Page 78 of Romancing His Heart

“Come with me.”

Glancing around, I try to figure out where he wants to go. “With you where? We live in eight hundred square feet. You want me in the bathroom again?” Visions of our first time together flash before my eyes, and I flush. We have christened every surface in this cabin, but our first time is branded to memory for life.

“I know what you’re thinking about, Red, and we will have to revisit that position for sure, but right now, I want you to get your snow gear on and come with me.”

Peering out the window, I notice the sun is beginning to set.

“It’s okay. We won’t be gone long.”

I’m getting better about some things, but the dark still triggers me.

Groaning, I save my Word document and move to put on my winter gear.

“What are you working on right now?” he asks.

“Ah, you don’t want to know.”

Grinning, he gives me his full attention. “Now, I definitely want to know.”

“He’s a spy, and she’s a runaway.”

He straightens like he’s offended.

“But, I started writing this book way before I ever met you.” It’s true. I don’t need to tell him that Marco has taken on a lot of his attributes, though.

“Why do you look so frustrated every time you work on it?”

Do I?I hadn’t noticed, but I’m not surprised that Loki did. I’ve been his primary source of entertainment lately. Every time I glance up from my laptop, I find him staring. At first, it made me antsy, but now, it brings me comfort.

“I don’t know. I’m just struggling with his job.”

Loki scoffs. “Why the hell wouldn’t you ask me, Red? I’ve been sitting right here twiddling my thumbs for weeks. The guys can’t believe you haven’t asked me a single question about sex yet. But, to sit there struggling to write a character that could very well be me and not ask is crazy. Why wouldn’t you ask me?”

He sounds angry, and I’m not entirely sure why.

“Are you mad that I haven’t asked you about blue balls or that I didn’t ask you about secret spy codes?”

“I’m not mad,” he sulks.

After pulling on a pair of gray Surrell winter boots, I stand and cross the room.

“You seem mad,” I point out when I’m standing in front of him.

“I’m not mad, but it’s okay to trust me, Sloane. I won’t hurt you. Plus, I’m losing my goddamn mind with boredom here. Helping you with some research would at least keep my mind busy, and I want to help, okay?”

“Fine.”

He grins. “So, what do you want to know?”

“Well, right now, I’m struggling to come up with a code word. I know it shouldn’t be this difficult, but I have stared at that screen for days, and nothing makes sense. What do you use for code words?”

“It really depends on the situation.” Loki reaches for my coffee cake and cuts a slice.

“Ah, you probably don’t want to eat that until I’ve tried it first. I don’t want to give you food poisoning again.” I cringe.

“It looks good this time, Red. I have faith in you.” He puts a slice onto a plate as I grab my jacket. “Code words can be anything, but I generally like to keep them simple. Something that can be used in everyday life but not something you would say accidentally.”

“Like what?” I ask, just as Loki takes a bite of the coffee cake.