“Mack, do you want me to come over to talk this out or not?” she growled.
He rattled off his address. “I’m just folding clothes and watching TV.”
“Fine. I’ll be there in ten.”
He hurriedly turned the TV to something sophisticated.The Punisherseemed like something she’d like. While he watched the start of the second season for the fifth time, he kicked back on the couch and shoved his clothes basket aside.
Ten minutes after he’d ended the call, a knock came at his door.
“Damn, you’re punctual,” he said as he opened it.
She looked better than good with rosy cheeks, her eyes sparkling, and her dark hair pulled back in a ponytail. She had her jacket all buttoned up and a scarf around her neck. He wanted to tug her in with it but feared she’d put him on his ass, so he stepped back and allowed her to enter.
Cass glanced around. “It’s nice and warm in here at least. Makes up for all the trouble you’re turning out to be.”
He gave her his best smile.
She sighed and glanced at his lit fireplace. “Gas?”
“Oh yeah. Wood is way too much work.”
She nodded and turned to him, slipping out of her boots.
He had her stripped out of her coat and scarf before she could blink.
She frowned at him. “Thanks.”
“Sure. Coffee?”
Cass brightened. “Okay.”
He led her into the kitchen, proud of his home as she looked around her, and fixed her a K-Cup.
The charming two-story home had three bedrooms and two baths, hardwood floors, and a completely remodeled kitchen. Instead of the old, dark cabinetry, he’d upgraded to white cabinets, navy-blue walls, and an awesome butcher-block island with a ton of cabinet and drawer space. Mack didn’t need anything fancy, but when he’d bought the place, the kitchen had been standing on its last legs.
“Creamer or sugar?” he asked.
“Nah. This is surprisingly cute.” She accepted the coffee he handed her with thanks.
“I know.”
She grudgingly laughed. “Okay, Mr. Ego. I’m here. I’m not scared. And I have no idea what you think you won the last time we were together.”
He stared at her until she blushed and barked, “What?”
“You’re just so beautiful.”
Her blush deepened.
He grinned. “For the record, what I said on the phone is true. I do think you’re scared of what we might have together.”
She sipped and watched him, like a wolf analyzing the best way to take down weak prey. “You’re serious? We fucked once, and now you think I’m scared of you?” She laughed.
But he saw that flash of vulnerability in her eyes and smiled. “Yep.”
She sputtered, and he knew he had her. “That’s ridiculous.”
“Maybe.”
