It wasn't until Nathan had finished putting away the blow dryer, the portable table, and the chair that he realized it had been a while since Crystal had spoken.
He frowned, "What are you thinking?" he asked.
Crystal had been staring at the scratches on her arms, and she hadn't been thinking about anything. Nathan's question startled her, and she looked up. She thought for a moment, and then she said, "I was trying to think of how to thank you for acting as my hero today."
Nathan's hand suddenly froze. Crystal's unexpected politeness and obedience brought a trace of displeasure to his heart. He wondered if she treated other people the same way. The thought bothered him, and he momentarily lost interest in her repayment. He preferred the difficult, stubborn girl that she'd been before he rescued her. He lifted her chin with a finger, forced her to look at him, and said, "Keep your thanks."