Page 135 of That Moment
“I am.” I don’t look up. “And not in the mood, so unless you’re here to confess a felony and need to retain me?—”
“Actually,” he says, closing the door behind him. “I’m here to apologize.”
That makes me glance up. “Shocking. Do you only have weeks to live or something?”
He chuckles, dragging a chair around so he can sit backward in it, arms braced over the backrest. “I deserved that. But no. For running my mouth. For… being me, I guess.”
I drop my pen and lean back. “Wow. Did it hurt to say that?”
“Like hell.” His grin softens, the joking edge fading. “You were right, though, you're right. I talk too much. Especially when it comes to you.”
I cross my arms, narrowing my eyes. “So this is your version of groveling?”
He shrugs. “Pretty much.”
Something in his tone makes me ease up.. “I’ve been lashing out too,” I admit quietly. “You may have gotten caught in the crossfire a time or two.”
Axel raises a brow, mock-offended. “You mean you actuallyfeelbad for yelling at me?”
“Don’t ruin it.” We both laugh, the tension thinning.
“You talked to Aiden yet?”
I frown. “No. Why?”
He hesitates, looks anywhere but at me. “No reason.”
“Axel—”
He waves a hand. “Drop it, seriously. It’s nothing.”
I study him for a beat too long. “You’re a terrible liar.”
He sighs, dragging a hand through his hair. “Fine. Dad’s been on my ass since dinner. Asking questions about Scotty. About what’s going on between you two. About whether it’s serious or not.”
The blood drains from my face. “What? So now he’s talking about it behind my back to you?”
“He’s not mad. Just… worried, I guess. You know how he gets when he thinks he’s protecting you.”
“Unbelievable.” I push back from the desk, pacing to the window. “He could come tomeif he’s so damn curious.”
“I told him that,” Axel says quickly. “I swear, though, I didn’t say anything else.”
I turn, arms crossed, eyes sharp. “You’d better not have.”
He lifts both hands like he’s under oath. “Scout’s honor.”
I sigh, pressing my fingers to my temples. “I just wish everyone would stop treating me like I need a babysitter. I’m not seventeen anymore.”
Axel leans forward, elbows on his knees. “No one thinks that, Adrienne. They just?—”
“—don’t trust my judgment?” I snap.
He winces. “That’s not what I meant.”
I shake my head, sinking back into my chair. “Forget it.”
Axel clears his throat. “So… are you and Scotty good?”
