Page 53 of Last Date
Grimacing, I said, “It’s probably nothing.”
“So then, maybe this wasn’t just a random attack? Maybe it was personal?”
“I really don’t know.” I frowned. “I already told all of this to the officer on scene. You could probably just read his report instead of making a special trip over here.”
His mouth tensed, but then he seemed to force himself to relax. “It never hurts to ask the same questions more than once. Sometimes you get different answers.”
“I see.” I frowned. “When you said ‘Let’s talk,’ was this stuff what you wanted to talk about? Because if so, I’m serious, you really could just read the report. I should get back to the shop. I’m just on my lunch break, and it’s about over.”
His gaze flickered. “No, I wanted to talk about more… personal stuff too.”
I crossed my arms, suddenly feeling defensive. “Oh.”
“You don’t want to talk about anything personal?”
I watched him, feeling confused. “I don’t see the point.”
“Ouch.”
“I… I just mean it’s always two steps forward and six back.”
He let out a tired sigh. “Is it always going to be like this with us, Kip?”
“Like what?”
He waved toward me. “You’re always so cold.”
I narrowed my eyes. “I’mcold?”
“Yeah. I made a special trip to come and see if you’re okay. You’re acting like I’m bothering you.”
“You do that all the time to me.”
“How can you say that? I’ve been overseeing Detective Bergen, and I’m here following up on your assault case.”
“Yeah, and the rest of the time you’re telling me to stay away because you shouldn’t be seen with me.” I gave a hard laugh. “I call that cold.”
“You have no understanding of the difficult position I’m in.”
I blinked at him, feeling completely confused. “Merrick, I’ll be honest, I don’t know what you want from me. One minute you’re telling me you can’t be bothered coddling me, and the next your feelings are hurt because I’m not being warm enough?”
He gritted his teeth. “I’m trying to extend an olive branch.”
“You are?”
He stood looking frustrated. “Yes, I’m worried about you,” he grated out, pushing his hand through his dark hair. “You can’t tell?”
“Careful, Merrick. This is verging dangerously close to hand-holding. People might think you care what happens to me.”
Looking mystified, he said hoarsely, “Of course I care.”
“Since when?”
“Sinceforever.”
Shocked at his unrestrained response, I stared at him.
“Look.” He hung his head. “I don’t want to be at war with you.”
