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I read her lips when she says, “Oh, great,” then hops down and marches toward me. I’m not surprised she’d come out swinging, even with messy odds.

A pop princess’s song about killing someone with kindness plays on the radio. Leaving the headlights on, I step out of the Jeep.

“If you would have waited for me this afternoon, like I told you, this wouldn’t have happened,” I tell her.

Okay, so I’ll try to be nice later. I really need to revisit why being near Sophia makes me want to antagonize her.

“What are you doing here?” She doesn’t bother disguising her annoyance.

“That’s a strange way to say thank you for driving to bumfuck to save your ass.”

Her very round and shapely ass.

When Sophia moves a few feet away, favoring her good leg, I wince, recalling she’s hurt. For that, I do feel terrible.

When I opened the windows in the truck, I honestly didn’t think about animals getting inside. I only thought a passing rain would drench the interior, something that’s happened a million times from a leaky sunroof.

When the jalopy’s interior is damp, the stench is, well, memorable. I hoped it would slow Sophia down for several days. But then, based on our interactions, I should have known better. I vow never to underestimate her again.

I hope the poor bird is okay.

“How did you know to look for us?” She folds her arms. “Are you stalking us?” Her eyes widen like she’s hit on the real answer.

“You’d love that, wouldn’t you.” I smirk.

She shrieks.

I laugh. Goddamn, she’s adorable.

“Tina sent me a text.” I shake my phone’s screen in her face as proof.

“How do you know her again?” Sophia’s eyes narrow.

“Everyone knows Tina.” I shrug. I don’t need to get into how we’re connected.

“Thank you for saving us.” A deflated Amelia steps around Sophia. She gives me a hug, right before she climbs into the back of the Jeep.

“Finally, someone with sense.” I look to Sophia. “You going to give me a hug too?”

I hold open my arms. This is me being nice, right?

She stalks toward the Jeep, but I shuffle to block her way.

“No way. You gotta pay the toll,” I say, teasing.

“Give the man a hug and murder him later. My stomach is going to eat itself.” Amelia falls over in her seat, clutching her belly.

Sophia appears homicidal.

“Or if you prefer, I’m still open to negotiations.” I pop my brows. “You have a house I need, and I have a very reliable car right here, waiting for you.” I tap the Jeep’s hood before propping a foot on the tire and leaning into my knee.

Sophia’s expression glazes over like she’s absorbing the offer. Then something sparks and blazes, followed by a mischievous glimmer.

I’ve already learned that look. Feared that look. Some awful, no-good idea is forming behind her gorgeous eyes and inside that diabolical brain. So, when her features soften and she saunters close like a viper about to strike, I know I’m in for it. I lift my chin, trying not to show fear.

“You’re telling me that if I give you the bungalow during the day, you’ll give me your car, starting right now?” She flashes her doe-like eyes, her thick black eyelashes fluttering.

Er. Huh?