Page 83 of The Enemy Face Off

I don't mind her attention one bit, I just wish it came under different circumstances and that she didn't look so worried. I really am fine.

After racing back into the church, I quickly found Culver and a couple of our other teammates. Through the dusty haze, someone yelled out that Fraser, Evie, and the pastor had escaped through a side door. That left us free to help the remaining people still inside.

I came across a dazed-looking elderly man. He told me his name was Andrew Walsh and that he suspected his leg was broken. He didn't say anything about the gash on his face, and I didn't, either. If he didn't know about it, what good would it have done for me to point out he was bleeding?

I helped Mr. Walsh to his feet and got him out of there as quickly as I could. Thankfully, we were met by a paramedic right as Beth came over.

"Come 'ere," I say, patting the sofa. "Relax. Everything's fine. No one died or was seriously hurt."

Turns out it was a relatively minor earthquake. Well, as minor as an earthquake can be. Not being from the west coast, any earthquake is pretty major in my book. I suppose I'll needto get used to that. A few people sustained minor injuries, including Mr. Walsh, but he should be fine.

Beth drops down next to me. "You realize what this means?"

"No. What?"

She huffs adorably. "You're now my hero, and I have to respect you."

"You don't strike me as the type of woman that does anything she doesn't want to."

She bites back a grin. "Stop it. It's bad enough you're brave. Don't add charming to the list."

"I'm slightly offended you're overlooking my incredible handsomeness."

She releases a soft giggle. "Stop it."

I raise an eyebrow and stretch my arms out across the back of the couch. "Make me."

I'm expecting to be met by one of her usual quick-witted retorts.

I am not expecting her to jump into my lap.

But I'll take it.

This iswaybetter.

She runs her hand through my hair, which I've left untied after taking a shower and cleaning up.

"I'm starting to like…this," she says, twirling a strand around her fingers.

"My hair?"

"No." She caresses my cheek. "This.Us."

My heart breaks out into a gallop in my chest, but I do my best to stay composed. Because there's an us. She just said there is.

Which means that my feelings aren't one-sided. My obsession about my daily kiss allowance? Totally a 'me' thing because, as has been well established, I'm weird. But the feelings I'd sensed, hoped, prayed, she was feeling, too, are real.

I gaze into her captivating hazel eyes. "And what would you likeusto be?"

She rests her forearms on top of my shoulders. "I…I don't know."

"I don't believe you."

Beth is strong. She's the type of woman who knows what she wants and isn't afraid to say it.

Most of the time, anyway.

She lets out a shaky breath. "You make me feel things I'm not used to feeling."

---