Page 36 of Sinner’s Game

“Just in case,” he says. “Bad guys.”

I nod, but we both know that wasn’t what he meant. And I’m not sure if I’m grateful he’s sticking to my rules or frustrated that he’s not abandoning caution and pushing me out of my comfort zone.

“For the record, this is my cabin in the woods,” he says. “I happen to like a view other than trees.”

I think about it, and he’s right. He’s surrounded by a neighborhood, yet set off, secluded against nature and people by the cliff on one side and the stone fence on the other. “So I guess I imagined you right, but in the wrong setting.”

“And here I thought you knew me.” He presses a hand over his heart, making me laugh.

“Not a bad thing. I like the idea of getting to know you better.” As soon as I say it, I regret it. That doesn’t feel like casual flirting. That feels like going too far into dangerous waters.

To pull it back, I hold up my wine glass. “You have good taste.”

“Actually, I just know a very good sommelier.”

“Yeah, my sommelier is great too. His name’s George. He works in the wine and beer aisle at Ralphs,” I say, referring to the nearby grocery store.

“I think we can do better than George,” Ronan says. “Tomorrow if you like, we’ll go and let you pick out a bottle.”

“Is that how you entertain all the women who come to your house after they find men murdered in their living room?” Immediately, I regret the words.

To my relief, Ronan only smiles. “No, only the cute blonde ones.” He reaches out and curls a strand of my hair around his finger. “With adorable pink tips.”

My cheeks flush, and I look down, once again fascinated by my wine.

He releases my hair, then leans back, turning in his seat to look more directly at me. “We never did fix that sink of yours.”

“And I never made us cookies.” I frown as I meet his eyes. “Is it bad that I still want to? Even more than I did before?”

“Now?”

I lift a shoulder. “You know me. It’s what I do when I’m stressed.”

“I could eat cookies.”

“Well, we’ll have to hit the store, because we’re not going back to my place. Not only did the cops kick us out of there, but I don’t want to eat cookies made from ingredients that were near a dead guy.”

“Pretty sure it’s not catching.”

“That,” I tell him, “is not the point.”

“For the record, I agree. But we don’t need to go out. I’m sure I have everything you need. And while you make cookies, I’ll grill some steaks.”

I gape at him. “You? A bachelor action hero who can cook?”

“Are you maligning me with stereotypes?”

“I’m calling you an action hero. Is that maligning you?”

He chuckles. “No. I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“Good. Because it’s meant to be.”

“But you forget about Casey Ryback.”

I shake my head slowly, having no clue what he’s talking about.

“Under Siege. Fun movie from the nineties. Action hero and a cook.”