"As you can see, I'm OK," she said, crossing her arms over her chest. "What in the world did you think you were doing?"

Carl's smell entered her nostrils, along with...anger and jealousy? She moved her head. No, she was hallucinating.

He softly rested his hands on her shoulders. "I couldn't simply sit there and watch him paw at you." He touched you as if he possessed you." His chest made a heavy, rumbling sound.

She laughed sarcastically. "I can defend myself!" Do you think he's the first guy to do it to me? I've dealt with jerks like him for years. I can guarantee you that I am capable...