LITMIR.BIZ

       “Come on, Grady. The statute of limitations has long expired on breakup hard feelings.”

      “Says who?” He shoved an extra pillow behind his head. “From where I’m sitting, I’m still mad as hell.” He downed his second longneck and went in for a third.

      Jessie had the gall to cross her arms and roll her eyes.

      “You think I still shouldn’t be pissed? I asked you to marry me. You accepted.”

      “Almost a decade ago!” She smacked the dresser top. “Get over it. That’s ancient history.”

      “The hell it is.” He sprang from the bed, planting his hands on either side of her, pinning her in but not giving her the satisfaction of touching her. “Give me an honest reason and I’ll let it go. More than anything, I want to let this—you—go, but you’re stuck in my head.”

      “Sorry.”

      “I need a reason, Jess.”

      She raised her chin. “You know the reason.”

      “Oh, right—you don’t love me.”

      “You know how much I care for you. You were my best friend. Why can’t we just go back to that?”

      “No, thanks.” The friend card had long been off the table.