Page 12 of Hidden Hearts

"Hey, don't blame me. I wouldn't be here except Matt wasn't able to make it tonight, and I couldn't cancel at the last minute. I would much rather be at home finalizing other clients' contracts. But I understand the importance of becoming part of the Suitor’s Crossing community." Dominic glances over at me with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. "Besides, this is fun. I ran into you, didn’t I?"

"Are you trying to be charming?" Dominic can be described as a lot of things, but charming is definitely not one of them.

"I'm being honest." His voice is gruffer as his jaw tightens, the humorous light fading from his eyes.

Oh, shit. I think I hurt his feelings by laughing at him, which is confusing. Nothing fazes Dominic. He doesn't care what people think of him, and if someone tosses out an insult, he rebounds with matching snark. At least, that’s been my experience.

Searching for a way to bring the conversation back to familiar territory, I tease, "Guess I can see why you’d enjoy running into me, though. I’m pretty awesome."

“Humble, too.” Dominic releases a low chuckle, and some of the rigidity around his jaw lessens. "Yet I'm the cocky one."

I exhaled a sigh of relief. Safe territory again. "You still need to move to the back of the line, though. It's not fair to everyone else who's had to wait their turn."

"Geez, you're like a dog with a bone. Let it go. We're here." He motions to the teenager standing behind the concessions counter.

That was fast considering the snail’s pace we were moving before Dominic appeared.

Before I can speak, Dominic orders two coffees, no cream or sugar.

Yes, because buying something that I don't want will make up for things.

Before I can add to the order, the teen disappears only to return a minute later with steaming cups of coffee. Dominic offers a cup to me with a raised brow, and the next person in line pushes forward. Deciding not to make a scene, my shoulders slump, and I get out of their way, following Dominic to an empty space away from the crowd—hangry.

Where's a Snickers bar when you need one?

"Was that so hard? And you got a free drink, too. You're welcome."

The coffee is warm in my hand as I contemplate my choices. I could toss the drink in his face, but then he'd be horribly burned and scarred for life.

Jail would suck.

Guess that's out.

Maybe I should pour it at his feet. He'd get the point without the injuries.

A brief thought pops into my head of actually drinking the coffee and letting everything go, but I throw that out immediately.

Rational thought isn’t driving me at the moment.

Hunger and anger are.

I wanted that sweet lemon shake-up and hot dog, dammit!

Seeing a woman briskly rubbing her arms against a cool summer breeze, the perfect solution presents itself. "Thanks, but no thanks," I say, then hurry over to the woman and hand her my coffee. She’s surprised but grateful as she huddles over the steaming cup.

Refusing to check out Dominic’s reaction, I headed back to Julie and our table without a backward glance, leaving him standing alone—and in awe of my audacity.

That's what I imagine anyway.

“You didn’t get anything?” Julie asks when she notices my empty hands.

“Nope.” Unwilling to explain what happened, I ignored her confused stare and my growling stomach.

Could this night get any worse?

CHAPTER EIGHT

DOMINIC

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