“Jo?” he whispered.
“Hmm?”
He turned his head and smiled. Her eyes were shut. Long lashes rested against her smooth skin. Her mouth was parted slightly, releasing a regular cloud of breath into the chilly night. “You still looking at the lights?”
Her eyes popped open. She blinked, then turned to face him.
He reached up, smoothing a curl from her face. “It’s late.”
She nodded, her hand tightening on his.
“Can I walk you home?” he asked.
She nodded again.
He stood, keeping her hand in his to pull her up. She didn’t sway into him and he didn’t pull her into his arms, no matter how much he wanted to. Instead, he took one of her hands, rubbing it briskly between his. “Your hands are ice cubes.”
She was staring at their hands, but he saw her shiver. “Let’s get you home.” He led her to the sidewalk.
“It’s snowing.” She grabbed his arm with her free hand, tugging. “Look.”
He looked up, watching the white flakes falling. “I’ll be.”
“I’ll be?” She laughed. “What does that mean?”
He grinned at her. “No idea.”
She kept laughing. Her heavy curls hung around her shoulders, her navy blue pullover clung to her curves, and she was laughing. With him. In the snow. And the vision took his breath away. He cleared his throat, tore his gaze away and led her across the street to the bakery. He didn’t want to let go of her hand, of the tender camaraderie they’d found.
“Thanks for checking in on Sprinkles,” she said, opening the door and standing aside.
He followed her in. “She’ll be feeling better soon. Not tomorrow, though.” He smiled. “Have fun?”
She nodded, looking at him with a sudden intensity. “Annabeth likes to remind me to stop and have some fun now and then.”
“Sounds like good advice.”
“You think so?” she asked, still assessing him.
He nodded.
“Ryder thought so, too.”
“Ryder was there?” He frowned.
“He bought me a beer.”
“I bet he did.” Women were drawn to Ryder like bees to honey. “Do I want to know what he considers fun?”
It had been a long time since he’d wanted to slug his brother, but the telltale blush that crept up Jo’s neck said enough.
“He didn’t really suggest anything. He just sort of agreed with Annabeth.”
“What did she suggest?” He waited, beyond curious now.
She rubbed her hands together. “I think she worded it something like no-strings-attached, wake-your-neighbors sex.”
He had no response for that. Part of him wanted to volunteer for the job. But the other part, his heart, knew there was no way he could ever have a no-strings-attached relationship with Jo. “And what do you think?”