Page 131 of Positively Pricked

"Oh yeah? Why's that?"

"Because he's not the guy for you."

Like I needed Zane to tell methat. But I was in no mood to be agreeable. "And why not?"

"Because he's a pussy."

I might've laughed if I weren't so angry. But Iwasangry. And on top of that, I was getting more confused with every passing minute.

Why were we discussing Teddy at all? I'd joined the guy for a slice of pizza.Big deal.In contrast, Zane had dined in luxury with someone who mademefeel like chopped liver.

Stupidly, I couldn't help but wonder if she'd eaten my dinner – or whatever it was that Zane had ordered. I looked away and tried not to think about it.

Zane's voice, softer now, reclaimed my attention. "I’m not gonna fire you."

I turned to look at him. "And why not?"

"Does it matter?"

"Of course it matters," I said. "For all I know, you just want to torment me."

His eyebrows lifted. "Torment you."

"Yes. Torment me," I repeated. "Speaking of which, I've just gotta ask…" I stared straight into his eyes. "Why'd you drag me to dinner in the first place?"

He didn't look away. "Because I wanted to."

"Why? To grill me about Tiffany?"

"Fuck Tiffany."

I gave a bitter laugh. "Did you?"

His gaze darkened. "Did I what?"

Once again, heat rushed to my face. I heard myself mumble, "Fuck Tiffany."

"No."

It was my turn to studyhisface. Was he lying? I didn't think so, but could I really be sure? And why did it matter, anyway?

Zane said, "You're forgetting she's engaged."

I wasn't forgetting anything. From what I'd seen so far, this wasn't always a deal-breaker. I gave a loose shrug but said nothing in reply.

"And," Zane added, "she's not my type."

I wasn't sure I believedthateither. As much as I hated to dwell on it, Tiffany was undeniably beautiful. Probably, shecouldbe a model if she weren't so busy seeking a career as a trophy wife.

I wasn't sure why, but it seemed very important to know the whole story. "So, youdidn'tmeet up at a hotel a couple months ago?"

"No." But then, he paused, as if recollecting something long-forgotten. "Wait. You meanmyhotel?"

"Apparently."

"Then the answer's yes."

Shit.The answer stung, although for the life of me, I couldn’t figure out why. After all, I'd known this for weeks, months even. So why did it hurt,now?