Page 89 of Trust

“That doesn’t answer my question.” She pushed past him and walked out to the yard. “Oh.”

Zane joined her and let out a laugh. “Well, there you go.”

“This isn’t a sign, Zane.”

“Babe, it sure the hell is.”

Olivia let out a sigh and knitted her hands together. Bella and Killer were lying together in the shade of the Ferris wheel, friendly as can be.

“Those are some contented dog siblings.”

“Oh, be quiet. I’m sure it’s an anomaly,” she answered, knowing it was no such thing. Bella was as stubborn as she was, and if she allowed the little white ball of fluff on her turf, it meant something. But not what Zane thought.

“Go on, Liv. I can’t wait to see how you will thread that needle.”

She turned and gave what she thought was an impressive look of disinterest. “I want to state clearly, for the record, that I’m over my crush and will expect any hold you have on my affections to be released immediately.”

“Yeah, that’s not going to be possible.”

“Why?” She stomped her foot. “You have plenty of options.”

“I’ve got a hell of a date planned for us. How does tomorrow sound?”

“A date?” She closed her eyes and tried to determine if she was dreaming. When she felt Zane’s arm brush hers, she decided it was a rabbit hole she’d fallen down. What other explanation could there be for him ignoring her clear communication?

“It’s what men and women do together when they like one another.”

Olivia opened her eyes. “I’m well aware of that, Zane. It’s just that…” she ran her hand over her slick neck. How dare he make her so out of sorts? She was supposed to be a cool cucumber and the boss of the discussion. Instead, they were hopping around from one topic to another like rabbits on crack, never finishing one thought before they started on another. It was one of the most confounding encounters she’d ever had. “We’re not involved.”

“Yes, we are.”

“Why are you making this so difficult?” She let out a groan. “You should be doing a happy jig and running home to call any one of the interested women in town.”

“There is only one I care about, and I’m trying to ask her out on a damn date so I can make a grand gesture, so she’ll forgive me, and we can start again.”

“Oh.” She took a step back. “Well…”

“Is that a yes to 7:00 tomorrow?”

“No.” She pinched her mouth together. “I want you to release my heart.”

“No can do.” He kissed her cheek. “You love giving old broken-down things a second chance, don’t make me the exception.” Taking her hand, he pressed it against his chest. “Let’s show this town and ourselves why it always works out in the end.”

“That’s not fair, Zane.”

“That’s the thing about love and war; it’s got nothing to do with fair.” He smiled confidently. “And don’t think for a second that I won’t use every down-and-dirty tactic I know to get you to allow me a second chance.”

She watched the muscle in his jaw tic as his gaze fastened on her mouth. Unbidden memories floated to the surface, and she did what she could to ignore the voice in her head that said he was the one and always would be.

He ran his finger over her cheek. “One date, Liv. Please. Before you make a final decision.”

“Fine,” she huffed out, untucking her hand from his. “I’ll go on one silly date but know that I’ve carefully tucked away my soft bits.” She wasn’t going to roll over and simply accept his words at face value. She gave him her best beady-eyed stare. “I acquired some nice new armor while I was away, so know that your efforts will likely fail.” Her head throbbed, and she let out a sigh. “I didn’t tape my heart back together just to have it broken again.”

“Understood.”

“And don’t expect this little date to result in a happy ever after where we magically forget past transgressions. We’re not going to have some kind of love epiphany and look at each other with hearts in our eyes just because a few sweet confessions were exchanged.” She leaned back. “You are planning on some kind of sugary declaration of your feelings, right?”

“I’m not giving you the details of the battle plan, woman.” He gave her a sad shake of his head. “I’m a damn spec operator with more medals than I know what to do with.” He pressed a kiss to her head. “A rough start doesn’t mean we can’t kick love’s ass. I always succeed, Liv, and this ain’t gonna be any different.”

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