Page 51 of Legacy of Lies
“But you said—”
“It’s not ... I only want for you to tell me if Zach starts acting strangely. Or something.”
Never heard that request from a parent. “All right. Well, so far so good. Normal kid behavior.”
“Good.” He nodded. “Good.”
“Is that mainly why you came here, then?”
“No.”
She was unable to take her eyes off the unforgiving features of his face that had somehow softened. The flannel shirt strained as he brought an arm up to rest on the back of the couch, not quite touching her, but so close she could sense his fingers right behind her.
His low voice came out like a caress. “Maybe I’m also here ... because I only got a taste.”
“Pardon?”
“I can’t stay away from you, Sara.”
Had he lost his mind?
Hell, had she? This was so not part of her plan, damn it.
“What about the stuff Hank said? He told me the ‘Great One’ called him to destroy you. I have no idea what all that was about.”
“Frankly, Hank can go screw himself for all I care.”
She giggled. “He’s not that flexible.”
When he laughed, his entire face reflected a whole different Garrison. Still strong, but gentler, with more layers than the tough rancher most folks probably saw. “I came close to making him that flexible tonight.”
“Thanks for helping out, by the way. No one’s ever stood up for me like that.”
“I’m only sorry that it needed to be done and that I didn’t step in until after he hurt you.” The slow movement of his thumb over her fingertips as they rested on his leg created swirls of pleasure, waking up parts of her body that had slept for far too long.
“Well. Okay, then.”
He locked eyes with her. “You know what I care about? Who you are as a person. I couldn’t give a shit about anything else. We all have our ancient history. I care about the sexy woman in front of me who believes in my son.”
“Oh.”
“Yeah, oh.” He stared over her shoulder. “Besides, um, I have a sense for when people are lying.”
“Really?”
He didn’t meet her eyes. “Kind of have an instinct for it. Hank’s not going to ruin your job. He’s spineless.”
“How can you know for sure?”
His warm breath fanned her face. “Like I said, I’m pretty good at telling when people are lying.”
Squinting at him, she said, “Now you’re teasing.”
“Nope.”
“Hmm, what if I tell you my favorite color is yellow?”
He squinted at her. “Lie. Try again.”
