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“We’ve only known each other for a few days.”

“Since college.”

“We didn’t talk in college.” I chuckle while still tearing up.

“And? Didn’t I prove that I already know a lot about you?”

“But, I don’t. About you.”

“Do you want to?”

I nod. “I’m sorry. You didn’t deserve this.”

“That’s what I get for putting you on a caffeine withdrawal.” His fingers lift my chin, directing my eyes to his, which are full of tenderness. “No more tears.” He wipes them from my face.

I sniffle.

“Ready to go home?” His voice is soft, lips brushing my hairline. “I’ll call you a cab.”

What?

He takes out his phone, typing something. “It should be here in a few minutes.”

Did I mess up? Was he only taking pity on me? Of course. Who am I kidding? Maybe it’s better because as much as I crave his presence, I don’t want to snap at him again.

“Are you going to be okay getting home?” he asks.

I nod, not quite trusting my voice yet.

He studies me for a moment before nodding in return. “Alright, Blue. Call me if you need anything, okay?” Cupping my face, his thumb brushes away the last stray tear.

I need you now.

“Get some rest.” He leans in, lips featherlight on my forehead. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow is Saturday.”

“Monday, then.”

Monday.

With that, he turns and heads for the parking lot, hands tucked into the pockets of his slacks. I watch him go, arms wrapped around myself, trying to ignore the hollow feeling settling in my gut.

Wiping my eyes one last time, I turn and wait for the cab he called, climb in, and rest my head against the cool glass. My emotions are a tangled, confusing mess right now between the disastrous dinner and whatever this thing is with Connor.

I shouldn’t have said those things. Shouldn’t have lashed out at him like that. He didn’t deserve it. Connor was only trying to protect me in his own way. And I threw it back in his face.

Good job. Destroying something that didn’t even start.

How can I make it up to him?

I’m so embarrassed.

Chapter 16

Mary

I’m curled up on the sofa, knees tucked under my chin, chatting with Lil and Gem about last night.

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