page12 (1/2)

“Listen, Shell, about earlier…”

If he repeated his words froht sink into the floor, never to be seen again “It’s nothing, Copper The guys were ribbing you You had to set theet it No worries”

He stared at her with narrowed eyes

“Seriously It’s no big deal”

For a et aith the lie, but that wasn’t Copper He didn’t let shit go If he saw a problem, he fixed it No matter what

As though she hadn’t spoken, he said, “I’ all over you last night I don’t re me Pissed me off because they knoe don’t have that kind of relationship, so I barked all that shit at them”

Her heart sank a little loith each word fro an apology—which is so the stake even deeper into her heart God, how she’d love to fall on the floor and wail in an epic tantrum that rivaled Beth on her worst days But that wouldn’t solve a da Instead, she forced her lips to curl into a smile “Totally understand And to set your ht You weren’t all overThat’s it You know they’re just a bunch of jerkoffs looking for so to hold over you” The lie tasted bitter but she’d rather him think that than remember just how much his hands had been on her and continue with his speech about the kind of relationship they had

He nodded “Thought as much Don’t worry, I’ll make ’e”

Despite her o through with it,to do with it I don’t want the payback”

“You got it, babe And, Shell, I know you’re not a kid You work harder and areonhow mature you are”

Hard working, responsible, mature…how sexy Just what every woman wanted to hear from the man she lusted after She sed down immense disappointment

After clearing her throat, she said, “Thanks, but it’s no big deal”

He nodded

Guess that was that