Page 197 of No Headlines Please

"Not totally different. Like for one thing, you're both really protective about the people you care about." Her voice softened. "It's nice…well, most of the time, anyway."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

She gave the front window a lingering glance. "Like how you acted about Devon – not today, but years ago. It was a little hard to appreciate when I thought I loved the guy."

Her words packed a wallop – not because of Devon, but because of Maddox. In a way, Tessa had been treating Maddox a little like I'd treated Devon in college.

But that was totally different.

Devon was a weasel.

Maddox wasn't.

Right?

Yes. Definitely.

Eager to move on, I said, "Do you know, I ran into Devon in Chicago? Well…actually him and Sierra both." I shuddered. "Twice."

"Yeah, I know." Her voice grew quiet. "They told me what you said."

I paused. "What do you mean?"

"You told them we weren't friends anymore." A shadow crossed her features. "They said you were laughing about it. I just loved hearing that."

My heart clenched. "But you weren't supposed to hear it. I didn't mean it. You do know that, right?"

"I do now." She took a small breath. "But I've gotta tell you…that one caught me off guard."

Obviously, it had done more than that. Even now, I could see in her eyes the lingering hurt – pain that I'd put there without meaning to.

I gave her a pleading look. "I just wanted to keep you safe, that's all."

With a weak smile, she replied, "I know. You already told me, remember?"

She was right. We'd talked about this. But now, looking at the damage I'd caused, I couldn't help but think that I could've handled all of it so much better. "Maisie, I am so sorry."

"Oh, stop it," she said with an unconvincing laugh. "That's ancient history, remember?"

As usual, she was being too nice. I smiled. "If you want, I could get on my knees and shuffle-chase you around the shop."

She blinked. "Wait, what?"

"You know, until you forgive me."

She laughed, this time for real. "No. Definitely not."

"Are you sure? Because I'd totally do it."

She was still laughing. "You'd better not. Just promise me something."

"Anything."

Her laughter faded. "The next time you try to 'protect' me…at least give me a heads-up, alright?"

I smiled. "I promise."

74