Page 20 of Phoenix

“Are you always this bossy? Does that generally work for you?” I ask, passing a freshly rinsed plate to him.

“Usually.” He takes the plate and carefully dries it off before placing it on the counter.

“So...how have you been?” I talk a lot of internal shit about Case, mainly because I have been trying to convince myself he doesn’t affect me. I’m a strong, fierce woman after all. I don’t want to admit a caveman like him makes my lady parts tingle. But at the end of the day, he’s a decent, caring human I genuinely connect with.

“Good. I’ve been real good. Keeping busy at work, it’s always entertaining.” He dries another plate when I pass it to him.

“Staying safe?”

We spent hours talking last time I was here in town—about everything and nothing at the same time—about his lack of fear on the job. The way he discussed it terrified me. Knowing he just reacts and dives in headfirst to situations sent a boulder into the pit of my stomach.

“Always, and Arya just ensures it. She’d bite anyone who tried to hurt me right in the ass.”

His love for his dog makes me literally swoon. “Ah, the infamous Arya. She’s a German Shepherd, right? Named after the second greatest Game of Thrones character?” I ask, as I pass him the last dish.

“Mmm hmm. And I’m going to ignore the second best comment. We both know Arya is most amazing character on that show.” He dries the plate and puts it away then tosses the towel, which plops me right in the face.

“Hey!” I toss it back. “Rude. And you think she’s better than Tyrion? Get real!”

“I will force you to see it my way...one day.” He leans against the counter and crosses his arms over his chest. “So, now will you tell me why you’re really here?”

The abrupt subject change makes my head spin. “What do you mean?”

“I mean had this been a planned trip, I’m certain I would have been told.”

“You think so? Why is that?”

“Because I just know.” His smirk makes me shiver in the best way. Damn him.

“I just wanted to visit. I missed Amelia. I missed the ease of being in the area.”

“So, what you’re saying is, you didn’t come here to see me? That’s a shame.” He tucks a stray piece of hair behind my ear.

“No, in fact, I had forgotten you even live here.” If I could capture the look on his face and bottle it forever, I would.

He leans in close, so close I can smell his cologne before he whispers, “Liar.”

“You’re very sure of yourself for someone who couldn’t even close the deal with me the last time I was here.” I raise my chin, not showing an ounce of submission.

“Who says I wanted to?” He hasn’t moved away, in fact, he’s probably gotten closer.

“The fact you tried to kiss me.”

“And why didn’t I succeed?” Our lips are nearly touching now. I can feel the heat of his breath on my lips and the smell of the beer on his lips. It’s mixed with the minty scent of his toothpaste and the deep, woody smell of his cologne. It’s delicious.

Before I have a chance to answer, to tell him I don’t give in to cocky arrogance, Amelia comes into the kitchen.

“Oh! Shit. Am I interrupting something?” She goes to step back out of the room.

“No!” I say quickly. “Not a thing.” I squeeze around his body and step away, getting some breathing room. “I should head upstairs and call Marco. He fights tonight and I need to say good luck.”

“Tell big bro I said knock ‘em dead,” Amelia says, as I escape up the stairs without saying goodbye to Case.

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