" As he looked down at her, his eyes were both warm and curious. "You don't look as tough as that."

"I don't know how tough I am--look at me, sick as a pup. But I bet I can match you for stubborn."

A sound came out of him.

"Holy shit, Ian--was that a laugh?"

"A cough," he lied. "You probably got me sick. "

― Robyn Carr , A Virgin River Christmas (Virgin River, #4)