Page 17 of Heat Stroke

I didn’t sleep last night and now, I’m here at work and I can’t do my job.

No, he can’t do that.

He doesn’t get to do that.

Blinking, I type“Carrington Construction”into my computer and look for the number.

No, he doesn’t get to say all that shit and then just leave.

The account log is on my screen. My hand cups the mouse as the arrow hovers over the bold text that will bring up his account.

No! No, I’m not calling him.

I need to say what I need to say in person. He did and I need to, too!

Opening my bottom drawer, I grab my purse and storm out of my office. I pass Alena in the hall and she squeals as I startle her. “Sheesh! What the hell, Wren? Where are you storming off to?” Her hand on my arm has me stopping and whirling on her. Her eyes widen as she exclaims, “Um, where are you going? Who the hell are you about to tear into?” Her lips twist as she mutters, “Or, do I already know?!”

Calming my breathing, I exhale rapidly through my mouth. “Blaze Carrington. That asshole… Howdarehe show up at my house last night with food and then heapologizedto me! He apologized for everything and before I could say anything at all, he kissed my forehead and just left! Can youbelievethat?!” I point to my forehead. “I still feel his perfect lips on my damn forehead! They’re like seared there! I’m branded!

“Hebrandedme with his damn lips! No, he doesn’t get to do that!” I point at Alena. “That bastard!”

Alena blinks at me and says with confusion, “He brought you food and apologized… Then, he kissed you and left…”

I nod emphatically and point at her again, “YES!Can you believe that?! How dare he!”

Her head cocks to the side as she regards me and slowly says, “How dare he apologize for being an asshole for your whole childhood and teenage life?!” Her nose crinkles as she blinks at me, trying to comprehend. “What exactly are you mad about, Wren?! I am so confused right now.”

Pushing all the air from my lungs out through my mouth, I look at her as if she’s slow. “He asked me to dinner. No, hetoldme we were going to dinner. And, I didn’t want to go with him, so I stayed home and I was a mess. A mess! I was in lounge pants, a tank top, and my hair resembled a homeless person. Imademyself look amess! Because, I knew he would show up!

“But, he showed upwith food. Then, he just walked into my house like he had every right to be there. He sat at my table and ate his food while I ate on the couch. Then… he helped himself to my beer! He offered me one… Of myownbeers… and came sit with me…afterhe cleaned up the leftovers and mess. He practically sat on top of me and then… then, he apologized for everything he did to me and put me through.” I glare at my sister. “Hemeantit!” She’s nodding slowly as she stares at me like she’s expecting a white van to pull up any minute and take me off to the crazy house. She opens her mouth, but I cut her off. “Of course, I was in shock. I didn’t say shit! I couldn’t. I just kept hearing his apology in my head and looking at his face. I could see on his face and his eyes that he meant what he was saying! So, I couldn’t say anything. But, then… he stood up and kissed me on the forehead. All sweet and gentle.” I point to the spot he kissed. “His lips are so soft. He kissed me and I felt how sorry he was in the press of his lips. Then, he walked out. He fucking justleft! He left Alena! How dare he do that!”

Her lips press together and I see her trying not to smile. Finally, she coughs to cover her laugh and I glare at her again.

How dare she laugh at me!

I’m really pissed here!

“So, you’re not pissed that he apologized…or, that he kissed you… you’re pissed that he just left after doing it…”

I nod.“Yes!”

She clears her throat, but, laughter escapes. I flip her off. She laughs outright and waves, telling me to pass her. “Go on then. Go get him.” I glower at her and she winks. “You know what would really rile him up… you should just walk up to him and kiss him… then, light into him. He’ll never see it coming, sis!”

I can’t do that!

Or, can I?!

Alena is right… he’ll be expecting me to just light into him. Maybe if I do what she’s suggesting, I’ll get the upper hand!

Alena, you’re a brilliant little brat!

Nodding at her, “You’re right. Sometimes, you’re brilliant, you know that?!” I mutter.

She laughs and I can see the twinkle in her eye as she sticks her tongue out at me. “I’m brilliant all the time. Y’all just underestimate me because I’m also so stunning.” She strikes a pose and we both laugh.

I take off down the hall with one destination in mind… the Community Center work site.

He’ll never see me coming!

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