Page 44 of Trust

“Jumping each other is the right thing!” She let out a huff. “What’s the point of having a sexy neighbor if you can’t take advantage of it on the odd Wednesday afternoon?”

Unchartered territory was the only way to describe his current situation. “I thought we were supposed to do stuff with our clothes on so we can build a relationship. Why are you trying to thwart my efforts?”

“Relationship?”

He ignored the disappointment that tried to bloom. “Said with the same enthusiasm as tax preparation.” Lifting her hand, he pressed a kiss to it. “I thought that word would’ve been met with a shit-ton more enthusiasm.” Her mouth pinched into a firm line, and he didn’t know why the idea of them communicating with words and not their bodies was so unappealing. “Talk to me, Liv. What’s going on in that mind of yours?”

“It’s just that…”

Holding himself still, he tried not to assume the worst.

Had he said too much? Too little?

The rules were a mystery, and he felt exposed.

“I don’t want to make more of it than there is.” She ran her hand over his T-shirt. “I think we’re best suited for a fling.”

“Are you saying that because you’re protecting yourself or because you have no desire to get to know me?” An unnamed feeling kicked up in his gut. Was this what vulnerability felt like?

“I won’t pick up the scissors and make myself smaller.”

Lifting her chin, he studied the concern in her eyes. “I’m not asking you to do that.”

“You said I was a complication.” Stepping back, she twisted her hands together. “And you weren’t interested in my chaos. Which certainly suggests that you’d like to see a tamer version,” she grumbled. “Which, for the record, is not available.”

“I like the full 3-D version of you.” He lifted her into his arms and collapsed on the small couch. “I got spooked because trying and failing can be soul-shattering, and let’s face it, mine is still in pieces.”

“You’re not the only one who is Scotch-taped together.” She ran her fingers over his scars. “Just because I don’t bear physical marks doesn’t mean I’m not fragile too.”

“You seem indomitable.”

“Well, I’m not. I just put on a better show than you.”

He picked at a loose string on her shorts. “I’m about the worst bet there is, Liv. My mental health is sketchy at best, and my experience making another human happy is all but non-existent.” The tension in her muscles eased. “I’d like to keep the door open, though, and see if hanging out together could lead to something.”

“Why?” she asked, covering his hand. “What made you change your mind?”

“You make me want to do better. And I think that’s got to mean something.” He fixed the silk bow in her hair. “I want to touch more than your body, Liv.”

“Really?”

“Yes. I’d like to earn the privilege of hearing your stories.” Dipping his head, he let his mouth rest against hers. “The good ones.” He kissed her slowly. “And the hard ones.” Her hand fisted into his T-shirt. “I’m trying to get comfortable with uncertainty. I figure most people are just winging it and trying to mitigate the risks. Waiting until you know how things will work out is a coward’s play. And believe it or not, that’s not what I am.”

“Are you suggesting a leap of faith?” she whispered.

“Yeah. A big ass jump into the unknown.” He covered her hand, praying for a positive response. “What do you think?”

“I suppose we could hang out for a while.”

“Okay.” He kissed her head and told himself to take the win. “That’s good, Liv.”

Real good.

Olivia rested her head against Zane’s chest and didn’t know what to make of the latest plot twist. Why was he making noise about a relationship? It simply didn’t make sense since he wanted no part of her several days ago.

Mentally stomping on the tiny hope that tried to unfurl, she knew that his tune would change the minute their sexual chemistry fizzled. Something she expected to happen within a matter of days.

Unless her grumpy warrior was capable of the best magic trick of all.

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