Beautifully Shattered

I’m contemplating how illegal it is to poke her in the eye with my pen, or if it would be better to stab myself with my own pen, when a deep voice saves me from doing something extreme. I want to feign happiness at seeing Kohen, but I can’t. Jax has ruined even the simple act of masking my emotions, like he’s ruined me.

Despite my indifference, Kohen in scrubs is a sight to behold. He has an amused expression and it takes me a second to realize what’s so fu

The girl glances up when she notices she doesn’t have my undivided attention any longer and gasps loudly as she takes Kohen in. Yeah, who can blame her? It’s pretty hilarious to watch her whole demeanor change. The bitchy side of her disappears and she’s giving him a look that I can only describe as the come-fuck-me look. It’s a look I have become very aware of from women when I’m with the guys. I have to turn away to keep from laughing in her face. Honestly, does she not have class?

When I face them again, she’s narrowing her eyes at me. Okay maybe my coughing didn’t cover up my laugh like I thought. Whoops. I don’t even feel a little guilty. I peer at the form to see that her name is Amanda. Ah, that’s what it is. Kohen beams at me and it makes me smile my first real smile all week. Well, the second if I’m being honest. The first was when I saw Jax sitting with the guys in the restaurant. I give Kohen the universal sign for five minutes before I try unsuccessfully to rush Amanda. I could always ask someone from the back to help Kohen, but I have a feeling that he would just wait for me anyway.

It’s the longest ten minutes of my life before Amanda is on her way out the door, but not before she tries again to get Kohen’s attention. She pouts when he shows no interest in her. A laugh slips out of my mouth. I’ll make sure to remain in the back when she picks up her cake in a few days. The bell chimes, signaling Amanda’s departure. I turn to find Kohen standing in front of me, leaning over the counter. My surprised gasp makes him smile.

“Hi . . . ?” I ask because I have no idea why he’s here.

I haven’t talked to him since our date, nor have I responded to his text messages. I’ve just deleted them without reading. I wouldn’t say I was ignoring him per se, I was just hoping things with Jax would turn out differently and I didn’t want to lead on Kohen if I pursued things with Jax. But now seeing him in front of me, looking way too good in his scrubs, I’m wondering why I didn’t seek him out. He’s exactly the kind of distraction I need in my life. And it’s pretty clear that he likes me so that’s a plus. I definitely don’t need someone who’s going to play the hot and cold game with me, I get enough of that from The God.

“Okay, feel free to turn me down.” Kohen pauses to see if I’m going to stop him, but when I don’t say anything, he continues. “I was hoping I could talk you into a quick lunch, but I have to get back to the hospital now, so how about di

Before I can say anything, he gives me a chaste kiss on the lips. He walks out of the bakery, leaving me with my fingers touching my lips, fighting the urge to throw up. Why do I feel like I’ve betrayed Jax by letting him kiss me? It infuriates me to even think that. Seeing Kohen might be exactly what I need to get over Jax.

Hmmm . . . A little cocky assuming I’m just going to say yes. Well, it’s a good thing I’m having di

Chapter Ten

When I step outside into the humid air, I see two cars waiting for me. Logan’s and Co

“Co

I shake my head as I walk into his open arms. When I turn towards Co

He shouts, “Ow Addie! Only in the bedroom! How many times do I have to tell you?” as he rubs his chest. “Does Jax like it rough?” he whispers so only I can hear.

I don’t know if I should reprimand him for risking that comment or if I want to kick him in the shin for bringing up Jax.

“Leave her alone, Co

I hug my brother. “Don’t forget about Kohen’s burger.” I slide into the passenger side and yank the door from Co

Co

“She just sank her teeth into me and you’re mad at me?” He claps my brother on the shoulder. “Don’t worry, I’ll get her to fall in line with all the others.”

We ignore him. My brother shakes his head at Co

“Love you too!” Co

Logan flips him off before getting into his car and peeling out into New York traffic. I love my brother.

I give Co

“God you’re so a

“Just to a

“Right!” I go back to ignoring him.

“Come on, Addie, it was fu

I yank my hand away. “Fu

“Don’t be dramatic, Addie, it wasn’t all of New York.” He laughs at me.

“And what about the Jax comment?”

“What about it? Logan didn’t hear me.”

It’s a good thing he’s driving and not me. I wait for him to elaborate, ask more questions, but he never does. I’m kind of glad. I don’t want to hear about Jax right now. I made the decision to move on. Or at least be distracted enough to attempt to move on.

“Gah I hate you, you do know this, right?” I mutter because I can’t help myself.

He knows exactly what he’s doing. He’s making me think of his best friend right before I go out with someone else. As if I needed a reminder of Jax.

He stops at a green light and leans over to kiss my cheek, not caring in the slightest at the angry New Yorkers honking at us.