"You just manhandled me like you had every right," she shot back.
He grimaced. "Sorry. I just wanted a chance to say good-bye to you without an audience."
"How about you use words to communicate that instead of grabbing me and grunting like a caveman?"
"I'm a troll, we're one step below cavemen," he retorted.
Despite her irritation, Dylan laughed. "Well, don't do it in the future and I won't have to hurt you."
He stared at her as if he had no idea what she was talking about. "Hurt me?"
"Don't test me, Clay, or you'll learn why people avoid the woods when they've pissed off the nymphs."
"Okay," he said.
She ignored the patronizing tone. At some point, he would have to learn, but it was too early in their relationship to scare him like that.
"Now, I do need to get my stuff and head out," she said.
Clay hesitated. "You won't stay for a while?"
Dylan moved in and touched his chest. "I'd like to, but I think maybe it's better if I don't."
He dropped his chin to his chest. "Okay. I understand."
"Really?" she asked.
"No, but it's your choice and I need to respect it."
She smiled. "I really like you, Clay."
He frowned at her. "I really like you, too. But why did you say it like that?"
"Like what?"
"Like you thought it was going to upset me."
"Because I thought it might."
His frown deepened. "Why would it upset me that you like me?"
"Because Ireallylike you. Because I could get serious about you very easily and we haven't been dating that long."
His frown vanished. "Is that all?"
She laughed. "Yes, that's all." Dylan shook her head. "You're a surprising man, Clay."
"I know." His eyes grew intense as he continued to stare down at her. "Well, since you're leaving, how about a good-bye kiss?"
"I guess I could do that," she said, rising up on her toes to place her lips against his.
What began as a simple brush of mouth to mouth became something hotter and more intense in the blink of an eye. Dylan plastered her body against his, her arms twining around his neck, and Clay lifted her higher. She opened her mouth, touching her tongue to his, and a soft moan vibrated in her chest.
A car passing on the street honked, long and loud, breaking the spell.
"I need to go," she panted. "Or I'll end up staying."
"Am I supposed to argue about that?" he said. "Because, if so, I vote for staying."
