Page 26 of Text Me Baby One More Time

“Are you still going to be around in October?” I ask him, setting the skillet on the stove. “Or are you going to leave the duties of maid of honorandbest man to me then try to take the credit?”

“I’ll be around.”

I sneak a peek at him, finding him staring down into his coffee mug with creased brows. How he drinks his coffee black is beyond me, though I did read an article once that said psychopaths drink black coffee…so I guess it makes sense.

“But that’s…”

“The rest of the season. I’m aware of when the baseball season runs, Den.”

“Are you in that much trouble?”

“Yes and no. I’m a valuable player and they know it, so it’s more a matter of me getting my poster-boy image back on track. They want me to do a few charity gigs, personal interviews, and the like so I can get back in everyone’s good graces.”

My ears perk up atpersonal interviews.

My editor would kill to score an interview with Shep. He’s notorious for avoiding them, which is odd because the guy loves the spotlight otherwise.

There’s a promotion open at work and I know if I could get Shep to sit down for something and allow me to publish it, I would be first in line for the position. It’s something I’ve been working toward, a salary I could really use, and a foot into so many doors for my future.

“Interviews?” I ask casually, crossing in front of him to reach into the cabinet on the other side of his head.

I stare at the shelf, waiting for his response.

When he doesn’t give one, I glance around the open cabinet door.

His arms are crossed and he’s looking at me in amusement.

“What?”

“Oh no, don’t youwhatme with all that false innocence in your voice. You want something.”

I shove my head back into the safety of the cabinet. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

I pull down the pancake mix and chocolate chips I plan to add, but I don’t move—not until Shep pushes on the door and closes it with a soft thud.

“You want an interview.”

“I…” I lick my lips and brush a stray hair out of my face.

Oh god, my hair.I didn’t think to check it before I opened the door because I was expecting my sister, not my ex.

I must look like a hot mess right now.

Fantastic.

I move around the kitchen, grabbing a mixing bowl, whisk, and the half gallon of milk from the fridge. I measure out the ingredients, dump way too many chocolate chips in, and whip it all together.

“Denny?” my unwanted guest pushes after several minutes of me ignoring him.

Damn. I thought for sure he’d leave if I waited long enough.

I drop the whisk and face him, squaring my shoulders and pulling my big girl panties up.

“Yes, Shep, I want an interview. There’s a promotion coming up at work, and scoring an interview with the famous Shepard Clark would put me at the top of the list for it.” I take a deep breath. “So, yes, I want an interview.”

He takes another drink of his coffee, eyes never leaving mine as he studies me. He knows how hard it was for me to say that out loud to him, to say I…need him.

Unable to endure his stare for another moment, I turn away, pouring batter into the skillet and focusing on making breakfast.

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