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Tori walked behind the bar. “I’ll stop by for a moment.” When he didn’t move, she pinned him with a raised eyebrow look. “Don’t wait. I can make it the short way from here.”

“Who was that guy you were with earlier?”

Before she could stop herself, Tori rushed closer and shoved him. Unfortunately, he was too big and didn’t budge an inch. “None of your business. Why would you even ask?”

“I can ask. You don’t have to answer.” He shrugged. “Just curious, making sure you’re okay.”

“Okay?” She hated that her voice pitched into a strange squeak. “It’s not your place, Tobias.”

He took her arm and brought her closer. “It could’ve been, but you messed it up.”

“For fuck’s sake. It’s been twenty years. When are you going to let it drop? I broke up with you. It’s been well established I was a bitch. Let’s move on.”

And, of course, her throat seized up and her eyes welled. Why in the hell was she so emotional all of a sudden? He’d moved on. Tobias was engaged. It was her who hadn’t moved on, could barely keep a relationship.

“I’m sorry.” He released her. “You’re right. I need to stop bringing it up.” When he noticed her shiny eyes, his widened. “Ah shit, did I make you cry?”

“No. I’m not crying.” Of course, a stupid tear rolled down her cheek. “I’m fine. Tell Allison I’ll stop by tomorrow.”

He didn’t move. Instead, he hugged her and pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “I’m an asshole.”

She had to turn her head to breathe, which meant her cheek was against his chest. “I’m broken, Tobias. It’s me who’s got a problem. I’ve never been able to make a relationship work. I can’t seem to commit to anything other than this place.”

Patting her back awkwardly, he then lifted her chin so she could look up at him. “You’re not broken, Tori. Just particular.”

A chuckle escaped. If anyone looked through the window, they’d be shocked to see the two people who constantly fought in an embrace.

Tori looked away. “I’m ready to close up. If you release me, I can step back and finish up.”

It took her breath when he pressed a kiss to the tip of her nose. “So who was that guy?”

“Oh my God!” Tori pushed away. “You can only be human for short spurts.”

“I don’t see why it’s so hard to answer,” he replied, following close behind her. “Just tell me who the guy was.”

“Augh?” Once again Tori’s voice hitched. “It was George Weston. You know George from high school.”

“Oh, yeah, George.” Tobias cocked his head to the side and stared at her. “How long have you two been dating?”

She rounded him and went toward the door and held it open. “You have to walk outside so I can lock up.”

“Is your boyfriend still in town? Does he know you’ll dump him when the going gets tough?”

Tori charged him and punched him in the nose. It felt as if every bone in her hand broke. Stars appeared behind her eyes, and she hopped in a circle. “Ouch. Ouch. Ouch.”

When she looked over at him, she let out a scream. Tobias held both hands up to his nose, which didn’t stop the blood from seeping through his fingers.

“Why are you bleeding?” she yelled. “I think I broke my hand.”

“Get me damned towel.” Tobias grabbed the closest tablecloth sending a vase and salt and pepper shakers flying. He slammed the cloth to his nose and let his head fall back.

“What is going on?” Allison stood at the door with Mimi behind him.

Tori groaned. “He ran into my fist while saying something stupid.”

“Sweetheart?” Mimi screeched, running to Tobias and attempting to pull his head lower. “What did she do to you?”

Tobias grunted and stalked around the three of them, dragging the tablecloth behind.