Page 36 of Pain in the Axe
Why was riling her up so damn exciting? “It’s fine,” I said, my blood heating at her fierce expression. “If you want to ice me out, I’ll do all the work here.” I punctuated that last part with a wink.
The scoff that escaped her only made this more fun.
Pushing my chair back, I stood slowly, definitely feeling the wine. Carefully, I shuffled to the love seat and flipped on the tabletop gas fire. Once it was roaring, I reclined against the cushion. It was a beautiful night. The breeze was cool and the sky was full of stars.
All my defenses were fading away, thanks to the wine. Or maybe it was the company. I’d never admit it, but having her here, in my space, lit a spark inside me. I felt liberated, like I could be anyone and do anything.
After a few moments, she joined me. The wicker love seat was small, but she kept a healthy distance. I could have fixated on that space between us, but the thrill of her being so close overwhelmed me.
I turned to face her. “You are so beautiful. I want to say something witty, but that’s all I can think about right now.”
She crossed her arms over her chest. “Are you drunk?”
“Nah.” I shook my head. “A bit tipsy, maybe, but not even close to drunk.”
“Did you sustain a head injury?”
“Not that I know of.”
Her cheeks were tinged pink, and her eyes were just a little hazy, but her voice was clear. “You’re not frowning or growling or complaining. You’re relaxed and flirty. What the hell has gotten into you?”
“I’m having fun, Dragonfly. You’re pretty, and it’s a nice night. And my brain keeps thinking about how I never got to call you Mrs. Hebert and how much I would have liked that.”
She straightened and lifted her chin. “I will never change my name.”
“Great,” I breathed out. “Then I’ll take yours. The Hebert name’s been trashed anyway. It’s the kind of thing my dad would lose his shit over, but he’s in prison, so the joke’s on him.” I meant it. The family name, which had once been such a source of pride, didn’t matter much anymore. In fact, most of the things I’d previously cared about didn’t matter anymore.
“You’ve officially lost it.”
“Nah.” I leaned back against the cushion again and peered up at the stars. “I forgot how much I like spending time with you. How real and free I feel when you’re close by.”
For a long moment, we were silent, my words hanging in the air between us.
“God, you’re not letting up, are you?” she said, trying to brush off my confession.
Shifting so I was facing her, I took her hands in mine.
“I couldn’t if I tried. Just being here with you, even if you’re insulting me and reminding me that I’m unworthy of your presence, is still better than 100 percent of the nights I’ve had since you left. You could kick me in the balls right now, and I’d still be thrilled you came over.”
She let out a harrumph. “That’s a tempting offer.”
We regarded one another for a few moments, our hands linked, in total silence. She looked beautiful in the firelight, and I knew in my bones I needed to kiss her. It had been so long, but I’d never wanted anything more. The warmth of her skin against mine was making me reckless. It made me want something that I did not deserve.
Before I could give in, she stood and stomped her foot, breaking the trance. “God, you are so infuriating. Why do you have to be so charming and grumpy and handsome? Why can’t you just be shitty and stay in my past?”
Okay, so I guessed kissing was off the table.
“It’s not fucking fair, Gus,” she ranted.
“I’m not shitty,” I said, sitting up. “And neither are you.”
“Yes, we are. We’re shitty to each other. Hence why I shouldn’t even be here.”
I stood. “Yet you came running when I invited you.” I didn’t want to yell. I wanted to sit back down, pull her into my lap, and kiss her until she calmed down. Yet, here I was, giving as good as I got.
She threw her hands up and stomped into the house. “You are an impossible, pig-headed ass.”
“Takes one to know one,” I shouted, following as she rushed through the kitchen and into the living room.
