Page 90 of The Love Shack

Which meant he had time to win her over. “How would you feel about dinner?”

Gaze warm and direct, she asked, “How would you feel about a sleepover?”

“My place or yours?”

The quick reply parted her lips. “Really?”

That deserved a laugh. “Did you honestly think I wasn’t interested?”

“I don’t know. You were talking about your grand plan and everything.” Her eyes widened. “Not that I expect you to rush me into marriage or kids or anything like that.”

A little rushing sounded fine to him. “How about we see how it goes?”

“Right.” Pragmatic, she said, “I’d like a chance to fall in love with you, instead of merely in lust.”

Just seeing her lips form the wordlustratcheted up his temperature. He touched her mouth. “One step at a time.”

She was nodding when Oliver closed in, his mouth taking hers, soft and easy for, oh, two seconds. Then he angled for a better fit and she did the same, the kiss turning ravenous.

Hearing heavy footsteps, Oliver glanced up sharply.

“Damn.” Lawson stalled midstep. “Sorry to interrupt. I can just—” He started to pivot toward Berkley’s house.

“It’s fine.” Scrambling, Lark got to her feet and brushed off her backside with more energy than necessary.

Heaving a put-out sigh, Oliver gathered the dog into his arms and got to his feet, as well. “We were walking Handsome.”

Deadpan, Lawson said, “Exactly what it looked like.” He reached out to scratch the dog’s chin. “How’s he doing?”

Handsome tucked up against Oliver’s chest, cowering but also wagging his tail.

“Mixed signals, bud,” Oliver said, gently sheltering him. It was the first time he’d held Handsome, but the dog appeared to like it.

Lark said, “I didn’t hear you pull up.”

“I walked over through the woods. My house isn’t that far from here.”

“That’s convenient,” Oliver said. “And actually, I’m glad you’re close by.”

Eyebrows lifting and suspicion clear, Lawson waited for an explanation.

Seriously, he’d just been devouring Lark, so Lawson had to know where his interests lay. “Look around. This place is isolated enough that I didn’t hear you until you were already close. As you just pointed out, she has woods around her instead of neighbors. Some guy from Berkley’s past is looking for her and he could walk right up on her without her knowing until it was too late.”

“Too late?” Lark repeated. “You really think he’s that dangerous.”

Lawson’s dark, level brows came together. “Berkley doesn’t, but neither of us have seen him for damn near a decade. He was worse than a cowardly creep back then, and I have serious doubts that time has improved him any.” He did his own survey of the area. “You’re right. She needs more lights out here, and probably a better security system.”

Snorting, Lark turned away. “I’ll let Berkley know that the menfolk are taking care of her problems for her.”

“Hey.” Lawson fell into step with her. “Don’t make it sound like that.”

She tossed an impish smile over her shoulder. “I’m sure she’ll understand the concern.”

Shaking his head, Oliver followed along. “I’m only offering advice. Wouldn’t you do the same for someone if they had a hair question?”

“A hair question?” With both men now following her, Lark snickered and hastened her pace. “I wouldn’t presume to tell someone how to wear their hair.” She shot Lawson another look. “If they asked, I’d be happy to share suggestions.”

Lawson had to lengthen his stride to keep up with her. “Racing, Lark?”

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