Page 64
She hesitated for a beat, then gave a curt nod. “Sure.”
Ronan moved through the house, and she trailed after him. He grabbed two mugs from the temporary setup and filled them to the brim. He usually softened his with milk, but right now he needed the extra kick to deal with prickly Felicity.
“What on earth happened here?” She turned slowly, taking in the space.
His eyes flicked to the fireplace, then back to her. “Still figuring that out.”
After uncovering the original gem, he’d pulled out the built-ins, curious what else might be lurking behind the hideous cabinets. Turned out — nothing. Just a bigger mess.
He handed her a mug and tilted his head, studying her. “So. We talking rules? Boundaries? Or you just here to workshop the concept?”
She took a sip of her coffee, eyes on him over the rim. “Don’t get cute,” she said.
“Too late,” he replied easily.
That earned him a scowl.
He grinned.
“Definitely no sex.”
His grin faded. “Pity.”
“Ronan.”
He held up a hand. “Okay. No sex.” Then, with a wink, “Unless you storm in here and demand it.”
“I knew this wasn’t going to work.”
“Whoa. Have mercy.” He dragged a hand through his hair. “I’m still waking up. Had a long day yesterday — basketball tournament, late drive back. On a bus. With a pack of junior highs.”
She placed her mug on the makeshift worktop. “Sounds painful,” she said, flexing her hands.
That’s when he noticed her reddened knuckles. He set his own coffee down and caught her hands. “What the hell happened here?”
“Fighting.” She tugged free and shoved them into her pockets.
His gaze swept over her face, checking for more damage. Nothing. Relief loosened something in his chest. “Who were you fighting?”
“Why?” She eyed him. “You gonna take on my battles, Marine?”
“That’s what friends are for.”
“I’m a big girl. I can take care of myself.”
“Sure you can. Having a sidekick just makes it easier.”
“Sidekick.” A real smile broke through.
And he was pretty sure it was the first one he’d seen from her. Wide. Bright. Laced with humor. “Robin to my Batman, huh?”
That tracked. Dark, guarded, living in her own head. Keeping the world at arm’s length like Batman.
Except she was standing in his kitchen at seven on a Sunday, talking about being friends. Smiling that smile.
He didn’t take that lightly. “I’m serious, Felicity. Was this a … job thing?”
“Stand down, Marine. Leather on leather.” She sighed. “I hit the gym early.”
