Page 18 of The Love Shack

The thought darted through her mind that he could easily crush someone with his size, and yet he was so gentle, clasping her fingers only briefly.

“Do you live here, Oliver, or are you just visiting?”

Pensive, he lifted his drink, then took a draw off the straw, possibly giving himself a moment to think. “I’ve rented a place.”

“A home?” she pressed. “Or a business?” Like a quintessential grumpy Gus, his frown increased. “Not to be nosy,” she added with a smile. “Just curious.”

“Both, actually. That is, I’m renting an apartment, and I’ve bought a building.” He held up a hand, no doubt anticipating more interrogation from her. “I’m opening a fitness spa.”

With his overly serious demeanor and lumberjack physique, that didn’t really fit. Drill sergeant would work. Construction worker, maybe. But a spa? Before she could grill him further, Wheeler returned with her order and, heaven, it looked and smelled delicious. “Thank yousomuch. I’m ravenous.”

Wheeler gave her a crooked grin full of appreciation. At least he wasn’t grumpy. “If you need anything else, let me know.”

Another customer signaled him, and off he went.

She’d just taken a big bite of her burger, which caused a hum of appreciation, when a warm body sidled in next to her. She looked up, and there was Lawson.My, my, my.Hotties all around.

She savored her burger—and the testosterone in the air.

4

Oliver had seenmany women work their wiles, but he had to admit, Lark was so open and friendly about it, most guys wouldn’t see it coming. Take Wheeler, for instance. The guy would probably ask her out before she finished her meal.

And now here was another man crowding in next to her. That disgruntled him enough that he returned his attention to his food and the massive task of winning over the town matriarch.

Betty Cemetery did not have wiles. She had picky standards and the determination of a mule. She was no soft granny. More like an iron ruler who wanted things her way, no exceptions.

He heard Lark say, “Lawson, hi.”

So yeah, out of the corner of his eye, Oliver watched the scene play out between the two of them. He’d do so until he finished his food, which should be in the next ten minutes as long as he didn’t linger.

The man next to her glanced down in surprise. Yeah right. Like he hadn’t noticed Lark? Get real. With her big smiles and friendly manner, no man would not notice her...except that Oliver hadn’t at first. But then, he had a lot on his mind.

“Lark? Sorry. I don’t mean to crowd you. Just trying to get Wheeler’s attention so I can pick up my order.”

Wheeler noticed him then, gave him a thumbs-up and disappeared into the kitchen.

“No problem,” Lark said. “It’s busy here, so crowding is expected.” Then she turned back to him. “Oliver, have you met Lawson Salder? He owns the custom print shop with the new, beautiful wishing well out front. I can personally vouch for the quality of his products and the excellent service.”

“Appreciate the endorsement,” Lawson said to her.

Oliver stood and held out a hand. “Oliver Roth. Nice to meet you.”

“You, too,” Lawson said. “New to town?”

“I was around all spring, choosing property, working out the details, ordering equipment, all that. But I just officially moved here a week ago.”

“I’ve got a year on you, then.” Lawson smiled. “Welcome to Cemetery. It’s a great place. What business are you in?”

“I’m opening a fitness studio in a week—that is, it’ll open if I can get Betty Cemetery and the town council to agree on a few things.”

Leaning back on the bar and folding his arms, Lawson advised, “Don’t let Betty bulldoze you. She means well, but her love of the town can sometimes turn her into a dictator. In the end she’s usually reasonable.”

“I must have missed that side of her so far.”

They both laughed.

Tilting back to see them, Lark raised her brows in surprise. “So for Lawson, you just offered all that up. For me, it was like prying out state secrets or something.”

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