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“I didn’t know you didn’t like meat,” I say, pushing off the door and making my way into the living room.

She follows behind me, her clutch between her hands. She’s clearly been out somewhere; the fitted cream pants and blackblouse she wears are hot as fuck and definitely not everyday clothes.

Looking as surprised as me, she sets her clutch down as we both take a seat on the black leather couches opposite each other. “Apparently, it’s a new thing.”

I narrow my eyes at her. “I gotta admit, I wasn’t expecting it to be you interrupting my workout.”

“Yeah, well, I wasn’t expecting to be here today either.”

She’s being weird. “Can I get you a drink or something?”

“Um, a glass of water would be great. Thanks.”

I fight the urge to hand her the bottle I’m drinking from just to test her reaction. Instead, I stand and walk to the kitchen.

Again, she follows me and stands at the island, looking around the vast space. “You have a nice place.”

I look over my shoulder from where I’m standing with the fridge door half open. “Thanks.” I sound unsure. She’s never complimented anything about me, not since that night in Riley’s.

Handing her a water, she twists the cap and takes several large gulps. “It’s hot out there today. I’m really hot.”

“Damn right, you are.” I throw her a wink.

Rolling her eyes, she sits at my island and places her clutch next to her.

“Can I be honest?”

“Yeah, I guess,” she replies, still taking in my place like it’s the first time she’s seen it.

“You look different; you’re acting it too.”

She flushes. “Different, how?”

I come to stand on the opposite end of the island and lean forward, resting my forearms on the white marble. Pinning her with my eyes, I smile a genuine smile this time. “Well, for one, you’re not being a straight-up bitch to me. And two—” I round the island and stop, swiveling her stool towards me but not touching heryet. “You look more stunning than ever.”

She takes a sharp breath. “Has anyone ever told you that you’re really forward?”

I shake my head and smile again. “Nah, they normally do all the work. You’re the exception, Princess.”

God, I love the way I can make her flush with such ease. That night in Oxford lives rent-free in her head. Shedefinitelywants more.

Looking down at her gold sandals resting on the stool, she twists her hands together. But the next surprise she has for me tears my heart clean apart. Her lips start to shake.

Is shecrying?

Katherine Violet Monroe…crying?

“Hey, hey.” I tip her face back up to mine with my index finger.

She looks up at me, and she’s definitely fighting back tears. “I’m really sorry. I shouldn’t have come. I’m not ready to tell y?—”

“Tell me what, Kate?” My damaged heart stops beating altogether. “Tell mewhat?”

“I’m really sorry. In fact, no, I’m not that sorry. It’s both of our responsibility. But for the love of all that is holy, please don’t freak out on me.” She twists her hands together again.

“Kate, I’m gonna be really honest right now. You’re scaring the shit out of me. What’s going on?”

Twisting hands fly in front of her face, but I reach up and pull them apart. “Don’t hold out on me, Princess. You turned up at my apartment, drank my water, and now you’ve started crying on me. What’s wrong?” A growl rumbles from my chest. “Is it Tom? Has he hurt you? I’ll fuckingmurderhim.”