Page 71 of Trust

“Of course. Is she okay?”

“As good as she can be on this day. She doesn’t feel up to driving, and I can’t go out there. I’ve got a water leak at the bookstore and am waiting on the plumber. I’m afraid a pipe will pop if I leave, and my books will have to learn how to swim.”

“I’ll send Linc over. He’s a contractor and can fix just about anything.”

“No!” Lucy shouted.

He pulled the phone away from his ear. “Okay…but he knows what he’s doing.”

“I’m sorry; I didn’t mean to screech in your ear. It’s just that I’ve put a call into Ron, and he promised he’d come as soon as his wife has their baby and…”

“Lucy, did something happen between you and Linc?”

“Of course not! Why would you say that? Did he say something? Because if he did, it’s not true, and…I didn’t kiss him back. I merely stumbled, and that’s why my lips landed on his.” She let out a groan. “And to suggest otherwise is a bald-faced lie. Where else could I put my hands, anyway? It’s not like I have the balance of a flamingo. A person does have to anchor themselves, after all. And…”

“Lucy, I get it.”

“There is nothing to get. And he started it.”

“Absolutely.”

“Do you want to know where Olivia is, or do you want to continue interrogating me about one mishap that lasted less than a minute and is barely memorable?”

“I’m ready for the intel.”

“Good, because she doesn’t need to be stranded at the Pink Pig.”

“Text me the address, and I’ll jump in my truck now.”

“Okay. And thank you, Zane.”

“In the meantime, I’ll tell Linc to stop by because, last I heard, books and water don’t mix so good.” A long sigh filled his ear.

“Fine. But only because my life’s work is at risk. Not because I want to see that confounding man’s face.”

“Didn’t think otherwise.” He heard the call end and shook his head, knowing his cousin had met his match in Lucy Bennett. It seemed he wasn’t the only one about to get schooled in the intricacies of taming a tiger.

Olivia watched her porch lights come into view and was instantly comforted. “Thanks for the ride, Zane. I just couldn’t stomach spending the night at the Motor Inn. The orange bedspread would have been one too many atrocities for my delicate constitution.”

“You sure it doesn’t have anything to do with the amount of tequila you consumed instead?”

She gingerly turned her head. “Can one ever be completely sure?”

“I guess not.” He slid his hand across the console, linking their fingers. “And there’s no thanks necessary. I would cross the goddamn Earth if you needed a ride.”

“That’s so, so lovely.” A faint smile crossed her lips. “Complete bullshit. But truly sweet.”

“Just because I’m no good at this whole boy, girl thing doesn’t mean that I wouldn’t ride to your rescue without a second thought.”

“I have no doubt.” She squeezed his hand as he parked the truck. “Saving a damsel in distress is a side hustle you would certainly excel at. It’s the other stuff that trips you up.” The silence that followed her statement let her know that spouting her truth willy-nilly probably wasn’t a good idea.

The mighty mezcal had loosened her lips and made what small filter she had disappear. She gave him a tight smile. “Thank you again. I’ll make you some cookies or something.”

“Don’t treat me like a damn stranger, Liv.”

Sitting up, she felt her head swim. “I don’t bake for strangers.”

“You know what I mean.”

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