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“What has that got to do with this?” Mandy kept her voice even.
“Everything.”
“I don’t understand what you’re trying to say, Ted.”
“You’d want more from me than I can give if this continues.”
Had he thrown icy water over her, the impact would not have been greater than those words.
“Because I’m innocent, I’m therefore a risk to be involved with? Is that what you’re trying to tell me, Ted?”
“No, that came out—”
“Because you’re experienced in the bedroom and with women, you’re therefore too much for me to handle? Pathetic little Mandy Robbins, who will be heartbroken if the first man she sl-sleeps with doesn’t marry her.” Her anger was climbing, and Mandy embraced it.
“That’s where this is heading.”
“To the bedroom?” The thought of them naked made her knees go weak.
“Yes, and even someone as innocent as you knows that.”
“Stop saying that like it’s a fault. I’m innocent, yes, but not naive. I know what happens. Don’t treat me like I’m a fool. I don’t need you to look out for me either. I have others for that.”
“I don’t want you hurt.”
“And you think you can do that to me. That you’re such a big deal, my heart will break if you walk away from me?”
“That came out wrong. What I meant to say was, I can walk away from an affair, but I don’t think you can.”
He was possibly right, but as she’d never had one she couldn’t say. One thing was clear though: she wouldn’t be having one with him.
“Whatever. You’ve made your point. End of discussion. I don’t want to do that with you anyway.”
“I haven’t done anything wrong here, Mandy. I’ve just been honest. I don’t want to hurt you.”
She knew that, just as she knew he was a good man. But maybe finally she was done with people thinking she was so soft she’d break with a wrong word or action.
His jaw was clenched. She watched the muscle bunching and releasing. Okay, so maybe he wasn’t as calm as she’d thought. That made her feel a bit better.
Mandy pushed his chest; he didn’t move.
“Move. I need to get back to my aunts. I can see now this was a mistake. I’m sure there’s a man in Ryker somewhere who won’t see me as too much of a challenge and would be willing to take the risk—”
“What the hell does that mean?” The words came out harsh.
“You’re a smart man, I’m sure you’ll figure it out.”
This time she used both hands and pushed as hard as she could. He relented and backed up a step, but only, Mandy guessed, because he wanted to.
“See you round, Ted.”
She walked back along the street instead of running, which was her first impulse.
You’re strong in here, Mandy.
When she entered A.S., it was to find Mr. Goldhirsh and Aunt Jess at their table.
She chatted, but didn’t really pay attention as she fumed over the way Ted had treated her. Like she was some pathetic woman who would crumble if he didn’t want to have a relationship with her.
