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“I'm sorry, Caulder, but I'm not ready for another relationship. I don't know if I ever will be ready.�� Saying this to him now hurt as much as a slug to her abdomen. But it had to be said.

“Then we don't have one. We're business partners first, and I'll respect your wishes. I won't stand in your way, and I won't pursue you. I'll pretend I don't want to kiss your lips.�� His eyes lingered on the aforementioned. “You being in the stands photographing or videotaping my every move will mean nothing to me.�� He laughed. “Dammit, I don’t believe that myself. It is what it is, Velia.”