Page 65 of Trigger

“Noduh.”

“Yeah.Well, you’re no dummy. I thought you may have figured it out. Anyway, so…Carter always looked at me as a friend, right? Or a little sister, which iseven worse. He doesn’t see me as a woman. That’s why I thought maybe you couldsay something to him.”

Ifrowned in confusion. “What do you mean?”

“Youknow… If you could mention something that would make him see me in a differentlight. Not as a friend, but—”

“More?”I finished instead of her.

“Exactly.”

Fuck.

Igazed into the distance, hesitating. “I… I don’t think it’s a good idea, Shel.”

“Why?Because of Vicky? Oh, give me a break. He doesn’t love her.”

“It’snot that,” I said, reaching for her hand. “It’s just that… I’m not sure if hewould listen to me.”

“Oh,you’re wrong about that, Tye. Trust me, he will listen to you.”

MaybeI don’t want him to listen to me. But how do I tell her that?

“It’sjust that…” I hesitated, avoiding her eyes. “I’m not sure you and Dom are… sucha good idea… maybe.”

Damnit, it sounded cruel.

“Oh,”she murmured, pulling her hand away.

“I’msorry,” I said with a grimace. “I didn’t mean it like that. Fuck… I know what Iwant to say, but I don’t know how to say it.”

Sheblinked in confusion. “Okaaay?”

“It’sjust that Dom…” I paused, trying to find the right words.

Shelooked at me questioningly. “Dom?”

“Dominic,”I corrected myself. “I mean, Carter.”

Shekept staring at me. Why was she staring at me?

“Tye,can I ask you a personal question?” she said with an awkward smile.

“Ofcourse,” I replied, taking a sip of my coffee. “Anything.”

“Areyou, by any chance, gay?”

“I’mbisexual,” I replied, groaning when the hot liquid burned my tongue. “Jesus!This coffee is hot.”

Shenodded, biting her lip.

“Iguess it all makes sense now.”

Ilooked at her sharply. “What does?”

She gaveme a knowing, albeit sad smile. “I’m a detective, too, Tye.”

Ittook me a moment to realize her meaning. Too long. I was probably quitetransparent.

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