“No. I hope you don’t mind if I look for something to eat. I’m starved.” She moved to the dining room table and shrugged out of her coat.
It was mentally unhealthy for him to watch as she removed her coat and hung it over the back of a chair, but he couldn’t tear his gaze away. The tight pink sweater hugged her perfectly, emphasizing her curves even more.
Quickly, he tore his eyes away. Good grief! What had possessed him to think like this? He was a grown man, not some teenager experiencing interest in a woman for the first time. But right now, his hormones jumped around so much he could have been fourteen years old instead of twenty-six.
“There are some sandwiches and chips in the Jeep,” he said. “We might as well eat those.”
“All right,” she replied.
Her green eyes met his and she smiled. A twinkle flashed from her stare and made his gut twist.
“I’ll be back,” he said over his shoulder as he took off into the storm.
Perhaps the shock of the cold temperature would change his thoughts. If not, he was in big trouble!
* * * *
JUSTIN BALANCED THEfood and six-pack of soda in his hands, opened the cabin door, and stepped inside. With his hip he pushed the door closed, then he stomped the excess snow from his boots before placing the items on the long coffee table. His attention moved to Brooke sitting on the floor, switching stations on the big screen TV.
He hadn’t been outside that long, but the cool temperature had subdued his system and his logical thinking returned. Letting his anger settle, he inwardly cursed Brooke for being here. Although a stupid mistake, she may have inadvertently put herself in danger, too. If the man searching for him found Brooke, he might not hesitate to kill her. Tony Pierpont was a ruthless man. He wouldn’t let anything get in the way of something he wanted.
If, by chance, the killer didn’t find them here, Justin was still in trouble. Having a woman this beautiful in his presence wasn’t good, either. The only logical plan was to figure out a way to get her away from him. Fast!
Folding his arms across his chest, he moved to stand behind her. “What’s the weather look like for tomorrow?”
She glanced up at him and shrugged. “It appears this big storm is continuing into tomorrow and won’t let up for at least another forty-eight hours.”
Grumbling, he turned and plopped down in a heavily cushioned chair closest to him. There was too much on his mind to keep her entertained. “I can’t believe I’m going to be stuck with you for at least another day or two.”
She shot him a scowl. “I’m sorry for sabotaging your little getaway, but if you had taken me back to town as I’d asked, we wouldn’t be having this conversation.”
He glared at her then leaned over to the coffee table and grabbed a can of soda. Curse her for making sense. Again.
“Okay, Miss Know-It-All,” he said, snapping open the lid on his drink, “what do you suppose we do? I can’t take you back to town now. The snow is coming down so hard I couldn’t see in front of me a minute ago when I returned from the Jeep.”
She stood, moved to the fireplace, and threw on a log. “I don’t know. It’s obvious you don’t want me here, but it’s also clear I can’t leave.”
Relaxing in the chair, he gulped his drink. He didn’t think anyone would come get her in this storm anyway. “How would you feel about staying in one of the bedrooms until someone comes for you?”
She threw him an evil glare. “And how would you feel if I kicked your butt out into the snow? You may be bigger than me, but you haven’t seen me when I’m mad.”
His lips twitched as he tried to imagine a petite woman like Brooke trying to physically toss him out. When he pictured how hilarious that would be, Justin let out a chuckle that grew into laughter.
She gasped. “Oh. You think it’s funny? Would you like a demonstration?”
Doubling over, he laughed harder. The more he imagined Brooke trying to do that very thing, the more volume erupted from his chest. He held his sides together and enjoyed the joyous ringing coming from him – a sound he hadn’t heard for quite a while.
Her lips pursed. He’d irritated her, but he just couldn’t stop laughing. Moisture gathered in his eyes and his sides hurt, but he needed this kind of healing power.
A small grin appeared on her mouth, softening the lines of anger from her face. She walked to him, standing above him with hands on hips in a square stance.
“So, Mr. Hot Shot. You don’t believe me? Is it because I’m a woman?”
He shook his head, still laughing. “You’re so... tiny.”
She stepped back and waved her arms in the air. “Come on, get up. I’ll prove I can take you on.” She slowly circled him, looking ready to pounce at any moment.
Her seriousness made the situation more enjoyable, and he decided to play her little game. It felt good to have fun, even though it would only be for a short while. Once he returned to his real life and the danger awaiting him, he’d have to take things more seriously, but for now, he’d enjoy this special playtime.
