Page 90 of Trust

Not wanting to give him undue encouragement, she shrugged carelessly. “There’s a first time for everything, Zane.” She gave him a saucy smirk, then spun around and stalked toward her house.

It was a shame that it was too darn early for a drink because she could sure use one.

Or three.

TWENTY-FIVE

Zane strode down the road, replayed the chaotic discussion that led to Olivia agreeing to a date and tried to pinpoint the moment he’d worn her down. Not a positive way to view the situation, but what the hell? He was a work in progress.

A fact he was trying to get comfortable with each and every day.

He ran his hand down the front of his dress shirt and told himself he was more than ready to show Olivia that he was worth the gamble. No more wishy-washy bullshit. He was going all in. Damn the consequences.

He glanced down at Killer. “Be on your best behavior, little man. Don’t annoy Bella and nip at her heels. We’re showing those Bennett women that the men from the Hawker family are the gold standard.” The little white dog barked out an agreement and trotted along like he was in the Westminster dog show. “Easy now. We’re the supporting players, not the stars.”

Olivia’s house came into view, and he gripped the bouquet. “Show time.” His phone pinged with an alert, and he checked it quickly. “Looks like supper was delivered. The stage is set.”

He strode to Olivia’s door and pressed the doorbell, telling himself success was within reach. The door swung open, and he was thankful his lungs were full of air. His girl was a freaking knockout. “There has never been a more beautiful woman in the history of the world.” He pushed the flowers in her direction and was relieved when she took them. A nervous smile curved her full lips, and his gut settled just a little. Perhaps he wasn’t the only one with a stomach full of nerves.

Killer trotted into the house, and they both let out a laugh simultaneously. “Believe it or not, we talked about manners before arriving.”

“Bella and I are not offended by enthusiasm.” She trailed her finger over the petal of one of the peonies. “It’s one of our favorite things.”

“That’s good news all around because both the dog and I have a ton of it.” He held out his hand. “You ready for our date?”

“Let me just grab my purse.”

“You won’t need it; we’re not going far.” A look of disappointment crossed her face, and he told himself it wouldn’t remain there long. Once she saw what was in store, she’d likely have nothing but smiles and kind words.

At least, he hoped that’s what happened.

“Okay, Zane.” She set the flowers on the entry table and then took his hand. “You look handsome, by the way.”

He led her across the yard. “How you say those words with a straight face, I’ll never know.”

“I see the whole you and not just a couple of scars on your cheek.” She swung their hands. “I thought you were handsome from the moment we met, and that hasn’t changed. A person’s attractiveness is the sum of their heart, mind and soul, not individual bits and pieces.”

“I think your kindness colors your perception, but I will not argue the point. The fact that you still have any goodwill to throw in my direction is a damn miracle, and I’m just gonna enjoy it.”

“A wise choice.”

The Ferris wheel came into view, and he heard Olivia let out a little gasp. “I hope you like the details, I added.” He watched her eyes crawl over the fairy lights he’d threaded through the wheel, along with the ribbons he’d attached to the gondolas. Was her awestruck expression a good sign? “You ready for your first ride?”

“But don’t you remember, I have a height thing.”

“Not a problem, babe. I’ve got you covered.”

“Really? Are you sure?”

“One hundred percent.” He bent down and kissed her cheek. “You can trust me.”

“I hope so,” she muttered, following him to a pink gondola.

Zane opened the door with a flourish and helped Olivia in. He plucked two thermoses out of the picnic basket that sat on a large plaid blanket and then climbed into the gondola. “Once we’ve christened the ride properly, we can have supper.”

“And how do you define christen, sir?”

He threw her a wink and closed the door behind him. “I guess that depends on how much you like what I’m about to say.” He handed her the pink thermos. “Any kind gestures will be accepted with gratitude.”

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