Page 18 of Miss Typed

“You’re not?”

His features softened. “No. I’m sorry if it appeared that way. You surprised me yesterday.”

“I know, and I’m sorry.”

“Please don’t apologize again.”

I finally took a seat across from him. “So, you’re not here to fire me?”

His face registered shock. “No. Of course not. I came by because I felt bad about the way I snapped at you. I owe you an apology.”

Oh. His unexpected sweetness in going to such trouble took me off guard.

“Also, I wanted to ensure your silence regarding what you saw. It’s not public knowledge, and I’d appreciate you keeping it to yourself.”

“Of course. I won’t say anything. It was just as embarrassing for me to see you half dressed as it was for you.” Damn. My cheeks heated at the memory.

“I don’t mean seeing me in the towel. I meant about my leg.”

What had I missed? I’d completely focused on his chest and nummy, nummy muscles, complete with lick-inducing tattoos. Also, there’d been that panty-melting V. “What about your leg?”

His brow furrowed. “The prosthesis on my left leg.”

My eyes went wide while my voice went high. “You’re missing part of your leg?”

His entire face went red while his expression showed disbelief, clueing me in to the fact I’d indeed missed something. Like his lower half.

I physically cringed at my choice of words. “Oh my God, that was a terribly insensitive thing to say. But I didn’t even see it.”

His gaze narrowed. “How could you possibly have missed seeing a titanium leg from the knee down?”

Now would’ve been a good time to exercise a filter, but all I could do was address his discomfort, which seemed greater than mine. “I didn’t make it past your chest with your, uh, tattoos—” Stop talking now, Chloe. “—and, you know, the muscles—” Clearly there was no halting this runaway train. “—and your V and the towel. I’m so—”

“Don’t apologize again.” He was holding up a hand.

“Sorry.” I put a hand over my mouth to keep anything else from coming out.

But surprisingly, he chuckled. “You’re sorry for saying sorry?”

I nodded, not removing my hand from my mouth. It couldn’t be trusted.

Much to my relief, he laughed again. “Well, then, this entire conversation is awkward.”

Time to assure him of my discretion. “I promise not to say anything to anyone, regardless.” I wouldn’t even tell Teagan. As much as I wanted to ask him how it had happened, I could tell he was bracing himself for the question. Instead, I finally exercised silence.

“I appreciate it.” As if remembering the bag, he scooted it towards me. “I brought this for you and your roommate.”

I swallowed hard, hating the fact I’d lied to him about spending Christmas with Teagan. “She ended up traveling home for the holidays.”

He didn’t appear surprised by my admission. “Guess you won’t have to share, then.”

“What’s in the bag?”

He held it out for me. I peeked inside and could’ve wept with pleasure. Inside were two items I hadn’t had in months. Bacon and beer.

“I owed you a gift. And since you mentioned missing bacon, and I figured beer might be something you don’t get often. Merry Christmas.”

He gripped the back of his neck while I took the items out of the bag, grinning. “Merry Christmas to you. Would you like to share a lunch of bacon and beer?”