Page 27 of Claws and Feathers

Abby’s head shot up, startled by Maya’s bluntness. “Oh. Um… I haven’t really noticed.”

Oh, Abigail, you deceitful little wench.She ducked her head at her own blatant lie.

Maya chuckled. “Considering you haven’t mentioned anything about vision problems, I’m going to chalk that up to being modest.” She winked as she shifted in her chair. “Abby, you know Officer McAllister could get into a lot of trouble if you pursue him in that way. He could lose his badge.”

“What?” Abby gulped. She knew it was a complicated situation, but her mind had never gone inthatdirection.

“Of course,” Maya said. “You’re at the center of his investigation. It’s a conflict of interest.”

“I – I didn’t realize. I mean, it’s not like anything has happened. We’re just friends. And I doubt he even thinks of me in that way. He’s just been so… dedicated, you know?” Abby’s eyes remained fixed to her tightly folded hands, unable to meet Maya’s hard gaze. “Anyway, it’s stupid. Nothing’s going to happen.”

“Good,” Maya chirped. “I’d hate for him to get into any sort of trouble. He’s a good cop.”

Abby felt itchy, mildly ashamed by Maya’s words, almost like a scolded child. She slunk back against the loveseat, hoping the cushions would gobble her up. “Sorry. You’re right.”

“Don’t be sorry, Abby.” Maya’s perfect features remained soft and unruffled. “It’s normal. He’s a handsome man in a position of power. He’s also the officer who rescued you. I would just hate for you to get your heart broken after all the progress you’ve made.”

“Oh. You think… he wouldn’t be interested in someone like me?” Her cheeks grew hot, unsure if she wanted to hear Maya’s answer.Not that it mattered.

Maya seemed to take a moment to gather her thoughts. She pulled her lips between her teeth and flicked the end of the pen against her notepad. “Abby, you’re a lovely girl. I just don’t really think you’re his type. And I don’t mean that to offend you, so please don’t take it that way.” She smiled warmly to soften the sting. “I think you need to concentrate on your own well-being before getting involved with someone else. You’ve come a long way, but you’re still very fragile.”

Abby’s heart clenched. It felt like Maya had just dug her shiny pink claws into the tender organ and squeezed as hard as she could.

Not his type.

No. She supposed she wasn’t. She supposed a man like Cooper McAllister had much higher standards than a damaged trauma victim with PTSD and more baggage than those luggage carousels at the airport.

Maybe Cooper wasn’t necessarily dedicated toher– maybe he was just dedicated to closing her case. Doing his job. Maybe their stolen moments and playful repartee had been one-sided. Maybe Cooper was just being nice.

Pity.

Jordan had stayed with her for over a decade out of pity. Abigail Stone, the moody rich girl with no friends. The outcast. The orphan.

Abby fought back tears as she tried to collect herself. Maya was right. As much as the words felt like tiny daggers to all of her magical daydreams,she was right. Abby needed to squash her feelings fast.

Cooper McAllister deserved better.

His father was right. The Crow Bar was packed.

Earl had run out to get more ice, leaving them temporarily short-handed. Cooper found himself frazzled as he tried to keep up with drink orders while simultaneously training the new bartender, Hannah.

Hannah was a cute college girl with a honey-blonde bob and big, doe eyes. While she came across as shy and innocent, her flirting game was on point, and the intoxicated male customers were eating it right up.

“Shit,” Hannah whispered harshly, shaking her hands in frustration in front of the register. “I’m so sorry, Cooper. Can you fix this? I rang this Mai Tai up as a Miller Lite.” She jutted out her bottom lip for added effect.

Cooper smiled as he approached, tapping a few keys and reinputting the order. Her kiwi perfume reminded him of the fact that it had been a damn long time since he’d had a woman in his life.

Maya used to smell like kiwi.

“Thanks!” Hannah said with perky enthusiasm. Her plentiful cleavage mimicked her enthusiasm as she bounced up and down.

Kate swept by him with her loaded tray and loaded stare, elbowing him sharply in the ribs.

“Seriously?” Cooper massaged his side as he glared at his sister.

Kate stuck out her tongue. “Stay focused, big brother.”

Kate could be such a pain in the ass sometimes. He grumbled under his breath, unfazed by her assumptions. Cooper was not interested in the attractive new bartender. He didn’t have time for distractions, despite every masculine instinct telling him otherwise.

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