Page 30 of Hidden Ascent

“It’s not the first one I’ve had.”

She stood. “Do you mind if I have a look?”

“Will you hit me again if I say no?”

“A few people have tried to murder me recently. I hope you can appreciate that I’m a little on edge.”

“That’s why I’m still here. You’ve proven you know how to protect yourself.”

“You too. You caught that picture.”

“What picture?”

She pointed to where she’d returned it to the mantle.

“Oh, right. The one you threw at me.”

“That wasn’t an easy catch. You’re good at anticipating.”

“I’ve got good reflexes.” He touched his head. “Not good enough, apparently.”

“If you sit down, I’ll clean it up for you.”

“I think it’s okay.”

“Still, let me have a look.”

“I told you it’s fine.”

“Will you sit down and let me check it?”

“Fine. I didn’t know you were so passionate about nursing wounds.”

She huffed in annoyance, but when he finally sat, she didn’t hesitate to get close to him. Her touch was softer than he’d expected.

“It stopped bleeding.”

“That’s goo—” He hissed in a breath when she dabbed at the cut with disinfectant. “I thought you said it stopped bleeding.”

“It has. I’m making sure it doesn’t get infected. You need me to blow on it?” She leaned sideways so he could see the taunting look on her face. She was warming up to him. He could work with that.

“If you wouldn’t mind.”

She called his bluff. Her breath on the wound did soothe the sting. “Huh.”

“What?”

“I didn’t know that actually worked.”

“Are you serious?”

“My mom worked a lot.”

“Oh. Well, this cut at least will heal up fine.”

“Thanks.”

“It’s the least I could do. I really am sorry for hitting you.”

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