Page 62 of Abdominal Snowman

“Yeah, I do,” she replied softly. She didn’t know why, but tears sprang to her eyes, and before she could blink, Soren’s arms were wrapped around her so tight it was hard to breathe.

When she could suck a breath in, she pulled back to stare up at him. “This won’t happen again though,” she stated, voice soft but unforgiving. “I want to stay, but if anything like this happens again, Soren… I won’t do that.”

Soren opened and closed his mouth a few times before he finally nodded. His gaze was dangerously serious as he finally said, “I completely understand, and I will do anything to show I’m serious.”

Sage stepped back and crossed her arms. “Well? You mentioned begging.”

She tilted her head in the air and waited patiently. As she did, she watched a clump of snow loosen on the tree above them. A slow grin curled her lips.

When she lowered her head to Soren, his knees were deep in the snow, and he was staring up at her like she was a goddess to be worshipped.

Hell, I can get used to that.

Triumphant, Sage trotted forward and stared down at Soren. It was the first time she’d ever been taller than him, and she had to say she didn’t hate the idea.

“What do you have to say?” she asked with a mischievous grin.

Soren stared beseechingly up at her, and she wondered if it was too late in the relationship to swoon. He was so hot.

Heat sparked to life inside her that had nothing to do with the anger that had been occupying her.

But then his gaze softened, and he parted his lips. “Sage, I’m sorry for lying to you—” He shook his head. “No, it was worse. I manipulated you into staying, and that’s never going to sit right with me. But I can promise to do better going forward. It will never happen again.”

Sage lifted her boot and pressed it against the front of his shoulder, over his winter jacket. Soren grinned and leaned into it so she could shift forward.

Nose to nose, she paused, and both of their breaths fogged the air between them. Close enough to kiss. To taste. To want.

If she wanted, that is.

“Eh, I’ll think about it.”

She pushed with her foot, toppling Soren backward into the snow at the exact moment the clump fell from the tree. It crashed down on him once he plopped in the snow, and he sputtered as it got him in the face.

She cackled and turned, digging one foot into the snow after another as she ran from the crime scene and laughed.

That was her best work yet.