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Falling for the Grumpiest Protector

Page 48

by Maggie Blume

"You made it."

"I said I was coming."

"You did."

Something about the way he says it reminds me of yesterday. That tiny flash of pleasure when Emma told him I'd be here. I decide not to examine it.

"Where's Atlas?" Emma asks.

"With Cole."

"Why?"

"He stole his glove."

"Atlas?"

"Cole."

I laugh. Martinez's eyes shift to me.

"What?"

"Nothing. I'm beginning to understand the operation."

"You've been here twenty-eight minutes."

I look at him.

"You've been timing me?"

A beat.

"No."

Emma makes a suspicious sound. His expression doesn't change. Mine nearly does.

"She's doing fine," Emma says.

"I didn't ask."

"You were going to."

Martinez pushes away from the doorway.

"I'll get Atlas."

He starts to leave, then looks back at me.

"How's the volunteering going?"

I glance down at my dog-hair-covered jeans.

"I'm reconsidering my wardrobe."

"That's probably wise."

"And Moose drooled on me."