Page 33 of Trust

“Of course not.” Bea took the mangled flower out of Olivia’s hand. “If Zane offered to sex you up with no strings attached, would you accept?”

“I might.” She let out a gust of air. “Scratch that. I totally would since it would surely cure me of any lingering fantasies of how we could make one another completely and utterly happy.”

Bea grinned. “One good tumble in the sheets could be all you need.”

“I can’t disagree, despite the fact I’ve spent the last three days constructing elaborate scenarios in which he suffers greatly.” She kicked the ground. “Which just shows that I’m not a good human since he did nothing more than reject me.”

“He didn’t rebuff you. He just couldn’t grab hold of his courage to take you on.”

Olivia winced. “Knowing I’m the type of woman that requires more bravery than going into battle isn’t comforting.”

“Getting to the good stuff is never about comfort.” Bea put her hand on Liv’s shoulder. “But you already knew that.”

She ignored the memories that tried to fight their way to the surface. “All this theoretical talk means nothing since Zane will never try. Let’s be honest; the chance of him pursuing me is about as likely as me deciding that cake is a bad idea.”

“Of course.”

She narrowed her eyes. “I mean it, Bea. I’m done tripping over myself. The man would have to do something spectacular to get me interested in a sexy shag.”

“Not a doubt in my mind.”

“Oh, shoot.” She caught sight of a large figure in the distance. “Please let it be one of the Doherty brothers.” The sound of a happy bark hit her ears, and she had a sinking feeling that the broad back she was looking at was Zane’s. “He’s going to think I’m tracking him.” She scraped her running shoes along the dirt and whistled for her dog.

“Doesn’t have to be a thing,” Bea said firmly.

“I know, and believe me, I’m gonna be the coolest cumber you’ve ever seen.” She moved down the trail and saw Zane’s face when he turned in her direction.

“Guess God wanted y’all to have a conversation,” Bea commented quietly as she followed.

“I can’t imagine why.” She watched Zane head in their direction and affected a blasé expression. Not going to say more than necessary!

“Hello,” Zane called out.

Unable to read his tone, she gave him a short wave and held her hand out for her dog. When Bella bounded over, she let out a quiet sigh. “Let’s go, girl.” She took Bea’s hand and headed toward the upper trail.

“No time to talk, Olivia?”

She turned and scowled. “Didn’t think idle chit-chat was your thing?”

“Our conversations were never idle.”

“Going forward, they will be.” She tilted her head. “You remember my best friend, don’t you?”

“Of course.” Zane lifted his hand. “Hey, Bea.”

“You look well, Zane.”

Olivia snorted and watched Zane’s mouth form a straight line.

“Do you have something to say, Liv?”

“Nope.”

“That’s a first.”

She did her best to bank her frustration. “Don’t worry; I won’t fill the air with chatter and throw myself at you anymore.”

“About that…”

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