Resilient (2) by Nikki Mathis Thompson Read Free Book Online Page B

all,” Izzie said flatly. When in doubt, use the truth. Ian wasn’t phased one bit. He’d been front row center to many an inappropriate conversations in the past six months. He was a pro by this point.
    “I guess I could see that. Mine’s more of a foot-long bratwurst, though. I haven’t packed a hot dog since 7 th grade.” He was completely straight-faced as he filled his plate. The girls were silent for a split second then Izzie burst out laughing. The other two joined in.
    “Oh, Ian, you crack me up. And if you’re packing that kind of meat, I don’t think that mini you brought will be able to handle it. You need a woman with a real vagina, call me.” Izzie blew him a kiss and walked out, double fisting the dessert plates. Paige followed. Katrine’s shoulders were shaking she was silent laughing so hard. Her friends were so crazy. Thank God for that.
    “Great, now I won’t be able to enjoy any meat in tube form. Oh well, I was always a burger girl, anyway.” She smiled at him and started to leave.
    “Wait a sec. I feel like I haven’t hung out with you at all. It seems like we’ve been on opposite ends of the room all night.”
    That’s because I’ve been avoiding you, Sherlock.
    “You avoiding me or something?”
    Shit.  
    “Not at all.” She set her plate down.

    “You didn’t like Amber.” It wasn’t a question, but this one she didn’t have to fib about.
    “Of course not, Ian. She’s pretty and seems very friendly. I was just giving you your space. Things between us have at times been convoluted. I just didn’t want you to feel uncomfortable.”
    “Me feel uncomfortable or you?”
    “Well, both,” she laughed.
    She looked up and was greeted by his familiar shimmery blue eyes. She couldn’t help but notice the way his lashes almost touched his dark brows.  
    Why do guys always get the long lashes?  
    It was just one of those things.  
    “Katrine, what’s going on in that beautiful head of yours?” He lightly tapped the side of her temple, then tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. He pulled his hand away. Old habits die hard.  
      Why does he have to be so god damned charming? Why does he have to smell so good? And why does he have to look at me like that?
    Now that she wanted him to look at her that way, it was too late. Shaking herself out of her internal monologue, she said, “Sorry, I was lost in thought for a bit.” He smiled a knowing smile, like he was used to it. “I don’t know, Ian. I guess I’m so used to having you to myself that I just need an adjustment period. I’m happy that you’re happy and that you found someone nice.” Though she would rather be the nice person in question.  
    He didn’t say anything. He just tilted his head like he was trying to puzzle something out. He touched her shoulder. “Katrine, I…”  
    “There you are. I’ve been looking for you everywhere.” Katrine sighed and Ian’s hand dropped. Amber had the worst timing ever. She stopped and looked at both of them. Was it obvious they were in the middle of an important conversation? “I’m sorry, did I interrupt something?” she said shyly.
    That would be a yes on the obvious…
    “Of course not, Amber. I was just telling him how you had my thumbs up.” Katrine grinned and thought she sounded quite sincere.
    Thumbs up, middle finger…which ever. Okay, maybe happy for them was a bit of an exaggeration.
    “I’d better get back to my friends. They’re gonna think I choked on a pastry.” That was her cue to exit the scene. She offered them a small smile and quick wave.
    Choked on a pastry, Jesus.  
    If I was more lame, I’d be crippled.

    “Hey Trine, where ya been?” Charlie asked, shifting slowly from one heel to the other. She had apparently received the severely buzzed memo.  
    “Oh, I was just talking to Ian,” she said casually.  
    “His new girlfriend seems very nice. What do you think, Katrine?” Paige asked sweetly.
    “What? I think she’s