Page 92 of The Love Shack

His mouth curved in a small smile. “Not even a little.”

“Good. Then can I convince you to skip dinner so we can go straight to bed?”

“A genius idea,” he teased, nuzzling her neck while they both hurried into her house. He secured the door behind them. “Will Hero or Cheese mind?”

She took his hand and led him into the living room. Hero was asleep on the couch, with Cheese curled up by his rump. “No,” she whispered, “they won’t mind.”

Each time with Lawson was somehow better, but nearly two hours later, hunger drove them to the kitchen. They kept it easy with grilled-cheese sandwiches and chips—and conversation. Lots and lots of quiet talking, about important things, and mundane things. As they finished up the dishes, Berkley couldn’t stop smiling. Not a big smile, but she was so content, her lips just naturally curved.

She was drying her hands when Lawson stepped up behind her, his arms wrapped around her to keep her close. “Not to ruin an incredible day...”

“It was incredible.” All of it, every moment—including this one. She leaned into him, and he kissed her ear.

“How about we get to that phone call?”

A heartfelt groan disrupted her contentment.

“I know,” he commiserated, turning her to face him. “I’d rather not mention Durkinson’s name, but he needs to be dealt with.”

“I know.” She smoothed her hands over his chest. “He’s been lingering there in the back of my mind, too.” Oliver’s concern had affected them both. “You don’t think it’s too late, though?”

“It’s only late to those of us who get up so early. Besides, do you care if you inconvenience him? Because I don’t.”

No, she didn’t really mind, either. “I may as well get it over with.” Keeping the dread from her tone, she pointed to the top of the fridge. “The card is up there.” Out of sight, but never really out of mind. Like an impending storm, the issue with Chad wasn’t going away. How bad it’d be, that was what she didn’t know.

Lawson reached it easily and tossed it onto her table. “You sure you don’t want me to call him?”

“I appreciate the offer, but I feel like this is something I need to do.”

Giving a gentle squeeze to her shoulder, he accepted her decision. “You’ve got this.”

If only she had his confidence. She got her cell phone from the counter and sat down at the kitchen table. Feeling a bit like a coward, she asked, “How about if I put it on Speaker?” That way, she wouldn’t feel alone. Anything Chad said, Lawson would hear, too.

“I was going to suggest it.”

Grateful that he made this so easy, she put in Chad’s number, then hit the speaker button and set the phone on the table. After the third ring, she said, “Maybe he won’t answer—”

“Berkley!” Absurd joviality resonated in his greeting. “You got my message.”

Just that, the sound of his voice, and a deluge of memories flooded over her. Visions of the past, of how he used to act with her, compressed her lungs and nearly stole her breath. He’d taken part in almost ruining her life, yet he acted as if they’d parted good friends. As if he hadn’t lied to her, used her.

As if she hadn’t been the “other woman.”

When Lawson’s hand came to rest on her thigh, it jolted her back to the present. She wasn’t a kid anymore.

And she wasn’t alone. “Yes, I got your message.”

“What’s wrong?”

That had to be a joke. She let out an unsteady breath, drew in fresh air and covered Lawson’s hand with her own. “You shouldn’t have contacted me.”

“I had to.” Concern lowered his voice. “I’ve been thinking of you, of how you’ve been.”

Right. Nearly ten years had passed without a word, but now he thought of her? She wondered what had happened. How his life might have changed.

“I saw your photo listed for that shelter, but when I called them, they said you’d moved.”

She didn’t want him thinking of her, and she wouldn’t discuss any part of her life with him. “We have no reason to talk, Chad.”

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