“Nope.”
That earned me the smallest sound — not quite a laugh, but close enough to make me feel it.
“You’re like a puppy with muscles.”
“Probably the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me.”
“It wasn’t a compliment.”
“Still counts. Puppies are cute, so you’re calling me cute.” I grinned up at her.
She pressed her lips together as though fighting a smile and turned on her heel, muttering something I couldn’t make out.
That night, I was sitting on the porch steps with my arms resting on my knees when I spotted movementin the second-floor window next door. Tori was in the process of closing her window when she caught sight of me.
I jerked my chin in her direction. “Don’t worry. I’m done rescuing the neighborhood for the day.”
“Thank God,” she muttered, her hands still on the window frame but not moving to close it any further.
“Unless you’ve got something broken at your place.”
“What there’s still stuff you haven’t fixed around here, Captain America?”
“I’m not American,” I interjected, a grin tugging at my face.
“Details.” She waved a hand dismissively. “Still a hero in need of rescuing.”
I laughed and shook my head.Man, she’s something else.“So I’m a hero who can’t handle his place?”
“You really want me to go there?” She leaned out of the window just a fraction closer. My chest tightened. “Because I’ll tell you anyway — probably not. You’re the kind of hero who gets taken advantage of.”
Her attitude was maddening. Every word, every smirk and every tiny step towards me made my pulse spike. I wanted to challenge her; I wanted to show her I could handle it … whateveritwas.
“Not even close.” I leaned forward.
Her eyes glinted with the sharp, teasing fire that always made me second-guess myself.
Tori arched an eyebrow imperiously. “You know, for someone built like a linebacker, you’re not exactly intimidating.”
I grinned. “Keep talking like that and you'll find out what I'm capable of.”
The way she tilted her head made something coil low in my chest. It was dangerous and tempting. I could feel the electricity building between us.
Tori scoffed. “Oh, please. You couldn’t handle me.”
I bit back a groan as my pulse spiked.Fuck.I loved feisty women.
“Yeah?” I rose to my feet and stepped closer to the railing, my grin widening. “Wanna bet?”
She let out a soft, incredulous laugh. “You’re ridiculous.”
“Maybe. But you love it,” I shot back, tossing in just enough of a teasing edge to get under her skin.
Her eyes narrowed. “I don’t love anything about this.”
“Except proving me wrong?” I countered, leaning on the railing.
She huffed and brushed a strand of hair from her face, each movement purposeful. “Keep dreaming, Pretty Boy. I eat men like you for breakfast.”
