Page 74 of Love for a Lifetime

Dawson pointed to the driveway, nearly laughing at her attempt to put him off. “Stop being stubborn and get in the truck.”

Olivia straightened her backbone, rising to his bait like a starving fish. “Did you just boss me?”

Dawson took a step toward her, and her entire body heated like a torch. His jaw tensed as his eyes danced in the shadows of the afternoon sun sinking behind her house. “Stop it. You like it when I surprise you,” he whispered, barely hiding his grin.

Okay, so she did like it when he made her break out of her shell, and she could usually admit to having fun once she got past the initial decision. “Fair enough.”

Dawson’s arms wrapped around her, lifting her off her feet and swinging her in a circle before she’d even finished the last word.

Laughing, she squealed, “Dawson!” as he set her back on her feet.

Once she had her balance again, she pointed a finger at him. “But I’m bringing a book.”

Dawson grabbed her hand, pulling her with him into the house. “No need. I promise to keep you entertained.”

“Why are you dragging me inside if we’re going somewhere?”

Dawson stopped in front of her bedroom door and propped his hands on his hips. “Your chariot awaits, my queen.” He gestured to her room. “Pack a bag. Three days, max.”

Olivia’s eyes widened. “Nu-uh. I have to work on Tuesday.”

Dawson tilted his head from side to side. “Compromise. Make it two.”

With a controlled inhale, Olivia nodded. “Fine. Two days. But I better have my own bed.”

Dawson shook his head. “No beds, but you won’t have to sleep with me.” He pointed toward the kitchen. “I’ll pack snacks. Your chariot leaves in fifteen minutes.”

Staring after him, Olivia pressed a hand to her chest to settle the war drum beating inside it. What had she just agreed to?

19

DAWSON

Walking away from Olivia was never easy. The only thing propelling his steps forward was the promise of spending the next few days with her.

And nights.

It didn’t matter that he hadn’t had a full night’s sleep all week. As soon as Lucas called and said camping, Dawson kicked up dust on his way out to Silver Falls.

He wouldn’t be alone with Olivia, but spending time in the wilderness hit differently. It also helped that there were cabins on the ridge, and he wouldn’t have to sleep right outside her tent to ward off critters.

Okay, camping was a loose term. Really, the Bensons needed help renovating the cabins on the mountain, so they’d called in reinforcements.

Work a little, play a little. A winning combination.

And deep down, Dawson was a chicken. Not the cute birds Olivia adored. He was scared of rejection, and admitting it stung his pride.

For once, he couldn’t read Olivia’s mind. He’d been so close to laying it all on the line earlier, but something in her expression held him back.

He could see it now.

“I’m in love with you. Pretty much obsessed. Please be my queen, and I’ll adore you forever.”

Yeah, he couldn’t see her mirroring those feelings back. If she did, they would have moved past the friends stage by now.

Walking into her kitchen, he went straight for the pantry. Protein bars, granola, oatmeal. He gathered a few of each and set them on the counter.

Now, where did she hide the good stuff? He opened cabinets two at a time until he found a stash of potato chips, Skittles, and Oreos.

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