Page 51 of Hero Mine

“You sure about that?”

“Positive.”

Bear made a humming sound, deep in his throat. “Seems like maybe you’re a little jealous.”

“Of what?” Joy scoffed, grabbing a fresh rag to scrub at another already spotless patch of counter.

Bear leaned in closer, his voice dropping to that low rumble that always made her toes curl. “Of Cassie.”

She froze for a half second, then forced a laugh—too loud, too fake. “Jealous? Please.”

Bear tilted his head, dark eyes dancing with mischief. “You’re cute when you lie.”

Her face went hot. Before she could formulate a comeback, Cassie appeared at Bear’s elbow, clearly unwilling to be left out.

“My friends and I are headed out.” She placed a hand on his bicep. “Rain check on that date, Bear?”

Joy’s hands twisted the towel so tightly it might have snapped with another ounce of pressure.

Bear didn’t even look in Cassie’s direction. His eyes remained locked on Joy’s as he answered. “Not happening.”

Cassie’s perfectly glossed lips formed a pout. “Shame.” She sauntered away, her friends trailing behind her, shooting curious glances back at them.

Joy exhaled slowly, willing her hammering pulse to settle. He’d shut Cassie down without hesitation, without even looking at the other woman. Something warm and satisfied uncurled in Joy’s chest.

Bear took a long, deliberate sip of his beer, watching Joy over the rim. When he set it down, a smile played at the corners of his mouth. “Want to talk about it?”

“There’s nothing to talk about.”

He stared at her, expression patient but knowing. Damn him.

“Fine,” she huffed, flinging the towel onto the counter. “Maybe I was a little…annoyed.”

“Annoyed,” he repeated, voice neutral but eyes laughing.

“Yes.”

His lips twitched upward. “That’s funny, because from where I was sitting, it looked a whole lot like?—”

“Don’t say it.”

“—jealousy.”

Joy groaned, tipping her head back in exasperation. “You are so?—”

“Charming? Handsome? Hard to resist?” The full force of his grin hit her, making her heart stutter.

She smacked his arm, ignoring how the solid muscle felt beneath her palm. “Infuriating.”

Bear laughed, the deep, rich sound washing over her. He leaned in closer, until she could feel his warm breath against her ear. “I liked waking up next to you this morning.”

A shiver raced down her spine. Every nerve ending in her body seemed to stand at attention.

“Come hiking with me this weekend,” he continued, voice pitched low enough that only she could hear. “We’ll leave tomorrow. Stay out for a couple of nights.”

Joy blinked, caught off guard. “What?”

“You and me. A couple days away. No distractions.” His eyes held hers steadily. “Let’s not worry about my place or your place. We’ll go somewhere neutral. Just enjoy each other.”