Chapter 36

“I do,” she agreed. “But you weren’t acting like this until I mentioned going home.”

“I was helping you out of your dress as a friend would. I was keeping a respectful distance as a friend would. I was keeping to my promise. Isn’t that what you want?”

“I…” She hesitated. “Yes. Brian—”

“You don’t belong here,Mabel. That’s clear to both of us.”

The argument died a swift death inside her, leaving her numb.

“Yes,” she found herself saying. “I don’t belong here.”

His mouth tightened and his shoulders tensed, but they were gone and he was giving her an apologetic look.

“I’m—”

“Don’t apologize,” she cut in. “I’m the one being a pain in the ass tonight.”

“You’re not a pain,” was all he said. “Are we good?”

“Yeah.”

“Good. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight, Brian.”

He was unaffected, perhaps even relieved that no arguing ensued and they could leave the topic alone. He sounded like her staying or leaving didn’t matter to him at all, not in the least, and the hurt that bloomed in her chest had no right bein