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“No.”
My head jerks toward him. “Seriously, man? Last night was amazing. I know you’re into her.”
“And yet you bid on her anyway.” He tips his cup up and drains it.
Oh, there it is. The real reason for his silent treatment.
“I did.”
“You’d better not hurt her.” Though he’s staring out the window like it’s his job, I feel the weight of his attention. It’s fucking heavy with expectation and censure.
“I’m not planning on it.”
He cuts me a look, then.
That’s the problem with best friends. They know you. They know when to call you on your shit. They know when to stay silent.
But even with all that insider knowledge, you still have to check-in. Because he knows my history. He knows about all my ghosts, every skeleton in my closet, every dark thought I’ve ever had about ruining Henry Chanler.
None of that means that I sought her out. That I arranged any of this. Hell, I’ve been along for the ride for the last thirty-six hours, more of a pawn than a player.
Which makes me wonder. . .
“Did you know?” I ask. “That she was going to be at the gala?”
He gives a single nod.
“Why did you let me bid first?”
He shrugs those massive shoulders. “Didn’t want to seem too eager.”
I roll my eyes.
“Ohmygod. Bro. Women love that shit.”
“Katherine isn’t just any woman,” he informs me, his deep voice extra moody.
I’ve never heard him sound so. . . growly.
What the hell have I stepped into?
“We’re nuts, you know that?” I say.
He makes a sound of affirmation and shoves the remainder of his muffin into his mouth. Then he pulls out his phone, tapping away.
“Why’s that?” he finally asks, giving me his attention again.
“We basically stalked her yesterday?—”
He cuts me off. “I have to make sure she’s safe.”
“She’s not your client.”
He lifts his chin. “I’m aware.”
Sighing, I turn back to the window. I don’t expect him to get over what happened to his sister. How could he? Before Katherine, I worried that he wouldn’t let himself care about anyone again.
I’ve been biting my tongue for years, not sure how to broach such a sensitive topic. But maybe the woman on my beach will heal him.
