Page 10 of Trigger

“None of your business.”

“None-of-your-business Carter,” he mused. “It’s a mouthful, but Ilike it.”

“Just ignore him, Tye,” Adam cut in before Shelly jabbed him inthe ribs. “He’s a prick.”

“Not entirely sure about that,” Thorsen said with a smile, winkingat me. “The jury is still out on that one.”

I was about to wipe that smile off his face with my fist whenShelly wrapped her arm around mine and led me toward the kitchenette. I let herdo it because, first, I didn’t want a suspension, and second, I didn’t want myteeth knocked in. Mount Everest looked as if he had a mean right hook, so thesmart thing would be to avoid it. Then again, so what if he was a big guy? Iwas bigger. Well, not really, but close enough.

“What was that?” Shelly whispered once we were alone. “You twolooked as if you were about to get physical.”

The expression made me cringe.

“I don’t know what you mean.”

“That was intense,” she breathed, fanning herself with her hand.“Don’t you think it was intense? Golly!”

“No, I don’t. Traitor.”

“Sorry,” she said, looking remorseful. “He was telling a funnystory, and I wanted to—”

“Stab me in the back? Betray your friend?”

She rolled her eyes. “Oh, shut up. Instead of scolding me, tell mehow you spent your day off.”

“Peachy. I just didn’t expect to find that asshole sitting in mychair and everyone else finding it amusing.”

“It’s not a popularity contest, Carter.”

“Isn’t it?”

She brushed a strand of hair from my forehead.

“Not where you’re concerned.”

She barely lowered her hand when someone behind me spoke.

“You’re wearing black again. I bet it’s your favorite color. Itsuits you, by the way.”

At the sound of a low voice filled with amusement, I closed myeyes, praying for patience. Why that guy wouldn’t leave me alone wasunfathomable. He was begging for a punch in the face, or he wouldn’t becreeping up on me like that. Still, a physical altercation probably wasn’t thebest of ideas, so I counted to ten before turning around.

“What do you want from me?” I snapped, unable to help myself.

His eyelashes fluttered, hiding the blue irises for a momentbefore he looked at me and shrugged.

“A welcome would be nice.”

“Yeah, well, you’re not getting it.”

“How about a hug?”

I narrowed my eyes as he burst into laughter.

“Just kidding, partner,” he said, looping his arm over Shelly’sshoulder. “Shel, have I told you that you look radiant today?”

Shelly blushed.Blushed. For the love of God.

I rolled my eyes and turned to leave, only to realize thateveryone was standing in the doorway and staring at us. Bruce even held a bagof popcorn in his hand.

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