Page 5 of How to Break My Heart

With the needle in his hand and some ink beside him, Jake begins to carve into Aston’s chest. Most of the girls are unable to look, squeamish at the sight of the needle grazing his skin. Aston doesn’t flinch, not even when Maddy turns pale and almost passes out.

Instead, he is staring directly atme.

My weakness has always been his eyes, the same green eyes that consumed me and drew me into a kiss I’ll remember for the rest of my life.

But something about his stare is worrying.

“Ready to leave this town, Beaumont?” Camden teases with an obnoxious laugh. “London has interesting women, not boring girls like this godforsaken place.”

Tiffany smacks his arm.“I’m not boring. You’re such a jerk.”

“Sweetheart, you weren’t calling me that ten minutes ago, when I gave you the best orgasm of your life.”

What a fucking loser.Thank God Maddy didn’t touch him. I glance over at her to make sure she’s okay, and, judging by her relaxed smile, I think she’s realized she avoided a walking STD.

“I’m done with this place,” Aston declares with a look so cold it makes me shiver. “And you’re right, I need arealwoman. There’sno oneleft for me here.”

My lips begin to tremble, but I force myself to keep it together, refusing to show him just how much I despise him right now.

Aston Beaumont knew how to win my heart…

… and break it.

All in one night.

A mastermind, some may call him.

But not me.

He’s the biggest asshole to ever exist.

I could leave this party right now and allow my tears to get the better of me, or forget Aston Beaumont ever existed.

Out of sight, out of mind.

Tomorrow, he’ll be on a flight to London and gone from my life forever.

The perfect cure for my broken heart.

CHAPTER 1Eva

Present

Valentine’s Day has to be the worst day of the year.

My usually peaceful café is filled with couples making googly eyes at each other while they share heart-shaped donuts filled with vanilla cream. Monetizing holidays seemed like a good idea, but the more I stand behind the counter quietly judging people, the more I regret my decision to partake in this ridiculous Hallmark holiday.

I close my eyes briefly, remembering my vision board and all the things I wanted to achieve this year, many of which involve money. Money that customers spend in my café.

It’s been a slow season due to unprecedented snowstorms blanketing the town and roads, and the usual tourism trade is down this year compared to last. Many of the businesses in Cinnamon Springs are hustling to make ends meet.

Hence my idea to make a splash today.

A man sitting opposite his lady friend lifts the heart-shaped donut to her mouth, and she giggles before taking a bite. She follows by licking her lips, and I swear on all unholy gods, this is the beginning of an incredibly poorly acted porno movie.

I hear cheesy music playing in my head, and it’s far from romantic.

“When did I become so cynical?” I ask mindlessly while Billie stands beside me, carefully restocking the glass display with fresh cinnamon twists. The warm, spicy and sweet smell is by far my favorite. It reminds me of my childhood, when my mom would make donuts for us every Friday after school. “All these people look so…” I trail off, unable to find the words.