Page 75 of Mr. Swoony

He side-eyes me while he pours himself another drink. “You know why.”

“I think we need to talk.” I take the bottle from his hand and set it on the bar. “I want you to know that I’m ready to move on, move forward.”

He shakes his head. “No, you’re not.”

“I’m sorry?” My head tilts.

“You’re not ready. It’s only been a month since you were supposed to be married.”

A knock sounds on the door, but we both stand in place, our eyes locked.

“So that’s it? You’re telling me I’m not ready, so that’s how it is? You’ve made the decision, and that’s that.” I yank my clutch off the bar top and walk past him to the door.

“It’s just the chemistry between us that’s making you think that,” he says to my back.

“Guess you know best.” I open the door to find Tweetie there. He’s dressed in a maroon suit that’s clearly been tailor-fit especially for him.

“Can I have a drink?” He moves to step inside, but I put my hand on his chest, pushing him back.

“We’re going to be late.”

Tweetie peers over my head at Conor. “Feels a little chilly in here.”

Whatever look Conor gives him from behind me, I don’t know, but Tweetie doesn’t push it and stands in the hallway with me, waiting for Conor to join us. Conor walks out still putting one arm into his suit jacket, allowing the door to shut behind him. The three of us walk toward the elevator, me leading the way to be as far from Conor as I can before I cause a scene and go off on him.

He thinks he gets to make the decision whether I’m ready or not? What bullshit.

I press the down button, and we step into the elevator a few seconds later when it arrives.

“Mommy and daddy, can you please stop fighting?” Tweetie stares us both down from the corner of the elevator.

I don’t say anything. Neither does Conor.

The elevator arrives at the lobby, and Tweetie gets out, beelining it over to the rest of our group, surely telling them all Conor and I seem to be in a fight.

“Can we talk?” Conor whispers as we step out of the elevator.

“You already made the decision. What’s to talk about?” I smack on a smile and walk up to the group, gushing over how gorgeous Jade and Kyleigh look.

Conor shakes hands with the other guys, but he’s quiet otherwise, and I feel his eyes on me.

Well, they can stay there because I’m not going to be with another man who wants to dictate my feelings and my decisions for me.

Thirty

Conor

We arrive at the venue where our agent, Jagger, is holding the gathering tonight.

Eloise looks stunning. The dress she chose hugs all her natural curves, and I wouldn’t be surprised if I end up in a fight by the end of the night. Especially since she won’t allow me to stand next to her for longer than a minute before she finds some excuse to leave my side.

She’s a hot single woman in a room full of horny hockey players. Sure, some are married or in committed relationships, but the majority aren’t, and I’ve caught more than one of them watching her.

I’m in a huddle just off the bar with Henry, Tweetie, and Rowan.

“So, what’d you do?” Tweetie asks.

Henry and Rowan look between us, seeming confused. They were probably too enamored with their own women to notice the cold shoulder Eloise is giving me.

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