Page 122 of Fly's Path

“You know who I am. You don’t need to see a bunch of bruises to confirm the man you think I am.” Why am I fighting this so hard?

Because you’re afraid of freaking her out again.

“I think I know who you are. But what happened to you was to protect a stranger. It’ll help me to imagine what you’d do for someone you love.”

“For someone I love—” I reach up and brush a strand of her hair off of her face. “—I would do anything.”

“You’re not supposed to say things like that.”

A grin spreads across my face at her consternation. “What am I supposed to say?”

“Not super romantic things that make me want to kiss you until we’re both dizzy.”

“Offer accepted.” I lean forward.

Sheri holds a hand up but doesn’t touch me. “Nope. You’re not distracting me with your wily ways.”

“Fine, if you want to kiss me.” I lean back with a Cheshire grin on my face.

“No more talk of kissing and take your shirt off.” She freezes for a second, then a blush steals up her face.

“You’re beautiful when you blush.”

“I didn’t mean it like that.”

“So you don’t want me to take my shirt off so you can kiss me.”

“Fly!”

Even though her face is on fire, I feel the need to tease her a little more. “Because I completely agree with that idea.”

“Just take it off.”

Is she really as innocent as that blush makes her seem? It could just be me projecting my desires on her. The idea of being the only man she’ll ever kiss is heady indeed. Not that I’d expect that from any woman. It’s not like I’m coming to the table without a history.

Her hands go to her hips as the blush fades away. “Please, I need to know.”

“You don’t.” But I take the shirt off.

Tears pour out of her eyes as she stares at me.

“It isn’t as bad as you think.”

“Don’t lie to me. I don’t lie to you. Please don’t lie to me.”

I love that about her. “It’s not as bad as you think. There aren’t any broken bones or anything with long-term damage. The bruises hurt, but not enough that talking to you doesn’t distract me from the pain.”

With wet eyes, she lifts her gaze to mine. “You promise?”

“I promise. Now, how about we put this behind us and take that nap?”

She nods. “But we’re switching sides. I’m not laying on all those bruises. And would you mind keeping your shirt off, or is it too cold?”

Too cold? Is she oblivious to her effect on me? Probably. “No, it’s not too cold.”

“Good.” She scrambles over to my side.

“You could act as my blanket if you’d like.”