Page 47 of Trust

“Still working on it.”

“Any reason why you wouldn’t simply give into them?”

Olivia looked into her sister’s eyes. “Do you remember how long it took for me to function after Thad passed?”

“Of course.”

“I have a feeling that if I allowed myself to fall in love with Zane, and he ran away in response, then the outcome would be far more devastating.”

“Oh.”

“But I won’t let that happen, so no need to worry.” Olivia laced their hands together. “Enough about my nonsense. How are you?”

“Good.”

“Why does that response scare me?” She swept Lucy’s beautiful red hair over her shoulder. “You live life out loud and only use the word good when describing toast…or the dentist…or car repair.”

“Peaceful. How’s that?”

“If our sister Callie said it, then I’d say fantastic. But it’s you, and peaceful is not one of your favorite adjectives.”

“But it could be.” Lucy turned. “Maybe maturity is finally getting ahold of me, and the need to live on the edge is no longer as strong.” She flattened her hands against her waist. “I’m thirty-two and don’t need…”

“Yes, you do,” Olivia said firmly. “Denying your true nature never lasts for long. Your purple-blue aura won’t allow it.”

“We’ll see.”

Olivia knew that saying more wouldn’t change her sister’s mind since no one was stronger willed. If she needed to pursue a more peaceful path for a while, then so be it. Though how it would last for longer than a week, she couldn’t say.

She studied Zane in the distance, reminding herself that accepting the true nature of someone was best. No matter what messages your heart was sending.

What you see is what you got.

Not what you want.

THIRTEEN

The sound of the front door creaking open was unexpected. Zane stomped out of the living room and felt a smile crack across his face when he saw Olivia. “I didn’t know you were coming by.”

She held up a quilted bag. “I couldn’t be the only woman in town that hadn’t brought you a casserole.” Puckering her lips, she gave him a slow once over. “Especially since I’m the one who gets to see your naked glory.”

“I don’t think there’s any glory in my nakedness.”

“That’s where you’re wrong, sir.” She dug her teeth into her bottom lip. “So very wrong.”

“Guessing that mischievous glint means dessert will be served in the bedroom.” He met her in the middle of the large hall and kissed her firmly before taking the bag. “Or any flat surface.”

He felt her shiver and kissed her again. “And, for the record, only half the female population has graced the front steps, and almost everyone was hoping to run into Asher.”

“Almost?” She stepped back with a frown.

The light from the leaded window threw a rainbow of color over Oliva, and he couldn’t stop himself from running his finger slowly over her cheek.

How was this impossibly magnetic woman interested in his company? He couldn’t make sense of it but also didn’t want to question it too deeply since his focus had recently shifted in her direction.

“Zane…”

He blinked twice and realized he hadn’t answered her question. “Yes?”

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