Page 79 of Without Apology

“No.” I’d sent a message telling Peyton I’d gotten caught up with something and wouldn’t be able to make it. Then another, asking if I could still come by tonight. But there had been no response. She’d probably blocked my number again.

“Maybe if you go over there and—”

“And what? Apologize?” It’s what a normal person would do. It’s what I should do. It’s what I wouldn’t be able to do.

Emma’s gaze narrowed. “Nope. I mean, fuck it. Not like she means anything to you.”

My temper snapped. “You know that’s not true. You also know I couldn’t avoid what happened tonight. This job and dealing with fires will always end up being my priority. By the way, you don’t tell Tom I’m too busy for information. Ever.”

“I simply told him you’d left for the night,” she snapped back. “He chose to read into that and say what he did in order to irritate you. And if you truly believe your work will always be your priority, then don’t go over there tonight. Cut your losses and recognize she probably doesn’t want to deal with your prick side any more than I do right now. Good night.”

Without another word, she got into her white BMW.

I stood there for the longest time, watching until her taillights disappeared. Only then did I get into my own car, where I sat for another few minutes before I dialed Peyton’s number.

Not surprisingly, she didn’t pick up. I didn’t want to leave it like this, so I started driving towards her house. I had a lump in my throat and unease in my gut.

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