“That’s where you’re wrong. Women like Claire are a dime a dozen. Easy to find. You, sweetheart, are what every man fantasizes about. A rarity.”
“Whatever,” I say with an indifferent shrug.
“Angie. Just quit. Keep the money. It’s yours.”
“I need to work. I lost my last job because of the economy.” And I need a link to Mark.
“All the more reason to accept my deal. Quit and take the money. Or keep the job, take the money, and date me solely.”
“Did you tamper with my profile? You did, right?” I ask again, even though I know he did. He pretty much admitted it back when it happened.
He shrugs and looks away.
“Graham?”
“I might have exerted my technical skills to my advantage.”
“You told me you didn’t hack it.”
“I didn’t. But I have connections.”
“You really hate Tanner that much?”
“I hate any guy who puts themself in my way of getting what I want. Tanner wants you because I want you. I saw the sparkle in his eye the very moment he saw you with me. He’s obsessed. This is not chance. And the fucker—” He cuts himself off, tilting his neck to stare up at the ceiling.
“What? Tell me,” I urge, curious to get some insight on his overprotectiveness.
“Nothing.”
“I feel like we are where we were before this meeting happened. Nothing has gotten accomplished.”
“Because you are so damn stubborn,” he huffs.
“Because you are so pigheaded.”
“And you make horrible decisions.”
“And you make me crazy.”
“And you’re so feisty.”
“And you’re so controlling.”
“And careless.”
“And overbearing.”
We both laugh at the insults being thrown freely, without reservation, from the heart of the matter. It is true. Everything. One hundred percent the truth.
“I’m calling off this meeting, and I’m taking you home. If you argue with me, I’ll carry you over my shoulder and down the sidewalk in broad daylight. I don’t give a flying shit what anyone thinks.”
“Please, Graham,” I plead. “I can’t. I can’t keep doing this…this. Whatever the hell this is.”
“No. Angie. You are exhausted as hell. You didn’t even sleep last night, did you?”
How does he know? “It was a rough night.”
“Exactly. You need some rest. And I can bet a grand that you didn’t even eat much today.”