Page 102 of Ice Devil

When she started singing, I almost lost control of the truck.

I’d be damned if she didn’t have an incredible voice. She knew every word, the sound so powerful I thought for a few seconds I was at a concert. The song ended just as I pulled down the long gravel driveway.

While I remained in the seat with the engine running, completely dumbfounded, which was totally unlike me, she managed to jump from the truck. I only managed to react when out of the corner of my eye I noticed she’d almost tripped. Then I was reminded she’d been injured in the accident.

In a flash, and I meant faster than any human was capable, I gathered her into my arms.

“What are you doing?” Her accusatory tone was stern enough I snarled.

“Protecting the patient. What does it look like I’m doing? Doctor’s freaking orders.” I took long strides toward the house, making it onto the porch before she could think of a nasty counter.

“It’s like you’re carrying me over the threshold after getting married.”

As I unlocked the door, I stared down at her. “I think we both know otherwise. Don’t we?”

“Shortest marriage in history.”

Why had I thought that maybe we could get along for a couple of days? Not with the chemistry or history we shared. I’d offer her a roof over her head and maybe help her get back to the airport. Other than that, I planned on staying far away. I’d need to or I’d lose my mind.

After easing her onto her feet, I backed away like she was on fire. No, I was. My skin prickled from the excessive heat, my palms so damn sweaty they were dripping.

“Don’t go anywhere. I’m going to get your things.”

She saluted while wearing a wry smile.

I grabbed the bags, taking a few extra seconds before returning inside. She was nowhere to be seen. Damn the woman. She was going to be the death of me. Dropping the bags and frustrated as hell, I found her in the kitchen, scanning the room as if already disparaging my space.

“Don’t touch anything. You might burn yourself.” The words left my mouth before I could stop them.

“You honestly think I was planning on lighting a match?”

The thought of spanking her all over again had me drifting my gaze to the wrong place for a red-blooded boy like me. “It’s my brother’s house. I’m thinking about buying it.”

“Which brother?”

“Ford. As if Cole could afford it.”

“That’s right. He moved to Portland and purchased a house with his wife.”

“Fiancée and you don’t need to know anything about my family.” The harsh tone lingered and the brief hurt-filled look on her face didn’t bother me a bit.

Okay, the haunted look in her eyes bothered me enough I felt like a shit for my nasty attitude. But I couldn’t let my guard down with her or she’d eat me alive.

She lifted a single eyebrow while folding her arms. “I was just going to get a glass of water. Is that okay or are you afraid I’ll poison the water source?”

I grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge, handing it to her. Why was it that every time our fingers collided it felt like she’d scalded me? Even so, I couldn’t seem to take my hand away. She was forced to pull back, taking a deep breath as she did.

“I’m not going to make this hard on you, Beck. I know you don’t want me here and I certainly don’t want to be anywhere I’m not wanted. As soon as the doctor releases me and I’ve dealt with the police and insurance, I’ll be out of your hair. Maybe you can give me the name of the officer you talked with.”

“Yeah, you will and I didn’t contact the sheriff. Private property.”

“Oh, the big man handling everything on his own. Okay. Fine. But it’s a rental car.”

“I’ll handle it.”

Her eyes opened wide and while she wanted to argue, she chose not to. Good for her.

“Okay then. Any chance I could get a shower? I feel… dirty.” The glare indicated the filth was all about me.