying if I said my stomach doesn’t flip like a little girl who just got a look from her crush.
This is the lowest point of my life.
BO: I don’t think that’s a good idea.
ME: You’re the one who mentioned friendship. Here’s me taking that step.
BO: It’s only been two days… I don’t know that I’m ready yet.
I’m impatient, frustrated, and desperate. I’m pathetic. And I don’t give a damn.
ME: Second class is in one hour. Which just happens to be around the time you take lunch. See you then, friend.
I put my phone away, and I prop up on the counter as Maverick walks toward me with a huge grin on his face.
“Best. Idea. Ever.”
“We had yoga classes before, but I couldn’t keep instructors,” I tell him. “Now I’ve got a few.”
“Can I sign up?” Britt asks.