“I’ve asked for nothing, and in return, you treat me like the dirt on the bottom of your boot. If that’s how you treat your friends, I can’t even imagine how you treat your enemies.”

“You’re gettin’ pretty close to findin’ out, especially if you keep runnin’ your mouth.”

She crosses her arms and shakes her head. “Classic Knox. Runnin’ away from his feelings because he can’t handle something real. I feel bad for you, honestly. You’ll never know what actual love is like because you’re too busy jumping from one woman to the next.”

Her words stab me like a knife to the heart, but I don’t show how much they affect me. I never do. There’s one thing I’m good at—pretending feelings don’t exist.

“You think you’re the first woman to act like this? Get in line, sweetheart. I’ve heard it all.”

“You say that like you’re proud. You’re insufferable.” She storms off toward her Jeep, but I’m not finished.

I hop out of my truck and catch up to her in three strides. Grabbing her elbow, I spin her around to face me. “I’m insufferable? You’re the one doing only God knows what with my brother, then you crawl to me like I’m some kind of rebound. You kissed me the night of our date, and now I’m paying the consequences.”

“Yeah, well this isn’t rainbows and butterflies for me either. I don’t know what to do, and I’m torn, okay?” Her voice rises. “Try putting yourself in my shoes for one damn day, then maybe you’d understand. I’ve been put in the middle of you two, something I didn’t ask for, and I hate it.”

I hold up my hand and take a step back. “Alright, fine. Let me make it easier for ya then. Pick Kane. Y’all make a better match anyway.” He’d at least know how to be in a relationship.

Her expression falls, and I know there’s nothing more she can say.

“Good night, Hadleigh.”

I turn and walk back to my truck, then drive away.

The following morning comes way too soon. I yawn into my coffee, then splash water on my face. I haven’t been able to get Hadleigh off my mind since our fight last night. Not to mention, I hate the way I left. But perhaps it’s for the best. Kane’s been in love with her for years, and if her feelings reciprocate his, they should be together.