Page 70 of The Mountain Man's Mail-Order Mafia Princess

“I’m not changing the ride because I’m angry.”

“Will you stay when the car arrives?”

His fingers curled against the counter.

“I have work there.”

“That wasn’t what I asked.”

“I won’t leave you alone with a situation I’m already part of.”

Warmth pressed behind my ribs.

“You don’t have to protect me from Daddy.”

“I’m not making your choice. I’m making sure you get to make it.”

We made sandwiches for dinner because neither of us had the energy to cook.

He cut an apple and divided it between the plates. I added cheese to his sandwich without asking, and he slid the mustard toward me before I requested it.

Night cooled the cabin.

I showered first and changed into sleep shorts and Jonah’s dark shirt. The fabric had become so familiar against my skin that wearing it felt more intimate than being naked.

When I returned to the bedroom, Jonah was sitting on the edge of the bed in gray boxer briefs and a black T-shirt.

The pillow remained near the dresser.

“You can keep that,” he said.

I stopped beside the bed.

“I wasn’t planning to steal it.”

“I didn’t say you were.”

“Why are you giving it to me?”

Jonah rubbed one hand over his thigh. “You like it.”

“I like wearing something that belongs to you.”

His eyes lifted to mine.

I stepped closer.

Jonah’s hand settled at my waist when I stood between his knees. His palm was warm through the shirt.

I touched his beard.

He turned his face slightly into my hand.

For one breath, we stayed there.

“If I kiss you,” I said, “I’m not trying to avoid the conversation.”

“I know.”