Was that just this morning? It feels so long ago.
Miles lowers another finger, and my muscles tense, my fight-or-flight instincts taking over.
Finally.
Whatever happens next, Miles has to be my priority. I’ll be wrecked if something happens to Gizmo, but the thought of Miles being hurt because of my careless actions is unbearable.
He lowers the last finger and darts forward, wedging the stick under the snake and flinging it into the brush as he runs toward me, hot on Gizmo’s heels.
I fall to my knees and scoop Gizmo up.
A beat later, Miles grabs my arm and pulls me to my feet, ushering me up the stairs of the Airstream and pulling the door securely shut behind us.
It happens so fast, I barely have time to process.
Is this shock? This must be shock.
“I think I’m in shock.”
Miles looks me over, frowning.
“You’re going to crush Gizmo.” He takes the trembling hamster from my hands. “And after I went to such great lengths to save him.”
I watch in stunned silence as he carries Gizmo to his habitat and places him inside, taking care to double-check the latch.
“You called him Gizmo.”
It’s the first time Miles has ever called him by his proper name. It’s usually Gremlin. Or little monster. Or that fur ball.
He shrugs, a self-deprecating smile curving his lips. “I guess you could say he’s growing on me.”
“Thank you.” I rush to him, leaping into his arms and wrapping my legs around his waist. “Thank you for saving him.”
His strong arms circle my body, and his hands settle under my ass, holding me tight as I lower my mouth to his. He meets me halfway, and I pour all the fear and anxiety of the last ten minutes into the kiss, using my lips to tell him everything I can’t say with my words.
He groans into my mouth, and just like that, desire pools low in my belly.
It’s all I can do not to rock my hips against him—to revel in the delicious friction it would create—but first we need to talk.
“What the hell were you thinking?” I demand, breaking the kiss off without warning. “You could’ve been killed.”
Miles smirks. Becauseof coursehe does.
Arrogant ass.
“Snake bites are rarely fatal to humans, which you’d know if you paid attention to the ranger this morning.”
“Mira qué cabrón.” I huff out a breath and release my grip on him, sliding to the floor. “You could’ve been hurt. What you did was dangerous and impulsive and stupid and—”
“What was I supposed to do? Stand there and let him get eaten?”
“You weren’t supposed todoanything.” I comb my fingers through my hair, pushing the sweaty strands back from my face. “Gizmo is my responsibility. I’m the one who let him escape. I’m the one who should’ve faced the consequences.”
“Like hell,” he growls, crossing his arms and widening his stance.
“Are you serious right now? What kind of sexist bullshit is that?” If he thinks I’m going to back down, he’s got another think coming. Nope. I’m just getting warmed up. “What? Because you’re a man, it’s okay for you to do risky shit, but not me?”
“Call it what you want,” he says, leaning in close, “but I’m not about to stand by and watch someone I care about put themself in danger.”
