Page 23 of Pinch

She exhales a little growl, but I don’t care. I don’t like her walking around at this time of day alone, dressed like that.

Out on the sidewalk, she lifts her sassy chin and bends her elbows, walking like some kind of sexy soldier. I’m beatfrom being on the ice all day, but I keep up with her pretty easily.

“You didn’t have to come with me.” Her dark hair fans behind her in the breeze, and she huffs a little with each word. “I’m not leaving the neighborhood.”

“If Mav is cooking dinner, the least I can do is make sure nobody messes with his cousin on her walk.”

She rolls those blue eyes up at me. “It’s a very safe neighborhood.”

My eyes drift to her breasts, which do a little bounce with every step, and there was no way in hell. I don’t understand this feeling, but if something were to happen to her and I didn’t…

“I was just sitting around. What do they say? Sitting is the new smoking?”

“I’m sure you had a very active day at practice. Whereas I have to fit in that silly pageant dress on a moment’s notice.”

We continue walking, and she takes a turn at the stop sign. I look both ways, but there’s not a car in sight. In fact, the entire neighborhood seems to be settling in for the evening meal in the waning twilight.

Through windows, I see a mix of families moving around making dinner, couples sitting at tables, singles walking around their living rooms. It does seem like a nice neighborhood.

My eyes drift to her with the great posture, the focused expression. “You know, I think all this princess stuff is really cute.”

“Back the eff up, Knight.”

“I’ve noticed you don’t swear.” I arch an eyebrow. “What’s that all about?”

“The International Princess Woman scholarship program doesn’t approve of us using coarse language.” Itsounds like she’s reciting a textbook, then she gets more casual. “I don’t want to get in the habit and slip up.”

“Makes sense.” I nod, looking at the road ahead. “Either way, I don’t mind being your knight.”

“Too bad your armor’s tarnished. And I’ve seen under it.”

She has no idea. “Sneaking peeks, Princess?”

Her eyes slide up to mine. “No sneaking required. Your behavior was on full display in college.”

Shaking my head,this girl. I almost have to admire her for her stubborn loyalty.

“I’m not so bad.”

“I prefer nice men.”

“Who are you? Princess Leia?”

“You’re so arrogant. I guess that would make you Han Solo?”

“Sure.” I give her a wink. “I’m as confident as that guy any day of the week.”

“Or cocky.” She takes another right, and I realize we’re headed back.

A sheen of sweat glistens on her upper lip, her neck, the top of her shoulders. She’s moving fast, and we’re nearly at the house. I put my large hand on her smooth shoulder, stopping her progress.

“What?” She huffs, frowning up at me.

“You’re saying you’d prefer a lukewarm Luke Skywalker over Han Solo?”

“I prefer someone without the ego.”

“I call bullshit.”