Teaser Tuesday : Smash Into You

         "I'm OK," I told her. "I'm sorry about...everything. And that." I pointed to her neck.
The small smile had more than one meaning. It had my inner guy perking to attention. "Girls don't generally complain about beard burn, do they? Isn't it supposed to be a way for guys to mark girls, claim them, be all romantic in a Neanderthal kinda way, like hickies?"
I arched an eyebrow at her. Oh, is that right. She blushed, furiously and adorably, and backtracked. "I didn't mean you were trying to mark me, I just meant you didn't have to apologize."
I couldn't help myself. I leaned in, putting my hand on the wall behind her head. "How many hickies have you had?"
She bit her bottom lip. Again. "None," she breathed. She put a hand on my chest to keep me from coming closer. 
I pursed my lips in approval. "That's a good answer."
"Why do you care?" she asked. It wasn't a demand that she know, it was more like she was genuinely interested. Why did I?
I enjoyed her being that close for a few more seconds before leaning back. "Thanks for taking care of me last night. And for fixing my bandage. I know I was an ass, I'm sorry. I think I owe you some breakfast." I took her hand and towed her to the room. I tied my boots and when I looked up, she was still standing there, looking a little stunned. "Get your shoes on, sweetheart."