Page 29 of Down and Dirty

“You were in a nunnery?” The expression of incredulity on Zach’s face was a mite offensive.

“I told you that afore, half-wit. What? You think I have no godly traits?”

“I didn’t say that.” He laughed. “But, sweetie, a body like yours would be wasted in a convent.”

“Why dost say such things? I have long become resigned that I do not have the womanly traits that draw men. Frail, soft-shinned, sweet-tempered women are the ideal, and I am none of those.”

“Are you kidding? You’re the hottest woman I’ve ever met.”

Now it was Britta’s turn to stare at him with incredulity.

“Slick words! There has not been a woman I’ve met in the past four days who does not pant after your overly handsome form. And you well know of your allure.”

To his credit, he did not pretend false modesty. Just nodded, then replied, “That was not just a line, if that’s what you’re trying to say. When you were watching me being hit on by those women, did you see me show any interest in any of them? Except for you?”

“Please, do not insult me by claiming celibacy.”

His face flushed.

“You are renowned for your excesses, Zack-hairy.”

“My name is Zach or Zachary.”

“I prefer Zack-hairy. It has a crude sound to it.” She glared at him for changing the subject.

Laughing, he stood and pulled her up beside him. They started to walk across the training grounds.

“I’m not a saint, Britta. I like women. I like sex.” He smiled as if to include her in his likings. “I like the things I fantasize about doing to you.”

She shook her head at his persistence.

“So you like it here?” Another change of subject.

“I cannot say that I like this country. It is confusing, and nay, do not start telling me of time travel again.”

“What other explanation is there?”

“I do not know.”

“Me and the guys have decided it must be a miracle performed by God.”

“Your One-God. Hmmm. For what purpose?”

“We haven’t figured that out yet.” He laughed. “Is there nothing you like about this place and time?”

“Oh, there are many things I like. What woman wouldn’t like indoor water and privies that flush away wastes, or wonderful boxes that wash and dry clothing? And they do not even have to hunt for their game here. Didst know they have ointments in this country that control odor under the arms?” Before he could answer, she lifted an arm and said, “Smell me.”

He grinned like she’d made some great jest and leaned down, sniffing. “Yep, your pits smell just great.”

“Some of the women even take all the hair off their nether parts,” she confided to him. “Do men do that, too? Are you hairless there?”

“Some men might, but not me.” He was still grinning.

“If I do get sent back to the nunnery, there is one thing I would like to have experienced afore I go,” she said with a sigh.

“What’s that?”

“I do not want to be tupped, by you or any other man… ” Holy Thor! What a lamebrain way of starting! Mayhap I should tighten my loose tongue afore I embarrass myself.