“Come on, Tink, you’re not really mad about me joining your date, are you? That guy was a self-absorbed snoozefest.”
She shot him a glare. “Really? Because you two seemed to get alongsuperwell.”
“Well, ask a guy like that a few questions about himself and it’s like Christmas for him.”
She stopped and faced him. “How could you do that? After you saw how angry I was after youtextedhim, how could you crash our date?”
He probably should feel guilty about that. He didn’t. Not even a little bit. “I didn’t like you going on a date with a guy named Art.”
She lifted a brow. “You’re saying this would have turned out differently if his name was Josh? Or Matt? Or Jeremy?”
“Well, I’ve never met a Jeremy I’ve liked. And Joshes and Matts are usually assholes.”
“Argh. You’re impossible!” She started marching down the street again, and again, he matched her step for step.
“Tell me the truth—did you like him?”
“No. But that’s not the point. You did something you knew I’d be angry about. You crossed a line you had no right crossing…again.”
He ran his fingers through his hair. “Would you forgive me if I said I was sorry?”
“No. Because sorry only means something if you regret what you did.”
True. “I regret that you’re upset.”
She scoffed.
“Come on, the guy didn’t even offer to walk you home.”
“I would have said no.”
“He doesn’t know that.”
“Maybe he thoughtyouwere walking me home, you know, because we’rebest friendsand all.”
“Iamwalking you home.”
“No, you’re not.”
“I am. I was raised to be a gentleman, and gentlemen walk women home, especially at night.”
She cocked her head. “Really? And dogentlemenalso show up to dates they’re not invited to?”
“If their goal is to protect their best friend, then yes.”
“Ex-best friend.”
“You know, I really wish you’d stop saying that. I’m starting to get offended.”
“I’m not talking to you anymore.”
“Fine with me. I like quiet evening walks with my best friend.”
Elle mumbled something under her breath that sounded like it had a curse and the word “ass” in it.
The corners of his lips twitched.
During the walk, he noticed her gaze roaming the street, as if she was looking for someone. He frowned. “Everything okay?”
