Page 40 of It Starts With A No

“You’re weird.”

His eyes narrowed.

“You said so yourself.” She innocently blinked her large brown eyes at him. “Should I stick out my tongue at you?” she asked. “Since this conversation is going in that direction?”

“Are you taking out your frustrations on me?” He opened the car door for her.

She pouted. “Maybe. Thanks for being annoying and giving me a chance to do that.”

He laughed and shook his head as he closed the door. After putting her laptop bag into the backseat, he went around the car and got in. “You’re welcome.”

She nodded.

“Why didn’t you get some new clothes now that you’re the CEO?”

Clary looked down at her clothes. “Are these so shabby?”

“Your assistant dresses better than you do.”

Her brows drew together. “Is it really that important?” She brushed her hands down her pants. “I just don’t see the point of spending all that money for a temporary position. It wouldn’t make sense for me to be wearing expensive clothes when I’m out on a case for Safe Homes.”

“I’m sorry. I wasn’t trying to put you down. I was just trying to understand.”

She tipped her chin up at him and blinked once. This time, her eyes were filled with genuine innocence—for a split-second. With another blink, her brows rose and she turned away while her head bobbed up and down. “Since Mr. E wouldn’t mind spending money on his mistress, right?” She shrugged. “I’m putting the money aside for the day people decide to stop thinking I’m his mistress.”

“I—”

“Forget it.” She pulled the seat belt over herself.

Seth sucked in a breath. He believed Clary wasn’t the old man’s mistress. Having spent some time with Clary, it was obvious that rumor was nonsensical. But he hated explaining himself.

What was the point when no one ever listened?

“So,” he said, “did you serve any turkey with rat poison?”

“I’m still waiting for you to let me know how much rat poison to put in.” With one hand down, she struggled to lock the seat belt in place.

Seth sighed heavily as guilt assaulted him again. His brother had already warned him, so why had Seth taken his eyes off their assailant?

“I’m trying,” she said.

“Let me.” He reached over and held the seat belt in place, but he didn’t help her with the lock until she moved her hand away. “I’m sorry about your hand. I should’ve been more careful.” He pushed the metal tab into the buckle.

“It wasn’t your fault, Seth.”

He looked up, and there she was right in front of him.

As usual, he froze.

This time, though, he didn’t even think about relaxing his muscles to appear normal.

He didn’t have to.

As he processed her words, there was no fear or uneasiness from the realization that he was so close to her.

He froze only because he didn’t want to move away.

Was it because of those words? It wasn’t your fault.

---