Page 41 of The Enemy Face Off

And that's the first thing she's said to me.

I don't mind though. I plan on using my allocated music selection on Mariah Carey's Christmas album because I'm a freak who can never get tired of listening to her belt out those holiday tracks. There may even be a rumor going around that I have every single word to every single song memorized, which I am not prepared to either confirm or deny. Don't want it messing up my whole grump image.

"I'mweird?" I say, increasing the speed on the wipers. "Do we want to explore your car-related sex story?"

"But that's just it. That story would scare most normal men away. But not you. Hence, I stand by what I said.You're weird."

I glance over at her way too briefly but am quickly forced to return my attention back to the road. It's really starting to come down heavily now.

I checked the weather report this morning, and it's been snowing lightly up on the mountain these past few days, but the conditions are forecasted to get worse today.

That's just great.

We live in Monterey County, California, so my tires are not equipped for snow. I plan on taking it slow and steady. I'm going to need to keep my wits about me. As much for the weather,as well as due to my unexpected—butverywelcome—travel companion.

"Firstly, I have never claimed to be normal, so that's on you for jumping to the wrong conclusion about me. And secondly, you don't scare me."

"I…don't?" I catch her head turning out of the corner of my eye, like she can't quite believe what I said. "Why? Why don't I scare you?"

I chuckle. "Because I'm weird, remember? And it's nice to interact with a woman who's smart and strong and funny. And you're all three things."

She adjusts how she's sitting. "Well, I can't fault your people-reading skills, I suppose."

To say Beth looks stunning would be a huge disservice to the word. I don't think there even is a word to describe how beautiful she looks in a burgundy long-sleeved, floor-length gown, a camel-colored, mid-length coat, and a pair of black heeled boots. Her hair is long enough that she can tie it in a short ponytail, whatever makeup she's wearing makes her skin glow, and her lips are a bright, striking red that drew my eye the moment I saw her.

"Does this mean you don't find my teasing insulting?" she asks.

"Correct. But I need to make sure you're not one ofthose girls? And just so you know, I'd use air quotes aroundthose girlsif it wasn't raining so much and I didn't have to keep both hands on the steering wheel. And also if a certain someone hadn't banned me from using air quotes."

"I'm glad you remember." I canhearthe smile in her voice. "And what girls are you referring to?"

"Oh, you know, the type of girls that can dish it out but can't take it back. What's the word I'm looking for? Oh, yeah. Weak girls."

She huffs out a breath. "What's your middle name?"

"Excuse me?"

"Middle name, Milo."

"Garrett."

She clears her throat. "I can assure you, Milo Garrett Payne, I am definitely not one ofthose girls."

"You…you middle named me."

"I did."

"And I'm pretty sure I saw you lift your hands and use air quotes around those girls."

"It's an allowable exception. I had to make my point." She shuffles in her seat. "Did I make my point?"

I smile, my chest flaring with an unfamiliar but very pleasant warmth. "You sure did."

"Good. Now that that's settled, you need to drive a little faster or we'll be late."

"In case you haven't noticed, it's raining. I'm going as fast as I can."

"In caseyouhaven't noticed, we just got overtaken by a group of nuns."

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