Page 645 of End Game

Interesting.

Ben rubs his thumb along the edge of his mug. “There have been times I've made women uncomfortable. Comments. Flirting after somebody wasn't interested. Acting like I was being funny so they were uptight if they didn't laugh.”

He looks embarrassed.

Good.

Embarrassment is appropriate.

“I didn't think of myself as that guy.”

“Most people don't deliberately construct themselves as the villain in their own internal narrative.”

A startled laugh escapes him. “That sounds like you.”

“I am still me.”

“Yeah.”

For the first time since I sat down, something almost familiar passes between us.

It doesn't last long.

Ben's expression sobers again. “I don't expect you to trust me.”

“Good.”

He winces slightly.

I am not going to soften that. “I don't.”

“I know.”

“And Cami will not be around you.”

His gaze drops. “I figured.”

“That isn't changing because you apologized.”

“I know.”

“If at some point she decides otherwise, that decision belongs entirely to her. I will not ask her to consider it, and I will not carry an apology home and present it like something she is expected to respond to.”

Ben nods. “I wasn't going to ask you to.”

“Good.”

“I would like to apologize to her.”

I hold his gaze. “I will tell her you said that.”

“That's all I'm asking.”

“That does not mean she will accept contact.”

“I know.”

His answer comes quickly enough that I believe he understands.