Page 34 of Battle of the Exes

“What look?”

“Like I’m luring you into my evil lair.” He grins. “You remember we used to like each other, right?”

I stare straight ahead, already feeling my resolve waver. The tempest outside is shaking loose a thousand memories.

How he’d brush snow off my car.

How he’d kiss the inside of my wrist.

Our plans.

The crash and burn.

Still shivering, I find a towel in Rue’s office. We dry off until it’s soaked. “Rue keeps an electric kettle.Want tea?”

“Sure.”

I come back with two paper cups, tea bags, and a wool blanket I found in the back closet.

Beau raises an eyebrow. “We sharing?”

“Don’t you wish.” I settle into the leather chair by the stacks and wrap the blanket around me.

“Jasper does,” he says suddenly, pacing the room. I can’t tell if it’s nerves or cold.

“You’ve got serious client issues.”

“More likehehas issues with everyone. I’m just trying to look out for you.”

“Very alpha of you,” I say. “But I don’t need protecting.”

I expect a snarky comeback, but Beau stops pacing and comes over. “I’m freezing. Do you mind?” He gestures at the blanket.

Before I can answer, he sits beside me and pulls the edge over his lap. He really is shivering. I let it slide.

A beat of silence.

Then Beau leans in and whispers, “This bookstore. It’s where we had our first date.”

His breath smells minty. Goosebumps rise on my arms. I was just thinking the same thing.

I say, “We were supposed to go to a movie but...”

He grins, that left-side dimple appearing. I’ve just admitted I remember. Again.

I clear my throat. “Can we talk about the festival?”

“I thought you weren’t into it.”

He scoots closer. “You wore that weird red sweater.”

I swallow hard, mentally trying to create any distance I can. But my body betrays me. I don’t move a muscle. “My grandma knitted it. She thought it would bring me good luck on our date.”

Thunder peals again and I jump closer, our bodies now touching.

“Why are you doing this?” I ask for the umpteenth time, edging away like he’s a live grenade.

“Doing what?”

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