Page 135 of My Favorite Hero

“I’m going out with the girls tonight,” I reminded him.

“Right. I forgot. I think I’ll order in pizza. If you’re lucky, I’ll save you a slice.”

I stood, carrying my plate to the sink. “Sounds good.”

He tilted his head to the side, studying me. “You okay, Pix? You look tired. Didn’t sleep well? Was I snoring?”

I waved him off. “I’m fine.”

He leaned on the counter across from me. “Did what happened last night upset you?”

For a moment, I thought he meant what he’d said. Then I realized he meant the run-in with his family.

“Only because they were awful to you. I can’t believe your parents just stood there.”

He shrugged. “I’m over it. I really am. But I will never forget what you did for me. How you stood up for me.”

I swallowed at the intense look in his eyes. The serious tone of his voice.

“Please don’t,” I whispered in my head. “Don’t do this.”

“I’m lucky to have you in my life,” he began.

I had to stop him. I couldn’t have him say the words when I couldn’t say them back.

I slapped his chest, forcing a laughing tone to my voice. “Damn right you are, Thorne. You’re lucky I put up with you. Even if it is temporary.” I winked at him. “Good thing your grumpy ass is so sexy.”

He frowned, then began to laugh, although it sounded forced.

“Back at you, Pix.”

“I have to get to work.”

“Go. I’ll clean up and head out. I’ll see you later.”

I waved at him. “You’ll know where I’ll be.”

And I ran.

My phone rang around two. I rubbed my tired eyes as I looked at the number and answered the call. It was the CEO of the company I had worked for before I’d come here.

“Mr. Wheaton. How are you?”

“Casey. I’m good. How are you?”

“Great.”

“Listen, I’m not going to beat around the bush. I have an offer for you.”

“Oh?”

“It’s a great opportunity. You accept this and accomplish it—which I know you will—you can write your own ticket.”

I was intrigued. “How long a project?”

“Nine to twelve months.”

“Wow.”