“I assume Trent has moved out.”
“He never lived with me. He has his own place downtown.”
“I guess I assumed you lived together. Most of the engaged couples I know do.”
“Same here, but if he lived with me, it would make it hard for him to cheat and get away with it.”
“Did he finally talk to you?”
“Oh, no. That would have required balls.”
Michael tried not to smile.
“I saw them together outside a bar. Kissing.” She snorted. “Even from a block away, I could see their flailing tongues.”
He nodded at her bandaged hand. “Is that when the brawl started?”
“I don’t know what happened to me. I saw them and, all of a sudden, I turned into this hungry lioness who just found her mate sharing his kill with another female. I lashed out. His girlfriend, hisothergirlfriend, threatened to call the police.”
“I had no idea you were such a hell raiser.”
“Neither did I.”
“Do you want me to rough him up some more?” Although Michael meant it as a joke, he was surprised at how badly he wanted to follow through. His dick radar had never failed him and the day he met Trent, it had been on full throttle.
“Could you? I’d sell tickets.” She looked at her lap and picked at her leggings, plucking at the fabric and letting it snap back. “I’m sorry, Michael. You’re being nice, but I shouldn’t be crying on your shoulder.”
“You’re not crying at all.”
“Oh, well.”
“You can, if you need to. I don’t mind.”Watch it, Zorn. You’re still playing with fire here. You have no idea how this will end. “I realize we haven’t known each other long, but I make quick impressions of people. I like you and I don’t want to see you upset.”
The left side of her face twitched. “Thanks. I feel the same way.”
“So feel free to shout or hurl some plates at the wall. It’ll be good for you. Just maybe don’t use your sore hand.”
Her sad grin curled further up her face. “Boy, do you counsel all theHandymenguests?”
“No, just the ones with a killer right hook who scare me a little.” Her pathetic giggle tugged at his heart. “And I’m not trying to counsel you.”
“What are you trying to do?”
“I don’t know. Be a good TV host. Be a friend.” He winked. “A good first aider.”
“I’ll be honest, Michael. I don’t tend to talk about my personal problems a lot, but right now, I appreciate seeing a friendly face on the other side of the loveseat.” She stared at a spot in the distance but her eyes remained unfocused. “Trent tried to pin this on me.”
“How?”
“He accused me of flirting with you.”
Michael’s skin grew hot from the collar up. “Can I call him a turd now?”
“Please do.”
“Fucking turd. Look, Em. You’ve been through hell. I wouldn’t blame you if you wanted to take some time away from the show. I can talk to Lacey.”
“No way. I want to doHandymenmore than anything. Do you know how long I’ve been waiting for an opportunity like this?”
