Page 52 of Wild Card 13

“You heard me.”

“No.” She shook her head. “No, I don't think I did.”

“You sat there acting like I was some random player.”

“You are a player.”

I stepped back. Because somehow that hurt more than everything else she'd said.

The guilt flashed across her face so quickly I almost missed it. Then it vanished behind another wall. Another layer of professionalism. Another reminder that she wasn't going to give me anything.

A sharp knock sounded against the glass.

Both of us looked over.

Sarah Yu stood there holding a tablet. One eyebrow raised. “Buzz.”

Shit. Media.

I glanced toward the clock on the wall.

Sarah's expression didn't change. “Unless you'd like me to explain to the reporters why you're late.”

Lucy crossed her arms.

I could practically feel the response sitting on the tip of her tongue.

Go ahead, Burns. Give me another reason.

The realization hit me instantly.

I was doing it again. Exactly what she'd written me up for yesterday. Exactly what she'd been talking about.

I hated that she was right.

Almost as much as I hated wanting her.

Sarah looked between us. Then wisely decided she wanted no part of whatever this was. “I'll give you thirty seconds.”

She disappeared.

I looked back at Lucy.

She looked back at me.

Neither of us moved. Neither of us gave an inch.

“Congratulations.”

Her eyebrows pulled together. “For what?”

“You win.”

Something flickered across her face. Confusion? Hurt? I didn't stay long enough to figure it out.

I yanked the door open.

“Buzz—”