Page 31 of Second Shot

I don’t miss the hostility in hisvoice.

“No.” I lean against the counter and rub the back of my neck. “He wants to be part of Noah’slife.”

He grunts and shakes hishead.

“He seemedsincere.”

He gives me a sideways glance. “And you believehim?”

“I don’t know. But he wants me to move in withhim.”

Felix stops chopping, his fingers going white around the knife before he places it on the chopping board. “And?”

“Andwhat?”

“Are you consideringit?”

Ishrug.

“I thought you hated thisguy.”

“I do…I did.” I rub my palms on my jeans. Even though the volume is low, I hear Kane’s name from the television announcers, and when I glance over, I see his face briefly enlarged on the screen before the shot goes back to the full rink. “It’scomplicated.”

“Shit.” Leaning against the counter, he shakes his head. “You’re really thinking aboutit?”

“Maybe.”

“Do you need money? If you’re struggling, I canhelp.”

“No. You’ve already helped enough. You’ve been a goodfriend-”

“Right.” He snorts through his nose, and says sarcastically, “A goodfriend.”

“Why don’t we make dinner, then wecan-”

“You know what? I’m not feeling too great. I think I’m going to pass tonight.” He starts towards thedoor.

“Felix.”

He turns, his dark eyes suddenly fierce. “What?”

“I just…I don’t want you to be angry withme.”

“I’m not angry with you. I’m angry at myself for being a fool, thinking…” He shakes his head, jaw clenched, lips pressed in a thin line. “Just don’t expect me to be the guy you go running to when everything falls apart. Because it will, Brynne. A guy like Kane Madden istrouble.”

“You don’t knowhim.”

His brows pinch down even further. “I know what you’ve told me. He’s bad news. After everything he did to you, you’re just going to let him waltz back into your life. Into Noah’slife?”

“People makemistakes-”

“You’re defendinghim?”

“No. Ijust…”

“God, you’re in love with him, aren’tyou?”

“I’m not.”I hate him. But the thought doesn’t hold the same fuel it used to. “He’s just…we’rejust…”

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