Page 6 of Trust

She gave him a slow once over. “Yes, I want him to know that he’s welcome.”

“Interesting.”

“I’m just trying to keep up the family tradition.”

“Which is?”

“My forbearers settled the town and named it Haven in hopes that misfits, oddballs, loners, and rebels would feel welcome.”

He lifted a handful of food and filled in the bottom of the heart. “Guess that explains why mine decided to call this place home since they’ve all had their eccentricities.”

“I love a good peculiarity and am proud to be a part of our population of twenty-five thousand free-thinking souls.” She bumped his shoulder. “Truth be told, it helps me maintain the illusion that I’m not all that quirky.”

“Solid strategy,” he murmured, not understanding the sudden need to shift closer. Placing an iron fist of control around the impulse to run his finger over the soft skin of her neck, he ignored the ripple of awareness.

Mate, claim and devour were the words skidding across his mind, and he couldn’t understand why Olivia ignited the long-forgotten need for human connection.

A car engine sounded in the distance, and he let out a breath, welcoming the interruption. “Expecting someone?”

“My sister,” she replied, brushing off her hands. “Which means luck is on your side, and you get to meet the prettiest of the Bennett sisters.”

I already have, he thought as Olivia stepped away.

She held out her hand. “Come and meet her.”

“Another time.” He turned toward the path that led to his house. “Yesterday filled my quota for human interaction for the week.”

“Alright, but feel free to stop by anytime.”

He gave her a salute and then strode down the rutted road. Waiting for the familiar feeling of relief to bloom, he was surprised when a stab of regret appeared instead.

Telling himself it had nothing to do with his pretty neighbor and her quirks, he quickened his pace, vowing to stay away from temptation.

If something like that was even possible.

Olivia watched her neighbor stalk away and decided the short encounter didn’t do anything to move their friendship forward. It also didn’t decimate the small start they’d made either, so perhaps a win was a win.

Bella bounded forward, and she opened her arms, welcoming her dog with kisses. “Good job, girl; you did exactly what we discussed and made that big, beautiful man step outside his routine.”

“Who’s routine?” Lucy called out as she picked her way across the mud puddles.

“My neighbors’,” she answered, admiring her sister’s showgirl body encased in a flattering dress. “Love the look, Lucy. That day dress does all kinds of sinful things for your figure.”

“Good,” she said flatly. “Because I want that snake of a man I used to date to feel overwhelming regret every time he catches a glimpse of me.”

She took her older sister’s hand. “Are you and Ken on the outs again?”

“We’re done,” Lucy replied firmly. “Never to be resurrected. Finito!”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“Good Lord, no.” Leaning back, she waggled her finger toward Zane’s retreating form. “I’d much rather discuss your hot neighbor.”

“We’ll need chocolate muffins to go with that convo, so come inside.”

“Oohhhh,” Lucy said, “that’s exciting and makes me think the tea you’re about to spill is going to be hot.”

“Unfortunately, it’s lukewarm at best.”

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