Page 37 of Fastlander Fallen

“I’m not looking for that with anyone,” he said low as they danced. “Especially with…”

“With what?” she asked, her cheeks on fire from embarrassment. This was a big rejection.

“With, you know…”

She stopped dancing and searched his eyes. “I don’t know.”

“A human.”

She released his hands and stepped back, because she felt slapped. “But…” She frowned. “Hallie is a human.”

“Not for long. What are we going to do, Corey? Pursue this, and then what? I Turn you?”

“What? No!” she whisper-screamed.

“You don’t even want to be a part of the Crew. If I let you like me, your life will revolve around this damn Crew you don’t even want to be a part of.”

“Let me like you,” she repeated in a disgusted tone. The nerve. “How do you even know you will be in the Crew?”

“Because I just got the official invite from Gunner.”

She was so stunned, she didn’t have any words to respond. She looked over at Gunner, who was staring right back at her. Okay. Okay!

“I can’t drag you into what I am going to have to deal with,” Ace said softly.

“I feel so stupid.”

“What? Why?”

“Because I’m sitting here asking questions on why you wouldn’t date me. I just met you. I don’t beg men. I’m completely fine on my own. I just thought there was something.”

“You complicated it by giving me the bagel.”

“So…you don’t like me, the animal just still sees the gift? Is that it?”

“I don’t…I don’t know yet. Maybe.”

She nodded. Stupid girl. “This has been fun, with the flirting and the ride on your motorcycle and the sharing stories, but I’m totally good with friendship.”

“Corey—”

“Nope.” She backed off a little farther. “You told me how you feel, and I appreciate it. That’s actually honorable, telling a girl exactly where they stand instead of trying to get in their pants or leading them on. Friendship.” She stuck out her hand for a shake. Her cheeks were burning with mortification. He didn’t take her hand, so she stuck it out farther.

With a little huff of a sigh, he shook it. “Friends.”

“Want a drink?” Owen asked from where he had apparently been watching.

“Sure.”

“Corey,” Ace growled.

“It’s okay, friend. I’m having fun tonight.” She turned and followed Owen inside, and forced herself not to look back at him.

She didn’t know why she had done that. It was such a girl-move, but you know what? She didn’t care. He’d made her feel so stupid, and he had done it where the entire Crew could hear. She wasn’t dumb, she knew they had all been listening.

Owen cut through the crowd, and checked back on her a couple times. “You good?” he asked.

“Yeah. Sure.”

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