Lodged Away
Taunt
“Quit it!”
“What?” Another puff of warm air travelled to her ear, grazing the sensitive skin on her neck.
“Simon, quit it!” She turned and whacked him on the shoulder, huffing as she crossed her arms, folding them across her chest.
“I’m not doing anything...I’m just breathing.” He pouted, trying to drag his lip as far down as possible. “Is breathing a crime, Paula? Does it bother you when I breathe, hmm? That I’m a living, breathing human being?” He forced a sniffle. “Does my existence bother you?”
She rolled her eyes, sighing aloud. “Yes, only because I’m becoming more and more sure that the purpose of your existence is to give me an early ulcer!”
“We all need reasons to live.” He offered lamely, enjoying the way her shoulders tensed up whenever he had a smart-assed response.
She shoved him again, scooting closer to the fire.
“Careful luv, we don’t want to get too close - you’ll burn your delicate skin.” He cooed, reaching and tugging on a strand of her hair. “Come play on the bed with me.”
“God, what is with you today?” She turned around, kneeling in front of him. “First you’re all pissed because I probably bruised that large ego of yours, then you scurry up to the lodge ahead of everyone like a spoiled child, making me worry that something might have happened to you, then you barely exchange two words with me when we get there, save for some rude, snippy remarks, and now you’re hitting on me!”
He raised his eyebrow. “Don’t flatter yourself, darling - I’m not hitting on you, I’m merely trying to get under your skin.” He paused, staring deep into her eyes. “And it’s working...”
Her mouth dropped open, but she quickly closed it. “It is not working!” She said indignantly, curling up in front of the fire. She lay on her side, facing away from him. “Now if you don’t mind, keep your comments to yourself.”
He chuckled to himself, admiring her petite form from a whole new angle. “Hmm, Seacrest was right - this is going to be fun!” He mumbled to himself, his eyes pulling closed courtesy of the day’s wear.
–TBC–