Page 65 of Resurgent

A watery laugh escapes me.

"You know there isn't anything I wouldn't do for you." His chin rests lightly against the top of my head. "So if I have to kiss you...or marry you…or whatever other crazy things they come up with, there are far worse people I could end up trapped with."

I shake my head, smiling despite myself.

"But," he adds, trying—and failing—to sound serious, "next time maybe give a guy a little warning before you drag him into a kiss."

I look up.

"I bit my cheek when you caught me off guard."

I burst into laughter.

"You're lying."

"I can prove it."

"Nope."

"I'll show you."

"I believe you!"

He grins victoriously.

"Thought so."

The laughter finally settles.

He tips his head toward the bar.

"So... how'd you get away from Theo?"

"I told him I needed to use the bathroom."

Matt’s laughter is instant. “He’s going to think you're taking the world's worst shit."

I smack his arm. "Mattey! That’s disgusting, and no! I told him I’m on my period.”

“Gods, that might be worse! I’m shocked he hasn’t already blown his cover and called an ambulance thinking you’re bleeding out in there."

“That’s pretty much what I told him would be happening!”

I laugh so hard I double over.

“No…Lee…tell me you didn’t say it was about Crime Week!”

The smile on my face leaves no doubt, my lips stretching toward my ears as I feign an innocent look that I’ve never been able to pull off.

“Oh, that poor, poor man. But at least he won’t be another overbearing set of eyes on you.”

“Awww you finally admit you’re overbearing.” I laugh, pushing my jeans back into the bag.

"See you back at Scion?"

"Message me back when you get to the car."

“Overbearing…” I tease, turning toward the alley entrance.