Page 23 of The Art of Loving Lacy
“Those are gorgeous.” For a second she allowed herself not to think about what happened earlier. It had been only a few hours, but now she felt as if it had been days since she’d seen him. She wanted to fold herself in his arms and snuggle against his warmth. Desperation pulled at her heart—desperation for his comfort, desperation for Dane.Maybe just one more night.
“I thought these might make you feel a little better.” He handed her the flowers.
“How did you know that I love Madonna Lilies?” She brought the blooms to her nose and breathed in their heavy floral, honeylike fragrance. He followed her into the room while she set them on the coffee table.
“You told me you loved lilies a long time ago, but I didn’t know you loved Madonna Lilies in particular. I have a feeling there’s a lot about you that I don’t know yet.”
It’s probably better that way.
He reached for her hand. “But I intend to get to know everything there is to know about you.”
One night. Just one more night; then I’ll let him go, so he can find some woman who doesn’t have shark issues.Lacy felt her resolve fading away with each beat of her racing heart.
“I’m sorry about before.”What am I doing? Stop liking him!
“No need to be sorry. These things happen. I just want you to know that I’m here for you, Lace. If you want to talk about what happened today, or if you want to talk about anything else. I’m a really good listener.”
Lacy’s voice was stuck in her throat.Please don’t be so nice. I can’t be your noose.
Dane pulled her close, resting one hand on the small of her back and his cheek against hers; then he whispered, “You look amazing.”
Lacy closed her eyes, memorizing the feel of his heart beating against hers. How could she let such a great guy get involved with her? How could she walk away from him?
“Thank you,” she managed. She was so confused, and now, wrapped in the warmth of his arms, she had no idea what the right thing to do was. Whatever happened on that boat was bigger than she was, and Lacy had a feeling that even if Dane said he could deal with it, her fear might just be bigger than both of them.
Chapter Nine
THE PLUSH LAWN of the inn was bordered with thick New England gardens, bursting with colorful flowers, grasses that grew at different heights, and ground coverings that wound their way into every crevice in between. Tables covered with white tablecloths were arranged under gauzy white canopies and decorated with floral centerpieces. The afternoon heat faded as the sun began its descent, allowing the cooler air to come in off the sea. Dane had wanted to go back and see Lacy again after she’d said she wanted to lie down when they’d come in from the boat, but he thought time with her sisters would probably help her more than he could. Now he wondered if he’d made the wrong choice. Lacy seemed a little removed, like she was slipping away.Maybe she’s just embarrassed.
Dane noticed Savannah heading toward him and Lacy seconds after they arrived. He held tight to Lacy’s hand, anticipating his sister’s bold nature.
“I’m so glad you guys made it. I was afraid Lacy might not be up to it.” Savannah hugged Dane and then reached for Lacy. “Feeling better?”
“Yes, much. Thank you.”
Dane felt her grip his hand tighter.
“I’m really sorry to have ruined the trip,” Lacy said.
“Pfft.” Savannah swatted the air. “Are you kidding? No need to apologize. I wouldn’t know what to do if things always went as planned.” She pointed at Max and Treat. “Look how happy they are. I wonder if this whole love thing is contagious.” She lifted her eyebrows playfully.
Lacy blushed.
“I don’t know,” Dane said. “But I’m sick of seeing you without someone on your arm.”
“Oh, please. When I do bring a man around, you guys surround him like vultures.” Savannah rolled her eyes.
“It’s a brother thing. You know you love it.” Dane turned to Lacy. “Would you like a drink?”
“Sure. Whatever you’re having is fine with me,” she said.
“Ugh, it’s starting already,” Savannah teased.
“Excuse me?” Lacy said.
“The whole couple thing. You know, you drink the same things; then you start finishing each other’s sentences.”
Dane kissed the back of Lacy’s hand before releasing it. “Ignore her. I’ll be right back.” He squinted at Savannah. “Think you can behave for five minutes?”
