Page 53 of The Art of Loving Lacy
“Immersion therapy?” Lacy drew her eyebrows together.
“I might have called a friend and asked her how to help you through your fear.” Dane looked away, focusing on a tree in the front yard. The muscles in his arms and neck tightened, as he expected her to be angry.
“You did that?” It wasn’t an accusation.
He turned to face her. A breeze swept curls across her cheek, and he reached up and tucked them behind her ear. She closed her eyes for just a second as his finger brushed her cheek, and she smiled, easing his worry.
“I did. I wanted to help,” he explained.
“Dane, I can’t believe you did that. That’s really thoughtful.”
She touched his arm, and his body cried out to embrace her again, but he was too nervous now.Baby steps.“I’m glad you’re not upset with me.”
She shook her head. “Just the opposite.”
He smiled. “Good. Tomorrow we’re going to see the Brave Exhibit. No live sharks. I promise,” he said. He kissed her cheek, trying to ignore the pull in his groin caused by the scent of her. “Good night, Lacy.”
He turned to leave, and as he descended the front steps, she called his name.
“Yeah?” he asked.
She held his gaze for so long that Dane almost crossed back the way he’d come to kiss her again.
“Thanks,” she said. “For everything.”
He nodded. “Sure. I only want you to be happy.” He went to his car and watched as she went into the cottage and closed the door behind her. He hated the idea of leaving her again, but he took solace in the fact that he’d helped her today.At least that’s something.
He started the car, and before he drove away, he called Rob.
“Hey, Dane,” Rob said. He sounded rested and much stronger and clearer than he had when Dane had left him earlier in the day.
“Hey, buddy. How are you feeling?” He rubbed his temples with his thumb and index finger in an attempt to focus on Rob instead of how much he longed for Lacy.
“Fine. Good, in fact. I called Sheila. She’s going to bring the kids to the Cape,” Rob said. “And I went to an AA meeting earlier. I really appreciate your help, Dane, and I’m not going to let you down. I know how to slay this monster.”
Thank heavens.“That’s great, Rob, and I’m here if you need me. All you have to do is call. Day or night. I’ve got your back,” Dane said.
“You always do. Thanks, buddy. Are we sailing with your pretty lady tomorrow?” he asked.
Dane smiled and looked at the cottage. “Why don’t you spend tomorrow with Sheila and the kids. Get on better footing. We’ll go out the next day.”
“Man, that would be great. I’ll call Sheila now and let her know. All this came on so fast and stole my feet out from under me, Dane, and I’m really sorry. Actually, it seemed to come on fast, but as Sheila pointed out, she’s been after me for two years to leave the business. I’ve just been ignoring it,” Rob said.
“And?” Dane had the feeling Rob was about to drop a bomb he didn’t want to hear.
“Nothing. We’re working it out.”
Dane let out a relieved breath and pushed away the part of him that wanted to nag him for a clearer explanation. He knew when Rob was ready, he’d clue him in on the details.
“Hey, Dane.”
“Yeah?”
“Here’s to a good run,” Rob said.
“Yeah. A good run.”With Lacy and with you.
LACY’S STOMACH WAS doing flips. She’d hoped that Dane was going to at least try to kiss her goodbye, but he made no move toward her. He was a perfect gentleman. She hated the stupid promise she’d made. Why had she ever agreed to it? But she wasn’t going to be the one to break it.
