“No.” The answer comes too fast. “I think people leave, and in this case that’s already planned.”
Something flickers across his face. Not offense. Something sadder. “I’m not making promises I can’t keep,” he says finally. “But I would never intentionally hurt your daughter.”
And there it is again, that awful sincerity. I would honestly prefer arrogance at this point. Arrogant men are easier to survive.
Unfortunately, Colby seems determined to behave like an emotionally stable adult.
Which is significantly worse.
“Good,” I say weakly.
He studies me for another second. “Anything else?”
“Yes.” I straighten. “No spontaneous heroics.”
“That feels vague.”
“No carrying her around like she’s yours.”
His jaw tightens slightly at that.
Interesting.
“No showing up unexpectedly all the time.”
Another pause.
“You think I’m going to show up all the time?”
“I think famous men get bored quickly.”
Something unreadable moves through his eyes.
Then: “You really don’t think much of hockey players.”
“I think very realistic things about men with endorsement deals.”
That actually makes him laugh.
Low.
Warm.
Brief.
My stomach immediately betrays me. This is going horribly.
The kitchen door swings open before I can recover.
Jillie bursts inside holding her hot chocolate. “Mommy, Mrs. Bellamy told everyone you’re discussing romance logistics.”
I close my eyes.
“Yep, she really did.”
Colby coughs into his fist like he’s hiding laughter.
Traitor.
