Page 156 of Hidden Nature

“And now I suppose you expect me to share.”

“I do. You also got a meatball sub. You can’t eat all the poppers and this sub.”

“I beg to differ. But I’ll trade three of them for sex.”

“Done. I’m having wine, but I stocked some beer.”

He straightened from the dog bowl. “You bought beer.”

“I’m a thoughtful host. And my father drinks it, too.”

“I’ll take the beer.” He opened her fridge, pulled one out while she set down the food. “Let me ask this straight. Are you looking for something here?”

“I’m looking for my share of these poppers,” she began, then it hit her. Insult slapped temper into high gear.

“Because I bought beer? Jesus, you think I’m trying to, what,ensnareyou with beer and dog food?”

“‘Ensnare’? There’s a word.” His cool tone hit the polar opposite of hers. “I didn’t say or mean you were trying anything. I asked if you’re looking for something.”

Her spine snapped straight; her shoulders tensed to rocks. “Why is it men think women are always trying to trap them into something? I met one today who’s really good at that. It’s not my style.”

“Again, I didn’t say or mean that, so ease back some.”

“Oh, really?”

Maybe he realized his mistake, maybe not, but he held up a hand.

“Let’s try this instead before I get a knee in the balls or a fist in the face, because you look like you could do both. I’m not seeing anyone else, you’re not seeing anyone else. I’m good with that.”

“That doesn’t mean I—”

“Down,” he said, and pointed. Her mouth fell open.

“I don’t take commands from you. I’m not a dog.”

“No. But you’ve got a temper like most every other human, and in this current situation, it’s misplaced. Let me flip this around and say I’m not interested in anyone else. Not for sharing takeout, not for sharing a bed. That doesn’t mean I’m trying to—what was the word again?—ensnare you.”

“If you decide someone else interests you, you just have to let me know.”

“That works both ways.”

“Great. We understand each other.”

“But I wouldn’t like it.” He set the beer down, then took her by her tensed shoulders. “I’d back off from someone who didn’t want me, but I wouldn’t like it if that was you. I’m trying to get a read, that’s all.”

He felt her shoulders relax—just a little, but enough.

“I wouldn’t like it if I had to back off.”

“Okay.” He kissed her forehead where the scar rode under her bangs.

“You phrased the initial question in a stupid, insulting,maleway.”

He kept his eyes on hers a moment, then nodded. “It stings some, but I’m going to have to give you that one.”

Damn it, she liked he could admit a mistake, without laying on qualifications. So she did the same with acceptance.

“All right then.”

---