Page 18 of Snow Bound

“For?”

“Calling you a jerk, and an asshole, and a…”

“Rat-fucking bastard?” he prompted.

Her gaze went sheepish. “I was really pissed.”

“I noticed.” He smiled, remembering just how pissed. “I can’t say I’m sorry for it.”

Surprise filled her eyes, and she tilted her head in an unspoken inquiry.

“Hate fucking is hot.”

Her eyes went wide, her mouth forming a little O of surprise. Then humor lit her gaze. “I don’t hate you.”

“That’s not what you said last night.”

“Oh, well. That was what you might call situational hatred.”

His lips twitched. “Fair enough. Any ill effects?”

“From last night?” She shook her head. “No.”

“No bruising, no soreness?”

“A little of both,” she admitted. “But nothing to worry about.”

He frowned. “Where are you bruised?”

“My hands.” She lifted them, let them fall. “From when you slammed them on the counter.”

“Let me see.” Ignoring her squawk of protest, he stepped forward and reached for her hands, turning them over to examine the faint blue tinges under her knuckles. “Move your fingers for me.”

“They’re fine,” she insisted, flexing obediently. “It doesn’t hurt to move them, just when I bump them on something.”

He smoothed his thumb over the faint marks, watching her face closely. Her face was relaxed, her eyes clear of discomfort. “What about the soreness?”

“That’s just the usual.”

“The usual?” he prompted.

“Nothing a warm bath and Epsom salts won’t cure.”

“Ah.” Charmed, and uncomfortably aroused, he held her hands for a second longer before letting them go. “Well. Do you mind if I grab some breakfast before I get on the road?”

“The road?”

“Back to Chicago.” He tried an easy smile. “Out of your hair.”

“Oh. Right.”

“I can grab something on the way if it’s a problem,” he began, but she shook her head.

“I didn’t make all this bacon just for me,” she told him and nudged the platter in his direction. “Help yourself.”

“Thanks.” He picked up a slice and crunched into it, eyeing her curiously. “Something wrong?”

“No.” She reached for the carton of eggs. “But you’re welcome to stay.”

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