Having to struggle as he did with the windows and shutter, Steve didn't really have the breath to sigh in exasperation when he saw Marie move up beside him, getting thoroughly drenched in the rain as she helped cover the windows; but oh, how he wanted to. But there was a time and a place, and right now he kept himself focused on the task at hand, finally giving an almighty heave to pull the shutter in against the wind.

He was out of breath when he finished, more from the wind pulling air from his lungs than the actual exertion. He watched as Marie finished securing her side; she was too far along that even offering to help would have done any good, and she stood in the way of him reaching over and helping without informing her of it first.

Headstrong women. Steve shook his head, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. Why did he keep running into headstrong women?