Page 28 of Between the Lines

I wanted to go to social media, bad.

Instead, I went into my text message notifications.

Thatwas where I needed to be to preserve a better headspace, checking in with my family and friends. Even Charlotte had reached out, assuring me that they would work through the show without me until I was ready to come back, which I appreciated.

Still.

Today was theonlyday I’d be entertaining any “take it easy” offers.

Work was a needed distraction.

I smiled at a group text from Vanessa and Teagan going back and forth about who was going to beat up anybody I needed “handled,” and I was about to chime in when I heard the soft pad of footsteps coming down the hall.

Shaw.

“It’s early. I wasn’t expecting you to already be up and out of bed.” He stopped in the walkway after he said that, keeping plenty of distance and just…looking at me.

Waiting for my response.

For an explanation.

“Once I woke up, uh…it didn’t feel right to stay in your bed,” I explained. “And I’m sorry for even asking that of you, actually. It was inappropriate.”

He shrugged. “I don’t give a shit about that.”

“Stella might.”

His eyebrows shot up, and immediately, his jaw went tight. “Really, Ellie? That’s what you’re on?”

“I’m notonanything,” I denied, putting a hand to my chest. “I swear. I just…I don’t want to overstep any boundaries or disrespect your girl. Any more than I already have.”

“Stella isn’t my girl. And if she was, I wouldn’t have had you in my bed—damn, what kind of dude do you think I am?”

“I’m sorry.”

I really was.

Like…shit.

He shook his head. “Whatever. How you feeling? You hungry?”

“Not really,” I admitted quietly, wishing I could take back the last few minutes. “But…if you’re eating, I will too. I probably should.”

He didn’t say anything.

Just nodded, then turned to walk away, most likely headed to the kitchen.

I dropped my head as soon as he was gone, cursing myself for not filtering my damn mouth. The last thing I wanted—or needed—was to piss off the people who had my back.

Instead of letting it ride, I jumped up, following him to the kitchen where he’d already started pulling out breakfast ingredients.

“Hey,” I said, cautiously approaching the other side of the island, leaving space between us so it wouldn’t feel like I was crowding him. When he didn’t respond, just kept on with what he was doing, I spoke up louder. “Shaw.”

His shoulders dropped, and he turned to look at me, brows furrowed, tight jaw…

Definitelypissed off.

And somehow, still looking entirelytoogood.

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