Page 59 of Trust

Looking down at the ground, she let out a sigh. “It’s possible.”

He lifted her chin and flinched when he saw uncertainty swimming in her beautiful eyes. He’d put that there, dammit. “I’m not promising some kind of happy ever after, but I will try.” He closed his eyes and let his mouth drop to hers. “With everything I’ve got.”

“Oh, Zane.” She pressed their mouths together. “I want nothing more than to roll around in the mind-blowing things you’ve been saying. Really allow myself to marinate in the heart-felt loveliness. But I’m desperately afraid if I do let my guard down, you won’t be interested anymore. Once you’ve got me, you may not want to hold on.”

“I can’t make guarantees, but I will do my best to navigate these unfamiliar waters without capsizing our little boat.”

“I can’t ask for more.” She fisted her hand into his shirt. “But if you have a change of heart, tell me first. Don’t string me along and make me guess. I’ll accept your truth but won’t tolerate your ambiguity.”

“Fair enough.”

“Because if you decide that you’ve had enough and then do some sort of poorly thought-out imitation of a ghost and disappear without explanation, I will not hesitate to call upon the Haven Ladies’ Society to make things right.”

He bent down, so their faces were close. “Duly noted. And for the record, I have no desire to be on the wrong side of those women.”

“What about my sides? Aren’t you worried about me?”

“Of course. I’m not a damn fool.”

“And Zane…”

“Yeah, Liv?”

“You’ve made an ordinary day extraordinary. You beautiful man.”

Gobsmacked. He coughed, hoping it would clear the emotion clogging his throat. “I don’t know about that.”

“It’s clear you’re uncomfortable with my proclamations, but too bad.” Taking his hand, she swung it back and forth. “Eventually, my emotional freewheeling won’t even make you blink.”

“I doubt it.”

Olivia cupped his scarred cheek. “Said without an ounce of conviction.”

“Leave me be, woman.”

“For now.” She spun around and pointed at the gondolas. “I’m thinking pink.”

“Of course you are.”

“My sister, Callie, would say it’s totally on brand, so how could I not?”

“Not sure what that means?”

“Pink is more than just one of my aura colors; it’s also my signature.”

“That I get.” He gave her a wink and knew his signature gray would soon change since a small slice of optimism was taking up permanent residence next to the pain and guilt that had made a home in his chest.

A damn miracle, as far as he could tell.

Olivia sat on her midnight blue couch and studied what she could only assume was a dog standoff. Grams had dropped Killer off earlier, and Bella was deeply underwhelmed—and slightly miffed, if she wasn’t mistaken.

So much for one big, happy family.

There was a light knock, and she stood, seeing Betsy Yarlin standing on the other side of the screen. “Come in, neighbor.”

“Sorry to stop by without calling.”

“Since when do we stand on formalities?” She pushed open the screen door and welcomed her neighbor inside.

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