Even the way she slams her door sounds indignant.
“Do you even know how to make a fire out here?” Saoirse asks when she catches up.
I can tell the cold is starting to get to her, but I’m not about to play the gentleman right off the bat.
“Of course I know how to make a fire,” I snap. “What do you take me for?”
She holds up her hands, but continues to follow me. “Where are you going?”
“We need some coverage,” I explain. “Those trees up ahead are perfect. We can make the fire there and no one will see us from the road.”
“Maybe I want people to see us from the road.”
“Hitchhiking is not a good idea.”
“Don’t tell me you’re scared?”
I snort. “I’m not the one who’s scared.”
“Are you implying that I am?” she demands, taking the bait.
“Maybe.”
“Of what?”
“Being alone with me.”
Her expression goes flat, but I know she’s trying to hide how she really feels. I don’t mind so much. I know I’ll crack her eventually.
It may take me a while.
But I’ve always been a patient man.
* * *
It takes me only a few minutes to get the fire blazing. Saoirse watches me the whole time. I can tell she’s impressed, even though she won’t admit it.
The moment the fire’s roaring, she scoots towards it and settles on one of the upturned roots of the tree we’ve chosen.
“Feel better?” I ask.
“Yes.”
I sit down next to her and ignore the side-eye she throws my way.
“You’re welcome, by the way,” I remark once I’ve had my fill of the pregnant silence.
“Excuse me?”
“I did break you out of jail back there,” I point out.
“You shouldn’t have.”
“You came with me.”
“Because I was in a state of delirium!”
“Delirium?”