All Fired Up by Kristen Painter

but not anymore. I guess. I don’t know. He wants me to forgive and forget and I don’t know if I can.”
    “Forgive what?” He propped an elbow on the bar, rested his jaw on his hand and stared into her eyes.
    She stared back, studying his sparkling blues and the locks of tawny-gold grazing his strong jaw. Saints in heaven, he was the most delicious hunk of man. She didn’t want to think about Brad.
    “Do you want to take a shower while your clothes are drying?”
    His brow crinkled. “Explain.”
    “A shower is like a bath, but standing up. The water comes down like rain.”
    “Aye.” His smile blinded her like sun on fresh snow. “I will shower with you, Calleigh lass.”
    “Not with me!” she sputtered. “I meant you, by yourself.”
    He frowned. “Why should I do this alone?”
    “To get clean? Or don’t Vikings bathe more than once a year?”
    “My people were not animals.” He drew himself up, his face taut with hurt, and crossed his arms. “Do not assume you know what my life was like.”
    She leaned back in her chair. “You’re right. I’m sorry. I don’t have a clue what your life was like. My mouth has a tendency to get me into trouble. In case you haven’t noticed. Forgive me?”
    “I accept your apology.” He uncrossed his arms and smiled. A hint of mischief sparkled in his eyes. “Perhaps your mouth could get you out of trouble also.”
    Mind and body went numb as one. “What did you say?”
    “You have gravely offended me, Calleigh lass, but I will forgive you for a kiss.”
    A kiss? He wanted to kiss her after all? The thought of those firm, sensual lips pressed against hers turned the numbness into hot tingles.
    “A…a kiss?” she stuttered.
    “Aye, and all will be forgiven.”
    Swallowing, she closed her eyes and waited. Every inch of her trembled with anticipation.
    “Nay, lass, you must ask me.”
    She opened her eyes. “What?”
    He put his hands on the arms of her chair and closed the distance between them, his voice deep and husky. “Ask me to kiss you.”
    Heat flooded her face, her heart thumping. Ask a man for a kiss? That sentence structure was not in her vocabulary. Besides, she was technically still engaged. Sort of.
    “Ask me, lass.” His mouth hovered beside her ear, his breath stroking her skin.
    Breathe. “I don’t think I—”
    The answering machine clicked on and she jumped. “Bless it! I still haven’t turned that stupid ringer back on.”
    She slipped out of her chair and went around the counter to the phone, flipping the ringer switch.
    “Hello?” Her voice sounded shaky, almost panting. She turned her back to Alrik so he wouldn’t see how nervous he’d made her.
    “Hullo love, it’s Corrigan.”
    “Hi, Uncle Corri.” What timing. She rolled her eyes, happy her uncle couldn’t see her.
    “Are you all right? You sound odd.”
    “No, everything’s fine.”
    “Good. Just calling to remind you about Sunday. You haven’t forgotten, have you?”
    “Forgotten? You think I would forget Uncle Seamus’s birthday?” Crap . She had totally forgotten.
    “You and Brad are coming, then, right? Seamus will be disappointed if you don’t.”
    “Of course, I’ll be there.” Without Brad, but trailed by a twelve-hundred-year-old Viking who’s sure to be even more fun.
    “What have you been up to lately? Out and about with Jeana, I suppose. How is your cousin? Haven’t seen much of her lately.”
    “Yeah, well, I’m sure she’s been busy.” Screwing other girls’ boyfriends. “I haven’t been out much myself. Just staying in.” Avoiding the public . “Do you think Jeana’s going to be there?”
    “She’s invited, but I doubt it. Since your ma passed, Jeana hasn’t been much interested in this side of the family, except for you.”
    Probably because of Brad. Calleigh kept the anger out of her voice. “Okay, then see you there.”
    “Sunday then, love.”
    “Yep. I’m looking forward to it.” Liar, liar, panties on fire.
    She