Page 44 of Pity Present

He shakes his head. “Not anymore. We really worked when we worked, Molly. I know I ruined that, yet I can’t help but wonder what would happen if we tried again.”

I glance over Kyle’s shoulder and see Blake striding determinedly in our direction. I suddenly wonder if I could make Blake view me differently if he thought Kyle and I were getting back together. I know it’s wrong to use Kyle as bait, but the man has some retribution due him, and I’m not opposed to helping the karmic wheel turn.

So as soon as Blake is right behind Kyle, I ask, “What did you have in mind?”

Kyle, who is unaware that we have company, answers, “I thought you might let me court you while we are here in Wisconsin together.”

Court? Did my ex become a knight of the realm in the last few years? “Are you planning oncourtingother women, as well?” I ask.

That’s when Blake decides to insert himself into the conversation. “Molly, I need to talk to you.”

“What about?”Other women?

He nods to Kyle before answering, “It’s a private matter.”

Blake and I don’t know each other well enough to have any private matters that need discussing so I can only assume my attempt to make him jealous is working. I tell Kyle, “I’ll think about your suggestion and get back to you. In the meantime, mybuddyhere needs a word.”

Kyle walks away sheepishly like a dog who’s chewed up one too many slippers. And while I should appreciate his defeated posture, I find that I’m more interested in whatever brought Blake over to me. “What?”

“What do you mean, what?” he wants to know.

“What did you want to talk to me about?”

“Oh, that.” Blake inhales deeply before saying, “I don’t think you should spend time with Kyle.”

“Why is that?” I cannotwaitto hear how he answers.

“Once a cheater always a cheater,” he says. “You’d never ever be able to trust him.”

“What does it matter to you if I give Kyle another chance?”Come on, Blake, say it. Tell me that you want to date me. Tell me you want me for yourself so I can not be interested.As contrary as that sounds its’ the only way I can think of to regain my lagging self-esteem.

His nostrils flare slightly before answering, “It doesn’t matter except for the fact that you’re my friend, and I’d hate to see you hurt.”

“Why do you care? You don’t even know me,” I hiss.

“I know you’re not a lumberjack,” he jokes before adding, “I might not know you well, but you’re the first person I met here. As such, I feel a certain investment.”

I’m tempted to stick my finger down my throat and pretend to gag myself. But I don’t. Instead, I ask, “Where’s Krista?”

“I left her with Thor and his two lady friends.”

“What’s up with him tonight?” I ask.

“What do you mean?” Blake asks.

Stating the obvious, I tell him, “He barely even looked at me.”

“Maybe you intimidate him.”

“Oh yeah, I can see how all five-six of me might seem threatening to a man well over six feet tall.” Sarcasm is my go-to at times like this.

“Not your height,” Blake says. “More your …” he gestures in front of me like he’s spokesmodeling a microwave, “… presence.”

“My presence?”

“You’re stunning. Some men are intimidated by that.”

“He’s used to being around actresses, Blake.”

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