“Yes, and then he would make sure I was okay after. He’s very protective.”
“And you’re willing to say this even when you’re mad at him.”
“She’s not mad at me,” Keller interjects.
I glance over my shoulder. “Yes, I am.”
“You’re just irritated.”
“Uh, pardon me, pal, but I would appreciate it if you didn’t set back feminism fifty years by telling me how I feel. I’m angry with you, swallow it.” I turn back to Elias. “Despite being angry with my stubborn fiancé, I know he would catch me. I know he would take care of me and make sure I’m never in harm’s way.”
“Okay.” Elias smiles. “Fall backward.”
Without even giving it a second thought, I extend my arms to the side and tip backward, only to be caught by two large arms. His grip is protective yet soft and gentle, and as he brings me back up, his lips caress my ear as he asks, “You okay?”
“Yes,” I reply, irritated, because his voice sent goosebumps down my arm, and I’m trying to be mad at him.
He then fully stands me up, and I hold my hands out to Elias. “See. He would never let anything happen to me.”
“That’s wonderful.” Elias nods at Keller. “Is that true? You would never let anything happen to Lilly?”
“Never,” Keller answers with such certainty that it relieves me . . . only a smidge. I’m still mad at him. I’m still irritated he tried to control me, and I’m very much upset that he’s not telling me something about Norse Temple.
“Good.” Elias’s smile grows. “Now switch places.”
“Okay,” I say starting to move, but Keller stays put and holds out his hand in confusion.
“Hold on, switch places as in you want me to fall into Lilly?” he asks.
“Yes,” Elias answers.
Simple request, Keller. I move around him and push him forward. “There ya go, fella. Get into position.”
“I’m not falling into her,” Keller says, stiff as a board.
“Do you not trust her?” Elias asks.
“No, I do,” Keller says. “This has nothing to do with trust and everything to do with the fact she’s much smaller than me. I’ll hurt her.”
“Hey.” I push at his back. “You know I’ve been working out. I can handle your body.”
“Just trust the exercise,” Elias says as Keller grumbles under his breath, and then I get in position, legs slightly bent, a touch of a lean forward to brace for impact. I rub my hands together, ready to catch this giant bag of potatoes. “Okay, Keller, I have to ask you again, do you trust Lilly?”
“Yes,” he answers, exasperation in his voice.
“So then take two steps forward and fall backward.”
Keller shakes his head. “Not going to happen.”
“Why?” Elias asks.
“Because I told you, I’m too big for her.”
“You’re not. I can handle you,” I say, growing annoyed. “Just fall backward.”
Sure, he might be a foot taller and much, much bigger with pounds upon pounds of muscle, but I could still handle him. No problem.
Just watch me.
