Page 25 of Irresistible

CHAPTER TEN

Saturday Afternoon

Walking along the wet path, Lilly noticed a rainbow in the distance. “Look.” Lifting their entwined hands, she pointed east. “How pretty.”

“We’re in for some good luck.”

Swinging their hands back and forth, she laughed. “I’m past due for some.”

“How did it start?”

Cringing, she knew the inquisition was about to begin. “After my third book.”

“How did she get in touch with you?”

“I have a good-sized group of fans on Facebook who I interact with, and that’s how she first got in touch. The interaction was typical in the beginning but soon turned overly enthusiastic. She started to message me every day and would get angry if I didn’t respond right away. I tried to manage her expectations without offending her, but that never seemed to work. My agent suggested blocking her from the group, and I eventually did that. But by then it was too late. She’d become obsessed, and there was nothing I could do to stop it. I finally filed a restraining order after she showed up at book signings all over the country.”

“Shit, Lilly. A restraining order doesn’t do anything.”

She tugged her hand away. “Don’t judge me, Brock. If you want to hear the story, then listen.”

He took her hand again, lifted it to his mouth, and pressed a kiss against her skin. “From the moment you jumped out of your first tree, I have worried. Don’t expect me to give up something that I’ve been doing for years.”

Looking down at a puddle, she sighed. “I know you care about me, but your worrying implies I’m not capable of making a good decision. I know as a kid I was a little reckless, but don’t assume that I haven’t grown into a responsible adult.”

“My overprotectiveness has nothing to do with your ability to take care of yourself. It’s just my way. I watched you jump out of trees, race down hills on your bike, and set off rockets for years, and I got used to safeguarding you. It’s not a habit that I’ve ever broken. The thought of harm coming to you has always made me feel sick to my stomach. It got worse after my mama passed away. I can’t explain it, but that’s how it’s always been.”

Wrapping her arms around his big frame, she squeezed him as best she could. “I appreciate that you care about me, more than you’ll ever know.” When he squeezed her back, she felt a peace she’d forgotten existed. Part of the reason she was such a daredevil as a kid was that she knew he would always be there to catch her. It was easy to be brave if she had a superhero ready to save the day. And that’s what Brock had always been for her. A hero. Not that she would tell him. God, if he ever found out, he would be insufferable.

Popcorn tugged on his leash, and she released her hold on Brock. “Come on. You promised to buy me a brownie.”

When he shook his head, she decided to change the subject. “Admit it. Doesn’t Popcorn look good in his raincoat? He’s about the best-looking dog there is.”

“It’s really a rain poncho, and to answer your question, yes, he does look good. I don’t know how he manages to keep hold of his dignity, but he does.”

“Being well-dressed is not a measure of testosterone. My dog can be macho and stylish.”

“Why do I feel like you’re trying to tell me something? I know I’m not a fancy dresser. Is that something you want?”

“I’m not talking about you. I’m defending my dog’s honor.” Leaning her head against Brock’s shoulder, she gave him what she hoped was a sexy smile. When he frowned, she figured it had failed. “For the record, I like the way you dress. As far as I’m concerned, you can wear jeans, a white T-shirt, and boots every day for the rest of your life. Or just go naked. Either is fine with me.”

“That’s damn good news.”

“You thought I wanted to change you?”

“Not really, but seeing Drew the other day in his stupid three-piece suit made me wonder if that’s what you liked.”

“Nope, I like a man in jeans with long legs and a fine ass.” If he didn’t figure out she was talking about him, then he wasn’t paying attention. “The only good thing about this situation with Drew is that I’m going to get a really good book out of it. Don’t mess with a writer, ’cause we’ll describe you.”

“Remind me never to piss you off. The last thing I want is to end up dead in one of your books.”

Wrapping her hand around his arm, she looked up into his sexy gray eyes. “What if I use last night as inspiration? Would that be all right?”

Sliding his hand over his jaw, he gave her a small smile. “I suppose that would be okay.”

“Might have to do some more research, really spend some time and see what works and what doesn’t. One of the things I’m known for is my thorough study of a subject. I spend months investigating the right techniques.”

“I can surely help you with that, and can make myself available for whatever you have in mind.”

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