Page 112 of Snared Rider

“No,” I say as Logan mutters, “Not yet.”

“It was years ago,” I clarify, shooting Logan a dirty look, “and we’re most definitely not together now.”

Jem grins and elbows Wade. “This is fucking perfect. A Harlow and a Goddard, joining together, solidifying the sacred brotherhood further. It’s like Romeo and Juliet.”

Wade’s brow arches into his hairline. He looks like he would rather be anywhere on the planet than in the middle of this conversation.

“You know that ended badly, right?” Wade tells him.

Jem ignores this. “It’s fucking fantastic.”

Before he starts to get ahead of himself, I break in, “We’re not together, Jem.”

“Yet,” Logan adds, and I want to thump him.

Why does he keep saying that?

“Yeah, yet.” Jem’s grin grows. He looks like a cat that got the cream. I glare at Logan.

“Ever,” I snap.

“Hmm.” Jem strokes his chin. “She likes the chase, brother. You may have to up your game.”

“Don’t you worry about my game,” Logan tells him and my irritation mounts. What is with these guys?

“I do not like the chase and there is no game. I’m not with Logan and I have no plans to be with Logan. Ever.”

“Well, if you’re holding back because of Deputy Dickhead,” and by Deputy Dickhead I assume he means Alistair, “then don’t.” Jem leans forward, whispering conspiratorially. “In case you didn’t get the memo the guy’s a dickhead.”

This I already know, but I don’t need him to point it out. Before I can say a word, Logan finally loses patience.

“Don’t you have shit to do?” Logan glares at Jem. “In fact, I know you have shit to do, so go do it.”

Jem rolls his eyes, but he pushes to his feet. “You’re a bossy bastard, you know that?” He smacks Wade in the chest. “Come on. Let’s get busy before he has a fit.” He turns back and grins at me with his thumbs up. In return I roll my eyes, because come on, really?

I start to rise myself. No way in hell am I sitting through breakfast alone with Logan.

“Don’t run off,” he surprises me by saying.

“I’m not running off,” I counter, even though I am.

“Then sit back down and eat your breakfast.”

I hesitate. On the one hand, I don’t want him to think I’m avoiding him (he shouldn’t have that power over me), but on the other I want to avoid him.

Hmmm. What a quandary.

“Beth, sit.”

Old habits die hard, and the command has my bum sinking back on to the bench of its own volition. Damn. I can’t exactly get back up now, so I sit in silence, pushing my cereal around the bowl with my spoon while ignoring Logan’s eyes on me.

Can you say uncomfortable?

“I shouldn’t have told Jem about us,” I finally mutter, just for something to say. Although, I really do feel bad about it, so my apology is sincere. “I’m sorry.”

“I’m not ashamed of our past, Beth.”

I would believe this except he didn’t tell a soul about us when we were together, nor has he told anyone since. But I don’t give voice to my thoughts. I promised I’d let go of the past, and I keep my promises.

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