Page 84 of Share with Me

“How would you know that? Prevention is—”

“None of your business.”

“Stop cutting me off!”What in the world is wrong with you, Ivan?“Trying to help, you know.”

“Don’t.”

Brinley tried counting to ten but didn’t get past two and a half. “You’re going to lose your porch.”

“So let me lose it.”

“You’re stubborn.”

“So are you,” Ivan snapped.

“Are we having a fight?”

“I don’t know. You tell me.”

“How can we have a fight? We hardly know each other.”

“It feels like we’ve known each other a while.” Ivan reached for her shoulder.

Brinley stepped back. “We’re taking separate vehicles to the fundraiser tonight is all I can tell you right now, Mr. McArrogant.”

She stalked back up the porch, careful to avoid any soft and spongy boards. The boards were probably okay since they had been treated, but whoever had replaced those steps and their surrounding supporting beams had cut corners.

Ivan’s long strides beat her to the front door. He blocked her from entering the house.

Brinley stared at her own shoes. They were new and clean against the weathered pine beneath.

“Brin.” His voice was soft. “Look at me.”

She couldn’t.

“I’m sorry.”

She should say something, but she decided that she had done enough.

“I’m sorry, Brin.”

Well, at least he’s trying.

“I really am.” He reached for her again and wrapped her in his arms. “There’s much I can’t tell you. If you knew, perhaps you wouldn’t think so unkindly of me.”

“Unkindly? You’re the one being unkind.”

“Poor choice of words. I stand corrected.”

They said nothing for a while.

“What’s going on with you, Ivan?”

No answer.

“Why are you against everything I’m trying to do for you?” Brinley eased away.

“If you must know, Brin, I’ll explain.”

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