My stomach tenses at the thought, but I put on a smile and shake it all off.
I’ve got this. I’ve—
“Are you kidding me right now?” I jolt as Zane steps into my line of sight, and the tension comes rushing back.Goddammit.
“Blair?” Zane’s gaze widens in fake confusion and I roll my eyes. “What are you—”
“Cut the crap, Zane. What do you want?”
He raises his hands in surrender, but I see through the lie before he gets the chance to voice it. He’s here for me. And I’ll bet anything Jenna sent him.
“I’m enjoying the sights,” he muses, his gaze traveling slowly from my face to my legs, his smirk making me squirm. “What about you?” he asks, his eyes meeting mine when he completes his inspection.
“I’m leaving.” Spinning on my heels, I head back the way I came, but throw him one last comment over my shoulder, annoyed that he ruined my calm. “Don’t follow me.”
I can’t believe they set me up.
I take a few more steps, determined not to let him get to me, but at the last second, pettiness takes over, and I spin back around. “And if you want sights…” I call out, holding my arms wide to gesture to our beautiful surroundings, “enjoy this,” I snap, flipping him off.
I’m smiling when I turn around, but as soon as I’m facing away from him, my breath hitches and the fight leaves me.
Why can’t my life be easy?
Why does this have to be so hard?
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Zane
Can’t say I didn’t see that reaction coming. I was prepared for it. It’s why I dressed for the occasion, knowing I was going to be chasing after her one way or another. You’d think I’d love the thrill of the chase being a competitive man, but Blair and I are way past that, and I’m thankful she chose down. I’d rather chase her toward her car than wander around for hours with no idea how far she’s willing to go.
She picks up speed and I huff out a laugh. This isn’t going to be fun. But I’m committed now.
“Blair, wait.” I jog to catch up to her, chuckling again when she huffs adorably. “Jenna’s worried about you and—”
She stops abruptly, whipping around to face me, and I almost run into her. “You admit it then? You admit this is a setup.”
I wince, a hint of regret plaguing me. But again…I’m committed. “Do you think I’m here for a casual stroll?”
“I don’t know. A little part of me was hoping the whole team was here for a bonding session. Any reason but the truth.”
“Sorry.” I raise my hands in a “what are you going to do” motion, further pissing her off. “I’ve only got the truth.”
“Sometimes I wish people would lie more.”
“No, you don’t.”
“There you go again, acting as if you know me. Why are you here?” With her arms folded over her chest, she stares at me deadpan, and I pause, waiting for her to start tapping her foot, because I feel like it’s coming.
“Well?” She taps her foot twice and I hold back a laugh because now is clearly not the time.
“I told you. I’m here for you. Jenna’s worried about you. She used the word ‘moping’ multiple times.”
“I’m not moping.” She forces a smile but it’s obviously fake, and I believe Jenna more than I had previously.
“Blair—”
“No.” She shakes her head, backing away. “God, this makes me so mad.” She rakes a hand through her wild curls, and I follow the movement until she groans under her breath. “How did I miss it? So what? You decided to exchange numbers while I was in the bathroom at your hotel?”
