“You heard me.” He strides away from the counter and walks to the middle of the room, arms crossed over his chest. His eyes never leave mine. “Why would you think I hate you?”
“Um… maybe because you haven’t spoken to me in years, with the exception of the last month? And even then, most of the time it’s lessspeakingthanyelling.”
“That’s not true.”
I make an incredulous noise.
He steps closer. “I talked to you at the launch party three years ago on Parker’s boat.”
“You told me I should wear a life preserver if I was going up on deck. One of the big, puffy orange ones. Over a vintage Chanel mini-dress, no less.”
His eyes crinkle up — not in amusement, but something else. I’ve never seen those chocolate eyes lookwarmbefore, but they are when he mutters, “I remember that dress.”
What?!
Forcing myself to breathe, I carry on. “Well… it wasn’t exactly a conversation between pals.”
“There have been other times.” He steps closer. “The WestTech Christmas party two years ago. You were wearing those ridiculous heels with the straps that wrapped all the way up your calves.”
WHAT?!
“You asked me if I was planning to carry a taser when I moved off campus after graduation.” I shake my head, trying not to have a heart attack. “Not exactly small talk.”
I think his lips twitch. “Maybe I’m not good at small talk.”
“Then talk about something big.”
“How big are we talking?” he says, voice low and amused. “‘Cause it’sbig. Legendary, even.”
My mouth threatens to drop open. “I can’t tell if you’re being funny right now or just trying to make me uncomfortable.”
He takes another step toward me. “Is it working?”
Yes.
“No,” I snap.
His lipsdefinitelytwitch, this time. “West, anyone ever tell you you’re a shit liar?”
“Knox, anyone ever tell you you’re an arrogant bastard?” I smile sweetly.
He stands there for a while, almost smiling at me with those warm eyes and upturned mouth, and it’s all I can do not to hurl my body from the couch and kiss him.
“You feel better, now?” he asks after a while.
I nod. “A little, actually.”
“Good, ‘cause we still need to talk about shit.”
A deep sigh slips from my mouth. “Fine. Fire away.”
Chapter Sixteen
My doctor told me eliminating my main source
of stress would lower my blood pressure.
I told him homicide isn’t legal yet.