Page 55 of The Love Shack

She snorted. “Hero sure is. And I think Cheese secretly has a crush on you, and that’s why she keeps stealing from you.”

Brushing his thumb over her knuckles, he said, “She doesn’t steal from anyone else?”

“She used to, but you’re the only one she’s targeted lately.”

“I’m glad your pets like me, since I’m hoping to hang around a lot more.”

Anticipation caught her breath. She wanted to reciprocate, to say something witty in return, but she’d never been good at this type of banter. So why not be truthful?

Wrinkling her nose, she confessed, “I’m bad at this.”

The corner of his mouth curled. “At flirting?”

Having it confirmed made her even warmer. “Yup, that.” He looked so pleased that she grinned. “I like it, though.”

“So you don’t mind having me around?”

Since they still held hands, she gave his a squeeze and admitted, “I’m glad you’re here, and you’re welcome anytime.”

“From now on, I’ll let you know if I’m coming by.” As he said it, a knock sounded on her front door and Hero went into warning mode, shooting off the couch with a bark, followed by low growling. “Case in point,” he said. “The dog isn’t thrilled to have someone just show up, and you went white.” He lifted her hand to his mouth, kissed her knuckles and reminded her, “Pizza delivery.”

Her bones wanted to melt. “Right. Pizza.” Grumbling, she released him and stood. “I’ll get my wallet.”

He stood, too. “This is my treat, so let me.”

“Then I owe you a meal... Or maybe two.”

“Count me in.”

He started for the door, but Hero blocked his way. When Lawson started around him, Hero moved, too.

Quirking a smile, Lawson said, “Bud, it’s okay. No rescue needed.” He stroked Hero, speaking softly.

That he took the time to reassure her dog meant a lot.

“Trust me,” he said to Hero.

Ears twitching, Hero read his mood, then moved to his side and accompanied him to the door. Money in hand, Lawson glanced at her. “Anytime you want me to visit, tell me, and I hope you know you’re welcome to drop by my place, too.”

Would she? She wasn’t sure. Catching Hero’s collar just in case, she waited while Lawson paid for their food and, she noticed, gave the delivery guy a great tip. Everything he did only made her like him even more.

It occurred to her that there was no welcome mat for the front of her house, but then, she didn’t welcome people.

Except Lawson, and in a dozen different ways, that felt incredibly right.

9

They finished offnearly the entire pizza and as the evening wore on, Lawson took pleasure in watching all the tension ease out of Berkley. They’d both have an early day tomorrow, but he didn’t yet want it to end. She worked too hard, felt too deeply, for Durkinson to disrupt her now.

Seeing her like this, relaxed and joking, especially with the way she’d been when he first arrived, made him want to protect her. A sentiment she probably wouldn’t appreciate.

She stretched, then stood from the table, and he thought he was about to be sent home, but she said, “I want dessert. How about you?”

Glad that she, too, wanted to extend the evening, he asked, “Whatcha got?”

“Ice cream, or packaged cookies.”

He raised his hand. “Ice cream.”

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