Page 33 of Fierce-Baker
His gaze drifted over her face, slow, deliberate, like he was studying every line, every flicker of insecurity, every emotion she couldn’t hide.
“It’s not your imagination.”
Her heartbeat kicked up. “How do you know?” she asked, drawing the words out. “I mean—know for sure?”
“Because she’s been in my ear for over a year.”
Oh. So it wasn’t her Jolene had originally been pushing toward him.
Or maybe Jolene just couldn’t find the right match for Baker and Tasha was another dart tossed at a board, hoping something would stick.
Somehow, that was worse.
She’d been second before. Overlooked. The backup option. The one a man settled for until someone better came along. Or the sidepiece she never knew she was.
She refused to be any of that again.
For once, just once, she wanted to be chosen. Wanted a man who cared for her the way she cared for him.
Someone willing to put in the same effort and hope for the same reward. She deserved that.
“Never mind,” she said.
It had to have been all her imagination then.
What had he said—she’d thrown some wild things at him? No way she was adding to that list.
It was as if he read her hesitation now. Or her avoidance.
Didn’t matter what word you slapped on it, it was all the above.
“If you’re asking if Jolene is trying to pair us together, the answer is yes.”
Her jaw dropped. “I’ve only been there a little over a month. You said she’s been in your ear for a year.”
“Talking with nothing in sight. Feeling me out. Your name has come up recently.”
“By who?” This time he looked as if he didn’t want to say more. “Tell me. It was really hard for me to broach this and you obviously weren’t going to.”
“Gavin said it.”
“Whoa. He’d know.”
“Yes. He and I have an agreement of sorts. He’s advised me how to handle his wife.”
Which didn’t sound promising to her. “And how is that?”
“By not fighting her. Letting her think I’m considering it.”
She pursed her lips. “I’m even more confused. So that is why you’re here?”
“I’m here because you asked me to dinner.”
“Fair point. How about why you fixed my tire.”
“Because I’m not a dick who would turn my back on anyone who needed help,” he said.
Still not giving her what she wanted.
