Page 21 of Now That We Don't Talk

“Good, because that’s how I meant it,” I exclaim. “And I’m sure you meant it the same way.”

“Yeah.”

I shake my head in frustration and turn to leave the kitchen, but something stops me.

“Just to let you know, I’m not as terrible as you seem to think I am,” I say.

She gives a thoughtful look. “It must really bother you that I don’t fall in line like the rest of your loyal fans.”

“Honestly, it’s a little unusual,” I say folding my arms against my chest. “But it doesn’t bother me.”

She throws her hands in the air. “Are you kidding? You’re so full of yourself, it’s mind blowing.”

I shrug. “For some reason you’re the only one who doesn’t like me, and I’m mystified by this.”

“Yes, it must be shocking to meet someone who doesn’t care about hockey or the great Mac Evans.”

I smile. “ThegreatMac Evans—I like that. Maybe I’ll start using it. In fact, I might sign my autograph that way from now on. Thanks for the idea, I’ll definitely credit you for it.”

She scowls.

“And just to let you know, I promised Katie I would try not to get under your skin.”

“Well, you broke that promise,” she says, scrunching her nose up.

“Didn’t you promise her you’d try to get along with me?”

She presses her lips together. “Maybe.”

“Look, we don’t have to be friends, but we will always have Katie and Kyle in common.”

“True.”

“So we should find a way to be cordial around each other—for them.”

She nods. “I can do that.”

“I can too.” I pause. “And to show you there are no hard feelings, I’ll be happy to get you that autograph.”

She throws her towel at me, but I think I notice a tiny hint of a smile on her lips.

“See you later,” I call over my shoulder. I hurry to leave before she catches me smiling too.

CHAPTER SEVEN

VIVIAN

Mac Evans is infuriating in so many ways. So the fact I suddenly can’t get him out of my mind is driving me crazy. How could I let him use his annoyingly charming ways to impact me? The last thing the man needs is someone else swooning over his every move. Not to mention I refuse to give him the satisfaction of being right when he and his friends had their little chat about me.

At the same time, the man is dashingly gorgeous and I’m only human. It’s okay to think he’s good-looking and dislike him at the same time. Regardless, I promised Katie I would coexist with him for the next few months, and I keep my promises.

“What are you doing in here?” Katie asks, making me jump several inches in the air.

“Ahh! You scared me.”

“What’s wrong? You didn’t even flinch when I called your name.”

“Oh, I guess I zoned out. I was cleaning for your mom.”

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