Done Running Away

It was meant to be a joke but the way Eric stared at her afterward made her question if she had said the wrong thing. 

Natalie became uncomfortable with his penetrating gaze and was thinking of ways to alleviate the tension in the air when he suddenly broke into a wide grin and she released the breath she had been holding in.

"Seriously!" She hit him on the chest not that it hurt him. That man had muscles on him as firm as a rock.

"You're so cute to tease," He laughed at her yet asked, "Why would you call me a nutcase?" 

"Why would you ask me such a stupid question," She threw back at him. "You know what? I'm going to get back at you for that!" Natalie promised him.

"I can't wait," Eric was up for the challenge, staring at her through lowered lashes as he gulped his first glass of wine.