Sighing, I opened my eyes and gaped at the tea in the strainer. “You—but you said you didn’t know what I was talking about!”
“Actually, I never said I didn’t know. I didn’t understand your hand motions, but I’m well aware of where tea leaves go.”
Narrowing my eyes at him, I decided to take the high road. Mostly because I needed the damn tea. “Four minutes.”
As soon as the kettle dinged, he poured the water into my mug, dipping the strainer into the hot water.
“Thank you,” I muttered grudgingly. “Any chance you have any cookies?”
“For a hangover?” he asked, the skepticism as clear as day.
“You weren’t well-liked as a child, were you?”
“You know, the hair of the dog might help.”
“Not a chance in hell.” Just the thought sent my stomach into churning overdrive.
“How long am I going to have to put up with you sitting at my counter?”
“Until I’m able to move without feeling like I’m going to fall over. Unless you want to carry me back home.”
His eyes drifted toward the door in consideration. “Already did that once.”
“So, tell me, Tennessee,” I mumbled, wrapping my hands around the warm mug. “Why did you help me out last night?”
“Because if you stayed in the bar, I’d have to clean up puke and piss.”
“You did it because you’re a nice guy.”
“Never been accused of that.” He nodded to the mug. “Drink your tea.”
“It’s not steeped yet. Why can’t you just admit that you were being nice?”
“If I was being nice, I would have put you to bed. You’re not wearing shoes, by the way.”
I looked down at my feet and frowned. So, that’s why it hurt when I kicked the door. “You took off my boots.”
“Yes, that is the definition of a nice guy,” he said, his voice dripping with disdain. “Drink your tea.”
“Why?”
“Why, what?”
“Why do you want me to drink my tea?”
“Because the sooner you drink your tea, the faster you’ll leave.”
“What if I decide to stay?”
“Then I’ll leave.”
“You’ll leave me in your house?” I asked, narrowing my eyes at him.
“If it means ending this discussion, absolutely.”
“You’re very odd.”
“Maybe, but you’re the one who walked over here with a kettle, tea leaves, and a mug.”
