Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem

Chapter 600

"Okay, look, there's something I've got to get off my chest. I care about you, sure, because I think you're a decent person, and you've been good to Elijah. But that doesn't mean I like you romantically. At most, we're friends."

Upon hearing this, Tarquin's brief moment of good spirits evaporated instantly.

Frowning, he looked at her. "Friends?"

"Yeah, I mean, we've had our ups and downs in the past, but that's water under the bridge now. If you're open to it, we can totally be friends."

Tarquin's face darkened. "I don't want to."

Elysia was taken aback. "You don't?"

His expression was grim, his tone firm. "No, I don't."

Elysia pouted. "Fine by me! I'm not exactly dying to be your friend either!"

Hmph, look at him being all high and mighty!

Better off not being friends. That way, when she takes Elijah and leaves, she won't feel sorry for him.

huffy, wanted to say something but hesitated and eventually

not like

just what friends feel for each other, not romantic. I don't

breathing was uneven.

just don't, okay?

that bad in your

doesn't mean I have to like you. There are plenty of decent guys out there. Love is all

could

"Why can't I?"

with three kids, struggling to make ends meet! What's there to like? My life's a

Tarquin could respond, Elysia

thoughts. It's

a tightness in his chest as he looked at her,

is my business. I'm asking you, what if I've fallen for

hesitate. "I'd steer clear

Tarquin's heart sank. "Why?"

like you back. If you fell for me, it would be nothing but trouble. You'd probably end up bothering me without realizing it, and I'd find it annoying. I'd avoid you. Think about how you