A chill still clings to me from the rink, so when he flicks on the fire, I drift closer, holding out my hands to the heat.
“I don’t remember the last time I lit it,” he says quietly, the sadness in his voice hitting me in the chest, right around the vicinity of my heart. “Didn’t really have a reason to. Until tonight.”
My pulse trips. Wait, did he light it when Poppy stayed over? Or did he find other ways to keep her warm?
Jeez, girl. Cut it out.
“These are big, but they’ll do for one night.” He hands me a pair of sweats and a T-shirt.
“They’re perfect, thanks.” I bring the shirt to my nose. “I like your fabric softener.” I nudge him, teasing. “Didn’t know you were so domestic.”
“Tell no one,” he warns, mock-serious.
I laugh. “You’re just lucky we didn’t end up at my place, or I’d be the one lending you clothes.”
He gives me a slow, teasing once-over. “Why? You sleep in something lacy and sexy? Something you think I wouldn’t look good in?”
Oh God. My face heats instantly. “Something you wouldn’t fit in,” I counter, though the truth is I don’t own a single thing that could be described as lacy or sexy. My wardrobe’s all loose skirts, blouses, and sweaters. Practical. Safe. Not exactly irresistible. No wonder guys don’t look at me. I’m not sexy or feminine or…approachable.
Touchable.
“No worries,” he says easily. “I sleep hot.” I cock my head and he explains. “I don’t wear clothes.”
A strangled sound escapes my throat before I can stop it. He grins.
“TMI?”
I shake my head, trying for casual, failing miserably.
“Or,” he adds with that wicked glint. “Did I just set you up for a nightmare?”
“Probably.” I laugh, shaking my head. Needing a distraction, because I now have that image in my brain, I glance toward the door. “How about you show me to my room so I can get changed?”
“You’re in it.”
“What? No. This is your room.” I give a hard shake of my head. “I’m not taking your bed, Jaxon.”
“Yes, you are.” His tone leaves no room for argument. “This is the only room with a fire, and you’re still half-frozen. I want you to be warm and actually get a good night’s sleep. Besides, I accidently kidnapped you, which means you’re now my responsibility. I think it’s a Chinese proverb or something. Can’t mess with proverbs. Karma and all that.”
“The proverb,” I counter, “is if you save a life, you’re responsible for that life.”
“Same thing,” he says easily. “And again, karma.”
I’m pretty sure he’s full of it, but I can’t help smiling. “Karma is a theological concept of cosmic accountability. Proverbs are cultural expressions of wisdom. One has nothing to do with the other.”
He lightly taps my temple. “See, like I said, smart.” He exhales and gives a slow, teasing shake of his head. “And yet…still staying here with me.”
“I’m not afraid of you, Jaxon,” I tease in return. I pick up my wine and take a slow sip, stepping closer to the fire. The warmth hits my chilled skin and makes arguing feel pointless. “Okay, fine. When you stay at my place, you can have my bed.”
He grins. “Deal.” A yawn breaks through his smile. “You still want that tour?”
“Tomorrow,” I say softly. “I have an early morning and you need your rest before your next game. Let’s just get some sleep.”
He points across the hall. “I’ll be there if you need anything.”
“Thanks, Jaxon.”
He stops at the door, turning back to me with an easy smile that hits me in the chest. “Thanks for coming tonight. It was fun seeing you in the box.”