Page 125 of Splintered Hearts

I know he can’t give me what I desperately want. At some point I’ll have to make peace with that. Seeing Jamie’s text last night nearly killed me. Worse, I made that photo he sent with the plushie my lock screen.

I’m so fucked.

So, so fucked.

I’m not new to heartbreak. It was basically on my rotation in college. This is more than just a hookup gone bad, though. I need to break this thing inside me and move on.

“You looking for something? Or maybe someone? Maybe I can help you find it?” Turning to an Asian man with a wide smile and an adorably cheesy pick-up line, I smile back. He’s fucking cute—about the same height as I am, soft black hair that he runs his fingers through uncomfortably, brown eyes, and soft red lips that kick up into a nervous smile on his handsome face.

He pushes his glasses up his nose, and I realize now I’ve just been staring, making him shift uncomfortably. “That’s so weird.”

“Why’s that?” He frowns.

“I think I just found it.”

That makes a blush spread on his cheeks. Reaching out, I take his hand in mine. “Bowen Zhao. I mean, you don’t need my last name, I guess. That’s weird. I mean, maybe. I’m not applying for a job. I just... I’m—”

“Nervous.”

His shoulders relax and he smiles. “Very.”

I squeeze his hand in mine. “Noah Gaitlin.” We’re far enough away from the city that he might not know who my father is, or that he owns Gaitlin Security.

“You can call me Bo. My best friend does.” Something shadows his eyes but it’s gone just as fast. “I hope I’m not bothering you. You’re just... I mean, if you’re not here for—”

“I am here for.”

Bowen smiles. “You’re really hot. And also alone. I didn’t know if you were waiting for someone.”

“Oh, I was waiting for someone.”

“Oh.” Bo goes to get up before I lace my fingers around his bicep. “Thankfully, I just found him.” Bowen’s bright eyes smile as he flags the bartender down for another drink.

Now, this should work just fine.

I can’t remember the last time I had this much fun. Well, at least with someone who wasn’t a huge pain in the ass. Having a couple of drinks, we play pool. I’m a bit rusty but Bo doesn’t seem to mind, he’s just enjoying my company. I feel pleasantly tipsy, pacing my drinks a bit.

Bowen is easy to talk to, and hilarious. In another life, if I wasn’t so gone for someone else, this would be the perfect date.

Downing my third drink, I battle the unease in my stomach and pick up my phone—and flinch. I forgot about the damn lock screen. “Somewhere to be?” I hear the insecurity in his voice and I feel like shit. “Oh, no. I’m having a great time.” I’m not ready togo home yet either.

“What were you checking. Sorry. It looked like you were checking the time. If you’re not having fun it’s okay, I—”

I place my hands on his shoulders and Bowen’s eyes flick to my lips. I go for it, leaning in slowly, waiting for Bowen’s invitation, for him to meet me the rest of the way.

He does.

Warmth spreads through my core, but it’s missing the violent twist I get when Jamie’s mouth is on mine. It’s nice, and that’s about it. Breaking our kiss, Bowen’s eyes search mine. I almost think I see uncertainty in them before heat replaces it. “You want to take me back to your place?” I ask.

His brown eyes pinch for a second before understanding hits him. “Oh! For like... sex?” he whispers.

I laugh. God, he’s cute. My fingers thread through his. “Yes. If you want. I don’t know where you live and I’m a little far away from my house.”

“I live down the street, actually.”

“Did you drive?”

Bowen shakes his head. “I needed to clear my head. My roommate and I got into a fight.”

---