Page 31 of Melting His Grumpy Heart
Ru’s breath caught, the sudden, unexpected proximity sending heat coursing through him despite the cold. Jake’s hands were firm against his sides, warm through layers of clothing, the casual display of strength making his stomach flutter.
“Er, yes,” he managed, his voice a tangled squawk as he rammed the hat on top of the snowman’s head, a snowman who now looked like he was smirking.
A moment later, he was back on the ground, taking way too long to wrap the scarf around the snowman’s neck, anything to not look at Jake.
“He looks distinguished, don’t you think?” Ru said, not meeting Jake’s eye.
“No, he looks ridiculous.”
Ru’s gaze snapped to Jake. “No. You’re just jealous becausea snowman’smore stylish than you.”
“Is that right?” Jake’s tone shifted, a challenge entering his voice. Before Ru could react, a snowball hit him squarely in the chest, exploding in a puff of white.
“Did you just—” Ru began, outrage warring with delight.
Another snowball, this one grazing his shoulder as he twisted away.
“Oh, it issoon,” Ru declared, scooping up snow and packing it hastily. His first attempt disintegrated in flight, but his second caught Jake’s arm as he ducked behind the snowman.
“Hiding behind an innocent bystander?” Ru called, already forming another missile. “Shameful tactics, soldier!”
Jake emerged long enough to launch a perfect shot that caught Ru square in the chest. “All’s fair,” he called back, a grin ripping across his face.
Snowball after snowball flew through the freezing air, along with shouted accusations of sneaky, underhand tactics. Ru was hopelessly outmatched in accuracy and strategy, but he made up for it with enthusiasm and unpredictability.
At one point, he feinted left, then charged directly at Jake, catching him off-guard enough to stuff a handful of snow down the back of his collar, earning a yelp of surprise.
“Dirty fighting,” Jake accused, shaking snow from his clothes.
“I fight to win.” Ru laughed in triumph as he danced backward out of reach.
Jake’s eyes narrowed, a predatory glint replacing surprise. “You’ll regret that.”
A delicious shiver raced down Ru’s spine. He turned to flee, squealing when a snowball caught him square between the shoulder blades. Another followed immediately, clipping his arm.
“How are you so fast?” Ru demanded, spinning to face his attacker, only to find Jake much closer than expected.
“Training.” Jake grinned as he advanced with clear intent, another snowball at the ready.
Ru backed up, hands raised in surrender. “Mercy for a civilian?”
“Terms?”
“I acknowledge your superior snowball skills and tactical genius?”
Jake tilted his head as he considered the truce, his expression serious though his eyes danced with something that made Ru’s stomach flip. “Not good enough.”
“What do you want, then?” The question came out breathier than Ru intended, laden with possibilities neither of them had acknowledged since last night.
Jake’s eyes darkened, and Ru thought,hoped, he might close the distance between them completely. Instead, Jake smirked and said, “Hot chocolate. You make it.”
Relief and disappointment warred in Ru’s chest. “That’s it?”
“No. I also demand mince pies. Accept my terms or meet the consequences.” Jake tossed the snowball he was still holding from hand to hand.
Ru laughed, the tension breaking. “You drive a hard bargain, but fine. I surrender.” He turned towards the house, making his way through the snow. “Though I warn you, my hot chocolate making skills are suspect at be?—”
His foot caught on something hidden beneath the snow and he pitched forward, his body twisting as he tried to catch himself. As he hit the ground, his forehead connected with something solid and a sharp pain exploded across the bridge of his nose.
