Page 103 of Stealing Embers

“Did you take my pants off? Am I wearing your socks?”

It’s obvious I did and he is, so I don’t answer.

Cocking his head, he levels me a look of disbelief.

“You undressed me and tried to put your clothes on me?”

“You were a human icicle when I found you. I thought you were dead. Besides,” I wave an unconcerned hand through the air, “everyone knows you have to get out of wet clothes to warm up.”

“Is that also why you were just snuggled up on my chest?” The smile curling his lips is wicked. “To warm me up?”

“Of course! Why else would I be laying on top of you?”

His full grin speaks volumes.

“You wish, dude. You’re a grade-A jerk. The only reason I climbed on you was because it was life or death.”

“You’re saying you climbed on top of me because you would have died if you hadn’t?”

“Stop twisting my words . . . and being gross.”

I struggle to my feet and then cast a glance around the enclosure, looking for my tiny sparkling friend. Light trickles in from the cave opening, so it must be morning. The little sparkle pixie is nowhere to be found.

Weird.

Steel lets out a series of pain-filled grunts and groans behind me.

Checking over my shoulder, I see that he’s managed to lumber to his feet. He is casing the ground—probably looking for his clothes—as he holds the small blanket around his waist. It covers even less of him while he’s standing, showcasing his bare shins and ankles.

I face forward to laugh into my hand. I choose to ignore the rustling behind me, assuming Steel is struggling into his own clothes.

“How did you get here anyway? Besides being frozen, I didn’t see any injuries.”

The cave gets uncomfortably quiet. I’m about to spin around when Steel’s question brings me up short.

“Just how closely did you check me over?” The deep timbre of his voice is filled with suggestion.

“Steel,” I warn as I slide a hand into my hair. It gets stuck halfway down its length. Yuck, I really need a shower. “Just answer the question.”

A pair of lazy snowflakes dance in the air outside the opening of the cave. The morning air smells fresh, like pine trees. I hope it isn’t still snowing.

“At least they’re dry.”

Huh?

Irritated, I spin. Steel is yanking his shirt over his chest. He’d already tugged on his jeans.

My clothes and the blanket lay haphazardly on the ground at his feet. I bend and collect the items, shaking them out before rolling and cramming them back in my bag.

“How did we both get here?” Steel demands.

“That’s exactly what I wanted to know.”

Lifting my chin, I shoot Steel a glare hot enough to melt metal. It’s lost on him though. His gaze is far away.

After almost a minute, he blows out a frustrated breath of air and gruffly replies, “I’m not sure.”

“You’re not sure?”