“What?”
“Never mind. So, tell me what job you do that requires a college degree and then doesn’t pay enough to live on?”
Was he mocking her? Fuck him and his condescending voice. Or maybe she was just telling herself he was an asshole so she could force herself to believe it.
She returned to her chair and flopped down. Long locks of uncombed curls hung in front of her. She must look ridiculous. Who would want to date her in this condition? Why was he still here?
“I work with handicapped children at the YMCA. It’s my passion, and I don’t care if it never pays the bills.”
His eyes widened in shock. “You? Work with children?”
“Fuck you.”
He chuckled. “Sorry. My brothers say I’m a bit brusque. I didn’t mean to offend you. I apologize.”
He sounded sincere, but she didn’t believe him anyway. “Riiight. You’re the cockiest bastard I’ve ever met. Why’re you even here? Didn’t I make myself clear yesterday? I. Don’t. Want. A. Man. Ever.”
“Good, ’cause it seems that route didn’t work out so well for you anyway. How about a wolf?”
“Ugh.” She closed her eyes and gripped the arms of the chair to keep from screaming.
“Do you always have such a potty mouth?”
“Do you care?” She narrowed her gaze at him once more, daring him to challenge her use of the English language on top of everything else.
“Nope. Just surprised. I live with three brothers. You’ll fit right in. I won’t even have to slap them upside the head to behave themselves if you’re going to outtalk them in the four-letter-word department.”
“For your information, I don’t cuss often, at least not out loud.” I’m a sailor inside my head. “And whatever notion you have of me ever even visiting your home, you should just squelch right this instant. I’m not leaving here.”
He sobered. “Again. I apologize. I have a tendency to say the wrong things at the wrong time. But I’m hoping to convince you to give me a chance. At least a trial.”
“A trial? What am I, a puppy?”
“Hardly. They’re far more obedient, and all my pets adore me and wait at my feet, anticipating my every move. That doesn’t describe you.” His grin was infectious this time. She couldn’t keep a straight face any longer. He was demanding and insensitive and obtrusive, all in a sort of charming manner.
The banter between them, though infuriating, had done nothing to squelch her ardor. She couldn’t keep her knees still while she looked at him. She tucked her feet under her, and squeezed her legs together. A deep breath to fortify herself only filled her nose with his scent. Not helpful.
Is it all true? Seriously? When mates met, did they make a connection that couldn’t be denied?
She decided to at least learn more about him. “And what do you do, smarty pants, that pays so well you obviously don’t live with your parents?”
“I work at the family dude ranch. I do have my own home, which I built myself. It’s modest, but it’s mine. It’s on my parents’ property. Easier that way. I love my job, and I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.”
“How do you do that?” She balled her fists in her lap.
“What?”
“Manage to say everything as though you’re defending yourself.”
He exhaled and relaxed his shoulders. “I feel like I’m at a job interview.”
She smiled. “I guess you are. But the problem is I didn’t post an opening.”
“And yet, there is still a vacancy.”
“You are so infuriating.”
“As are you, my dear.”
“Is everything always an argument with you?” She released her fists and pushed her hair out of her eyes.
“I could ask you the same thing.” His gaze roamed her body, what there was of it. She was wrapped like a mummy now—an old ratty mummy that died ten thousand years ago.
“Why don’t you get dressed and let me take you out somewhere. We could have lunch or go for a walk or something. It’s nice out. Maybe if we went out in public, you would loosen up a bit. I said I wouldn’t maul you, and I meant it. I’m clear on your level of experience. I won’t take advantage of you.”
She glared at him. “I’m tired. I didn’t sleep much.” She squirmed under his gaze.
He looked at her as though she were naked instead of covered as thoroughly as possible. “I didn’t either.”
“You look much better than I do.”
“Well, I did take a shower and get dressed.” He pointed down at his jeans and T-shirt. Did he even own other clothing? The dude ranch explained the boots. Worn and comfortable. She didn’t own boots.