Page 107 of The Fixer

She was in the midst of tapping out a reply to a terse Sterling email when Charlie loomed in the doorframe. He tucked what looked like a folded check into his T-shirt pocket and braced both hands on the top of the frame, biceps bunching. Eyes the color of a tornado cloud looked at her, seeming to look rightthroughher. Calculations were zipping behind them.

She set her down her phone on the bed where she was currently perched. “What did you find out?”

He shook his head. “They don’t know either, but they’re sending someone to pick up the utility grade tomorrow, even though no one recognizes that tag. Meanwhile, they’re crediting me for the select.”

“Can’t they just deliver the prime stuff tomorrow when they pick up the inferior lumber?”

“They’re out of select until they get another shipment.”

“So another delay.”

“Another delay.”

“And you’re mad about it.”

“I’m pissed about all of it. The failed inspection, the inferior wood, the delays.”

“Well, I’m relieved to hear you’re not mad at me.”

He blinked and drilled her with those steely greens. “Who says I’m not?”

She opened her mouth, unsure what to say, and quickly snapped it shut. He knocked his knuckles against the wooden doorjamb, turned, and loped away to let the dogs back inside. Disappointment sank into her as she watched him. Moments later, he reappeared to let her know he was on his way out for a meeting.

“Before you go, I have a question.” She took in the room around her. “Am I sleeping here tonight? The couch? Going back to the Haven?”

“That’s three questions.”

She folded her arms across her chest. “They only require one answer.”Smartass.

“I wouldn’t have hauled all your stuff over here if I was going to take you right back.” His tone was neutral, but its usual warmth was missing.

“Okay. That answers one question.” She’d have to get her car, though a little voice told her not to bring it up right now. “Am I in here or on the couch?”

“Haha, you’re funny. You’re in my room. I didn’t haul youandyour stuff over here to have you sleep in my guest bedroom, and especially not on my couch.”

“Well, you’re being a little … unfriendly.”

“Because I’m pissed, and we’re having our first fight. You’re sleeping with me because you have some making up to do, and I fully intend to collect.” He cocked a brow and lowered his chin.

She popped up from the bed, spluttering,“Ihave some making up to do? Why is this all on me?”

He crooked his finger at her. “Come here.”

“No.”

With an eye-roll, he ate up the distance between them and rested his hands on her hips, devil lights dancing in his eyes. “Maybe I have some making up to do too. Either way, I’ll do my part.” He leaned in and nipped at her lip. “I’m really not mad at you. I’m just looking for hot makeup sex later.”

An unexpected wave of relief moved through her, and she burst out with a laugh. His face lit with a wicked grin. She grasped his head in both hands and drew him down for a steamy kiss he wouldn’t soon forget. As she pulled back, she brushed her lips lightly over his. “You don’t play fair.”

“Neither do you,” he gasped. He rested his hands on her shoulders and put several inches between them. “When I’m done, I’ll come pick you up and we can get your car. What do you say we go to Miners afterward?”

“Sure.”

“Good. Then you can drive. I have a feeling I’m going to need to pound a few.”

She watched his back as he walked out the door, pondering why his mood had shifted from playful back to pissed.

Cully looked down atthe check in his hand as Charlie stood facing him between their trucks. They were parked at the rec center’s ball field—which doubled as an ice rink in the winter—where rec league players were warming up.

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