Page 61 of Trust

She whipped her head around. “Whatever are you talking about?”

“You think I need a dog because of how Bella helped me with one of my episodes.” He shook his head. “Babe, I can spot someone on my six a mile out. I know you saw me pulled into an old memory yesterday and noted how Bella stayed at my side until I could drag myself back into the present.”

Biting her bottom lip, she stroked Killer’s soft fur. “Are you mad?”

“Not really.” He covered her hand. “But ignoring stuff probably isn’t good.”

She ran her finger over a scar that bisected his knuckles. “I didn’t want you to feel more self-conscious than you already do.” She ran her eyes over his face. “Though how you would still feel trepidation about me or the folks in town is a mystery. Women want to know you, and men want to become your friend.”

“I don’t know if that’s true.”

“Whatever.” She leaned into his shoulder. “Do you like Killer?”

“His name should be lover boy.” He lifted the dog off his lap and set him on the ground. “And yes, I think he’s fine.”

“A ringing endorsement.”

“That’s about as enthusiastic as I’m gonna get over this little dust mop.” He dropped his arm over Olivia’s shoulder. “And please don’t take this one exception as a sign that I need more wayward animals.”

“Of course.”

He smirked. “I know that you’re not being sincere. How can you be both infuriating and irresistible?”

She scooted closer and ran her hand over his mouth. “It’s a gift.”

“I’m starting to understand that.”

“Can I assume the sparks in your eyes are of a sexual nature?”

Zane cupped her face and pressed their mouths together. “You can pretty much count on it.”

“Lucky me,” she mumbled against his mouth. She gave him a dirty kiss and relished his response when the sound of a loud motorcycle engine bounced against the trees.

Zane pulled away and stood. “What the hell?”

Olivia joined him and heard Killer let out some impressive sharp barks. “A family member?”

Zane descended the steps and laughed when a large man parked the bike and slid off his helmet. “Cousin Linc? What the hell are you doing here?”

“Heard you were trying to tame the family ghosts alone.” He ran his hand through his hair and looked up at the three-story structure. “Figured I’d come and help.”

Olivia watched a rare genuine smile form on Zane’s face and knew another Hawker in residence wouldn’t be a bad thing.

And not just because the man was too handsome for words. She lifted Killer into her arms and gave herself a moment to consider what kind of genetic lottery produced so many good looking, magnetic men.

Certainly, any progeny they produced would be equally as lucky. Not that she was thinking about what kind of munchkins she and Zane could create.

How ridiculous.

Zane waved to Olivia and then walked back into his house with the new dog on his heels. “Where you at, cousin?”

Linc descended the stairs. “Family gossip suggested you were going with a recluse thing.” He planted his feet at the bottom of the stairs and crossed his arms. “But I have to call bullshit because you’ve got a charming girlfriend and a dog that won’t leave your side.”

“If I told you this wasn’t my plan, would you believe me?”

“Of course, since good fortune is pure serendipity.” He lifted his arm and checked his watch. “Do we have time for a beer before we’re expected at Chateau Bennett for supper?”

“Absolutely.” He slapped his cousin on the shoulder and acknowledged that he was glad for the company. Another fact he could pile on top of all the others that told him his plan for solitude had more holes than a piece of Swiss cheese.

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