Page 63 of Hazel and Elijah Find Out: First They F*cked Around

Not wanting to snag my clothes, I shrugged off my coat and flannel.

“Don’t get naked, Eli; your female fans aren’t here,” Shane joked.

One corner of my mouth curled upward in what I hoped looked like a smile and not a grimace.

“You did get them worked up,” Dennis added.

I hooked a couple of pallets under my arms, looking for an escape.

Shane jerked his chin in my direction. “He’s always had that effect on girls. He’s a fuck ’em and leave ’em type.”

I knew I should have helped Ransom and Remi instead. “Still pissed about Missy Roberts? I don’t know if you know this, but high school was a long time ago.”

Missy had broken up with Shane to date me during our senior year. It didn’t last long, but it was just another reason for Shane to resent me.

“I’m just wondering how long sweet Hazel has before you’re off to someone else. Even the whole shed thing didn’t slow you down.”

I clenched my jaw so hard my teeth hurt.

“Is that true?” Dennis set down the hammer.

I didn’t even try to veil the aggression in my voice. “Is what true?”

“Did you fuck Pastor Lou’s daughter in the church’s shed?” Shane grinned from ear to ear.

“None of your business, and her name is Hannah.” I turned, eager to walk away from the conversation.

There was thethunkand clatter of wood being manhandled, then Shane’s footsteps followed me. I picked up the pace. If I timed it right, there wouldn’t be a pause long enough for him to start the conversation again.

Small snowflakes melted on the ground as I exited through the back of the building. It was rude, but I didn’t hold the door for Shane. Unfortunately, maneuvering the door open didn’t keep him from coming outside when I pivoted to grab my next load of pallets.

“You pissed?” he asked with mock concern. “You seem pissed.”

Instead of responding, I strode past him.

“I’m sorry, man. They’re like, meant to be together or some shit.”

Stopping, I faced him. He was still stacking his pallets atop mine.

“What?” I demanded, even though I knew I should just keep walking.

He put his hands in his pockets and shrugged.

“It was just a hug,” I dismissed.

One of his thin eyebrows rose. “If you say so.”

“I do.”

“Are you really that into her?”

I took an involuntary step closer, my fists clenched.

“She can’t be that great,” he went on, clearly aware I was hanging onto my temper by a thread. “I mean, she was fucking Dennis before you. Gotta be a lot of missionary. At least she’s not too embarrassed to be seen with you. I heard Pastor Lou’s daugh—Hannahdidn’t want anyone to know about you.”

“Shane, shut the fuck up.”

He glared, taking in my tight shoulders and clenched fists. “I’m trying to make you feel better.”

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