“Thank you, I—”
“What the hell were you thinking?” he interrupted, his voice almost a shout.
Her brows rose. “What wasIthinking? Um, that he was an asshole.”
“So, what? You grab him? A guy who’s over six feet tall and clearly aggressive?”
“If he has a hand on a woman, yes, I grab him.”
Jesus Christ. “No. You get me, andIgrab him. We’re going.”
“I don’t think so. Not after you shouted at me like that.”
“Yes, we are. We’re done here.”
“Stop telling me what to do.”
He lowered his head. “Aspen, I’m this fucking close to losing the slim hold I have on my self-control. Either you walk to the door with me, or I throw you over my shoulder and carry you out.”
Her eyes narrowed. “I’mnotgoing.”
“Fine.” He bent and threw her over his shoulder.
She screeched. “What the hell are you doing?”
“I’m taking you home before you piss off the next asshole and get yourself hurt.” He passed his brother and sister. Clara was looking at them wide-eyed, while his brother was visibly biting back a grin. “I’ll see you guys later.”
Aspen pounded his back. “Let me go, you big bully!”
“No.” He stepped outside and walked to his car.
“Put me down.Now.”
He slid her down his body beside the car.
The second her feet were on the ground, she shoved him. “I can’t believe you did that. And why the hell didn’t anyone stop you?”
“People in this town like me.”
“Yeah, well, they see you kidnapping a woman from the bar and that should change.”
He opened the passenger door. “Get in, Aspen.”
“No.” She crossed her arms.
Jesus.He forced his voice to soften.“Aspen, I’m on edge because you were a second away from getting hurt in that bar. I’m easygoing until I’m not anymore. Now will you please get in the car?”
She swallowed as her chest rose on a deep inhale. “Look, I know I put myself in harm’s way, but I did it for a good reason. I didn’twantto cause a scene, and I didn’t wantyouto have to lay hands on anyone. But youstillshouldn’t have shouted at me.” She was about to turn when she added. “And the next time you throw me over your shoulder, I’m going to kick you in the balls.”
Then she lowered into the car and slammed the door.
Even though he was still mad about what she’d done, he couldn’t stop the wide ass smile from crossing his face. Even after all that she still threw that shit at him.
He rounded the vehicle and got in, then gave her a few seconds to put on her seat belt. But when she sat there too long with her arms crossed, he reached for it himself.
“What are you—”
He pulled the belt across her body, ignoring the way his arm grazed her chest, and the way her breath brushed his cheek.
