Page 92 of The Arrogant One

I had expected this.

But I still didn’t fucking like it.

My brows furrowed. “Why?”

“I just … don’t want to.”

Me

What’s it feel like to know you can do anything you want with me? I give that kind of power to no one. But you.

I exhaled. “You’re telling me this so when everyone gives you shit when you inform them you’re bailing, I’ll have your back and tell them to lay off—am I right?”

She nodded.

“I always have your back—you know that,” I said.

“But the collective sigh I’ll hear from everyone—that’s what I don’t want.” She ran her tongue over her teeth. “You know, the thought of how thick they’ll lay it on and all the shit they’ll give me makes me almost not want to even go to the game.”

“They do it because they love you, Eden, and they want to hang out with you.”

She was pulling her hair off her face, her black nails gaining my attention, halting halfway past her forehead. “I don’t want to hear it, Hart.”

“All right. Then leave before you have to make the announcement. The second the game is over, dart out. Everyone will be so focused that they won’t even notice until they turn around and you’re gone. That way, you don’t hear any collective sighs, no one will be able to lay it on thick, and you won’t regret attending the game.”

She slowly nodded, a smile appearing. “I like that plan.”

“But for the record, I fucking hate that you’re not coming out with us.”

She waved her finger at me. “Stop.”

“I want to ask you to think about it and consider changing your mind … but I won’t.”

She rolled her eyes. “Except you just did.”

“I planted the seed. I didn’t come out and ask you.”

“It’s the same thing.”

I chuckled.

Sadie

It’s exhilarating. I suddenly feel all this pressure to plan something perfect.

Me

Don’t. I could sit in front of my fireplace with you and a bottle of red wine and a loaf of sourdough and a plate of cheese and be the happiest man alive.

But really, I don’t even need the food. I just need you.

“What are you up to tonight?” Eden asked. “Looks like you’re busy doing something.” She paused. “Is that Sadie you’re texting?”

I glanced from the screen of my phone to my sister. “Yeah, we’re making plans now.”

“Will I be meeting her at the game?”

I set my cell on my desk. “I’m going to ask her to come.”