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My heart pounds so hard, I think it might split my chest. "We have Charlie. So that makes us a family, Lainey…whether you want me or not."

"I know. And I didn't say I don't want you."

"Then why does it scare you so much when I say it?"

Her mouth opens, but nothing comes out.

I shake my head.

"Jagger."

"No. It's fine."

"It's obviously not," she points out.

I put my hands in the air. "What do you want me to say?"

"The truth."

I laugh without an ounce of humor. "I've been trying to get the truth out of you all night. And you claim I'm not telling the truth?"

She recoils.

Fuck.

I drag both hands over my face. "I didn't mean it like that."

"Sure sounded like you did."

"See? Now, you're doing it," I tell her.

"Because I'm pissed at you!"

"I'm pissed at you too!"

"Good!"

"Great!"

We glare at each other.

This is fucking ridiculous.

A few hours ago, all I wanted was for her to have a good night with Carla. Then I opened my mouth, she opened hers, Mason convinced me one beer was a good idea, and now I'm standing outside Red Dirt arguing with the woman I'm pretty damn sure I'm in love with while some girl I fucked a few weeks ago is inside probably looking for more mistletoe.

I glance toward the bar.

She asks, "Why are you looking in there?"

"I'm not looking at Megan if that's what you're asking," I snap.

"I didn't say you were."

"You were thinking it."

Her eyes narrow.

I say, "I know your face."