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He had the grace to look shamefaced and even blushed He put on that aw shucks deotten him out of a few hot spots with the ladies in the past

“I know better than to schedule a date on a night I may have to work” He seemed affronted that she would assume any differently

“I know that,” she placated him Brand’s protection officers were consummate professionals “But you did seeht”

“It’s Ty’s birthday I’ve arranged for a few of the guys to pop around his place with drinks and snacks I figured I’d join theh”

“It is?” Okay, as she hurt that Ty hadn’t mentioned that fact to her? It shouldn’t surprise her Just because they had shared an almost kiss, and off the charts’ che

“Ty’s a private guy, keeps hi for his birthday, so I took it uponthis on him”

“You’re sure he won’t have plans?” she asked, skeptical about that

“Ty?” Chance snorted as if that were an extremely implausible scenario “Not likely I doubt he has any friends outside of the cos out with us on occasion but enjoys his own company a lot more”

“Maybe he’s shy?” Even as the words slipped out, she found herself dis them The man was quiet and surly but didn’t strike her as shy at all

“I doubt he has a shy bone in his body” Chance confir himself with people I’ve known hiet h nut to crack But I like hih”