Page 52 of The Fire

“I think that’s amazing.”

“It’s not.”

I grabbed his chin and forced him to look at me. “I think it’s fucking amazing, Jameson. And you don’t get to tell me what I think. Okay?”

Jamie rolled his eyes. “Yes, sir, Parker, sir.”

“Good boy.” I let my fingers stroke over the rough edge of his beard before shoving his face away. “Finally showing some respect.”

Jamie’s eyes narrowed. “I mean, it’s easier not drinking socially now that there’s no bar in O’Leary anymore…” One auburn eyebrow lifted in challenge.

I gasped. “Was that… did you just make a joke about my bar burning down?”

“What? Too soon?” He grinned.

“Forevertoo soon!”

“Oops.”

“Ugh. You’re such a shit.”

“Would it make you feel better if I told you that you won the Death Match?” He nodded at the chicken wings remaining on the coffee table.

“No,” I said glumly. “Since we both know you won.”

Jamie’s lips twitched. “I really kinda did.”

“Shutup.” I grabbed a cushion from the sofa and bopped him on the head.

“I can give you the recipe if you want.”

“What did I just tell you?” I whacked him with the cushion again, harder this time. “Shut it.”

“I’m just trying to benice,Parker. Neighborly. And you—”

I twisted to my knees and pushed him to his back. “Be. Quiet.”

“I was—”

I pinched Jamie’s full lips between my fingers and stared down at his eyes, which were warm and brown and…God.

“Are you gonna be quiet now?” I demanded. My voice was huskier than I’d intended.

Jamie’s tongue darted out to lick his lips and captured my finger, sucking it into his mouth.

Fuck. My breath came out in a needy gasp.

“You could always give me something better to do with my mouth,” he whispered.

This was so not good. Jamie was gorgeous, yes. I wanted him, perpetually. I could accept that. But I think somehow I’d forgotten just how much Ilikedhim, in addition to all theunrequited lovebusiness. How he made shitty stuff—like bar fires—better, and mundane stuff—like snow storms—special. How he could make me feel like I was living life at a hundred miles an hour and make me feel absolutely safe at the same time.

I really hadn’t needed to remember this part. Last night, all of it, had been more than enough.

But I knew I was never going to resist him, either, or to turn away whatever part of Jamie I could get, so…

I bent, pressed my lips to his, and let him roll me beneath him.

I skated my hands down his warm, naked back and lifted my head to taste the freckles on his shoulder with my tongue. “Wow. That flour incident really had a silver lining, huh?” I croaked. “All this handy… nakedness?”