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“Who’s Bjorn?” A voice from the open doorway says.
A voice I know too damned well.
I close my eyes slowly, hard, then reopen them and turn around.
30
SECRETS AND EARFULS
JOSH
Of course, I'm jealous. I'll always be jealous when she mentions another man’s name. I can't help it. It comes as naturally as breathing does. As naturally as loving her always will.
So why am I here? At her place?
Simple.
I drove off after I dropped her off. I did.
I drove around the block over and over while I rethought everything. I haven't been fair to her. I know so much more than she thinks I know. I'm pretty sure I know more than she does about the baby. See, I've talked to Jeremy. Through him, I learned what she didn't tell me. I've also talked to Liam. He had an earful for me as well. And not just about Cassie’s history, but also about his own. More than an earful, you could say.
Then I remembered. I have something of hers. So I went back.
So here I am, and she's talking to her roomies about another dude. Sitting there wearing my clothing, smelling like me, hell, tasting like me, and they're trying to set her up with someone else.
Rage swells within me as I take in the room.
31
CHIHUAHUAS AND RIDGEBACKS
CASSIE
I choke back a cough, then squeeze out a, “Hi, Josh.”
“Hey.” He’s leaning against the doorjamb, almost as wide as the door, his arm resting against it, one leg crossed over the other. He’s poised, a panther ready to pounce. “What, or should I say who is Bjorn?”
Josh owns a room when he’s in it. Women stare, and men wonder. And that’s exactly what he’s doing right now—owning the room. How long has he been standing there? Why is he here?
Riley turns to Kara and whispers something that I wish she had whispered much lower. “That’s the hot bartender.”
Kara says, “I know, and he’s...”
God, they’re talking loud enough for everyone to hear, dammit. And Josh’s got this gleam in his eyes that spells amusement. And a smile that’s creeping its way to his face, though I can tell he’s trying to fight it.Why the hell can’t I say something?I don’t even know what to say.
I’m thankful Kara didn’t finish her sentence, though it’s drifted into an uncomfortable silence for me. A silence that’s punctuated by the red color I can feel rising up from my chest to my face.
My smile is forced, my heartbeat’s racing, and I wish I could melt into the flooring, away from all the penetrating gazes that are focused on me. And they all are. Everyone’s looking at me for an answer.
I’m speechless. I gulp, and I’m sure it’s audible.
“I’m Josh.” He steps away from the doorway, crosses his arms over that wide chest.
Kara and Riley’s eyes widen. Oh, I totally get why. Watching Josh next to any college guy is like comparing a colt to a stallion. No comparison.
“Hi, Josh,” Kara steps forward, hand extended. “I’m Cassie’s roommate. Thank you for bringing her home safely.”
Josh cocks a brow in my direction, a look on his face as if he’s wondering if and what I’ve said about him.
