“You never folded,” he balked, like a good friend protecting me against my own criticism.
“I did and I don’t feel inclined to again. I learned my lesson, Jay.”
He leaned against the counter and took a sip of his coffee as he studied me. “What lesson is that?”
“Love doesn’t take sympathy just because you were heartbroken before. I should have known better. Love gives us what we deserve.”
“He deserves to have the shit beat out of him,” he grumbled into his mug.
“You already punched him.”
“And he didn’t fight back. You know why? He knew he fucked up.”
I smiled. “You should be happy he didn’t fight back. You need your pretty face.”
He scoffed. “I can handle my own against my brother.”
I raised my eyebrows.
He pushed off the counter and moved to pinch my side but I sidestepped him. “Don’t be a Sass Pot. I’m a damn good fighter.”
I shrugged and took my coffee to the couch. “If you say so.”
He followed and sat down so close, I fell into his side. “I know so.”
I eyed his large body next to me. “Personal space ever been an issue for you?”
“Not when I’m next to a hot piece of ass like yours.”
I rolled my eyes and switched on the TV. Of course, the entertainment news blared over the screen because it was Jay’s job to know exactly what was going on in the industry. He reached to grab the remote quickly and change the channel but I moved it out of his way.
“It’s fine, Jay.” I stared at the TV as they showed picture after picture of Jax and my family on the screen. “I know what the news has to say. I’ve been through it before.”
And I had been through it before. He just expected me to react to it the same way I had in the past. I crumbled under the media last time and retreated into a dark lonely shell I’d built for myself.
Now, the host on the TV waved at her face while she gazed at a picture of Jax. “He’s the hottest bachelor who apparently is back on the market, and he’s worth millions, ladies. Last week, during his launch, sources claim he fought with his brother’s ex, Aubrey Whitfield. She’s the lucky woman who has been with not one but two Stonewoods, it seems. They say she broke both of their hearts, and I am willing to bet—”
Jay grabbed for the remote and got it this time. He switched the TV off and gawked at me. “I think you’re turning into a masochist.”
I rolled my lips between my teeth before responding, “If I am turning into one, at least I’ll be an informed one when I get swarmed by paps later out there."
Jay tensed a little, which meant there were still paparazzi waiting to get my picture somewhere outside. “It’ll all blow over, Brey. Give it a week, and they’ll be on to a new story.”
“I’m aware.” They would be on to a new story, and I would be stuck with this same one, trying to get on with my life.
“If it’s any consolation, he hasn’t left his penthouse in the city. He asked if you were—”
I held up my hand. “I don’t want to know, Jay.”
It took every ounce of control I had not to scream for more information. We hadn’t spoken to one another. I hadn’t called him, and he’d only called once. I ignored it and when the voice mail came through, I deleted it before even listening.
I could want to know everything about him, what he was doing, how he was feeling, but it wouldn’t help. I had to move on.
I jumped up. “I have to get to class. Last week before I can officially graduate.”
Jay smiled. “I can’t believe you aren’t walking in the commencement ceremony.”
"Yes, you can because you know I hate the attention.”