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Bella rolled her eyes. "Jeez, Brandon. Cell phones, if you must know. Life. And all things big... and small."
John shot her a withering look, and she grinned.
He might think she was spoiled and entitled, but she was determined to add “witty” to the list whether he liked it or not.
"Dammit, Bells. Did you sneak this beer up here?" Her brother pointed to the bottle. "You aren't old enough to drink, and if someone finds out—"
"No. It's mine," John cut in, picking up the bottle.
She raised her eyebrows before turning back to her brother. "Wow. You always think the best of me, Brandon."
"Sorry, Bells. I guess I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions, but with your history..." He looked over at Co. "Bella has a habit of swiping alcohol at parties, even though she's too young to indulge. I've always got to keep one eye on her. Anyway, I'm heading back to the bar. See you guys downstairs."
After Brandon left, she turned her attention back to John. "Why did you cover for me?"
"Because you're Bella Lear."
She wrinkled her nose. "So?"
"So, I don't need you running to your brother and telling him that the big, bad defenseman was mean to you."
"You think I need Brandon to fight my battles? I can handle myself, thank you."
The corner of his mouth quirked. It was the closest she'd ever seen him come to a smile yet. "Yeah, I guess you can. How old are you, anyway?"
"Twenty. Is that really why you covered for me?" she prodded. "Because you don't want to piss off my brother?"
"No. Maybe I just want you to be in my debt."
"You want me to owe you one?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. "And just what will I owe you, Stretch? If you have something sexual in mind, I'm not interested."
An odd look crossed his face. "I don't want sexual favors from you, Bella."
"Then what?"
"Guess you'll find out when it's time for me to collect."
"Wonderful. Can I have my beer back now?"
He tipped the bottle back and drained it, then slammed it down on the table.
"Gee, thanks," she muttered. "Not like I wanted that or anything."
"Let this be a lesson to you. Stop looking through other people's phones, and lay off the beer until you're old enough to drink. Both will keep you out of trouble."
"I'll work on that," she called as he walked away. "And you can work on being less boring. Seriously, dude. Spice things up, okay? Please? Just a little."
He turned around, but continued walking slowly backward toward the stairs, a smirk on his handsome face.
"You can think whatever you want about me, princess, but I promise you this: there's nothing about me—not one damned thing—that'slittle."
Her mouth dropped open as he disappeared down the stairs.
Well, damn.
Now she wasn't going to be able tostopthinking about him.
* * *
