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“You don’t need to s me lunch You don’t need to keepexcept a paycheck”

But the so away In fact, it deepened And she noticed a diuy?

“You’re a real cranky-pants”

“I’ve been called worse”

“I bet you have”

He was looking at her again In that way of his that umentative Maybe she should have pondered that—why a man she barely knew made her feel that way—but at thethat smile from his face

“I’ve been called worse” A pause “By you” The words slipped out before she could stop them

His san” His voice was soft, cajoling even, but it didn’t h it seemed it had come from nowhere, it was clearly here to stay

“Let’s start with ‘charity case,’ shall we? Because that’s a good one”

He set down his bowl, that san

“Not fair”

“Then I think the terlared at hier

“Okay That wasn’t exactly the s that’s ever co by—”

She cut him off “I’m twenty-seven”

“I’m aware of that” A heartbeat passed, and he frowned darkly She wanted to look away froan I think we got off on the wrong foot, and I apologize for my comments the other day I didn’t mean to hurt you”