He said no more. She said no more, the tension too great.

They paid for their supplies, loaded them into her two-door piece of crap and settled in their seats, with Nola at the wheel. Despite the hour, the sun remained hidden behind thick gray clouds, a storm brewing. A cold breeze contained an electrical charge, and brought the scent of coming rain. Blackbirds flocked to poles and perched on the wires. Beyond them, flatlands stretched for miles, as far as her gaze could see.

They had a ten-hour drive ahead of them. Enough time to plan and scheme their way into Roswell?

After forcing Bane to buckle up, Nola merged onto the highway. “You’re being quiet. I don’t like it.”

“Just thinking,” he replied.

Uh-oh. His gruff tone had returned.

He had their purchases piled around him, filling the packs with clothes, camping gear and her gauntlets. As distracted as he appeared, she got the feeling he remained aware of absolutely everything around him, and even clocked her actions.

When he offered nothing more about his thoughts, she prompted, “Thinking about what?”

He offered a shrug, then opened the first aid kit to bandage his shoulder.

Argh! Frustrating man! She sighed. Waiting for something—the story of her life.

Several hours later, after trying and failing to converse with Bane, she spotted a sign and decided to tease him. “Look, Bane!” She faked a squeal. “A phallological museum. They display fake penises. Let’s go. Can we? Please, please, please. Only a man with a very small penis would say no.”

He opened his mouth, then closed it without saying a word, and she tried not to smile.

“No comment?” she asked.

“This is your brand of vengeance, isn’t it? Well, excellent job. It’s devious and effective. I must remember to remain on guard, lest my ego receive another flaying.”

She tapped her nose and pointed to his chest. “Ding, ding, ding. Stop ignoring me, and I won’t drive you into a ditch.”

“I’ve never ignored you, Nola. From the beginning, I’ve wanted you. Every day—every hour—every minute, I’ve fought hard to keep my hands off your lush little body. I’m fighting for control even now.”

She sucked in a breath. Do not pull the car to the side of the road. Do not climb into his lap. “You know I want you, too,” she said, her voice like gravel.

“I knew you were attracted to me, not that you wanted me...so desperately.”

“What! Me? Desperate?”

He leaned back in his seat, all satisfied male. “This time, I teased you.”

She would have given him the finger, but he’d only think she considered herself his number one fan.

“What made you agree to date him?” he asked. “What did he do to win you?”