Page 18 of Tempted

“Now, there’s a good idea.”

But one that neither of them could likely pull off. She pulled her plate closer and nibbled on the cinnamon roll, acknowledging that it had been a long time since she had felt this cracked open to a person.

The word smitten felt like a rising force, and pretending like Linc Hawker wasn’t responsible… was a fool’s folly.

Linc strolled down Main Street with his cousin, Asher, and decided that getting out of the house for the evening was one of their better ideas. They’d spent the day demolishing two bathrooms, and a change of scenery and a few beers were much needed.

As they passed the darkened bookstore, he contemplated the flirt and deflect cycle he and Lucy were stuck in. “Do you have any intel on the man who sideswiped Lucy and left her in a swamp of distrust?”

Asher glanced over. “I met the guy on my first visit to town and had him pegged as a pompous ass who believes he’s immune to the consequences of his behavior.”

“Interesting.”

“Not particularly,” Asher commented. “Human nature is fairly predictable, and people will try and get away with as much as possible.”

“Assuming the fatalistic cynicism is due to what went down with your naval career.”

“My superiors directed me to prosecute an innocent man, so cynicism, pessimism, doubt, and contempt are all now part of my daily vocabulary.” He shook his head sharply. “And for the record, the lack of honor the cake eaters have demonstrated isn’t something I plan on keeping quiet about.”

Linc studied the fading evening light. “Guess that’s gonna make the next several months exciting then.”

“No doubt.”

A response that confirmed his suspicion that Asher’s separation from the Navy was going to be the mother of all shit shows. Hawker men had unshakable moral codes and never let anything pass without doing what was necessary to make things right. “Call me if things get too crazy at NAB. I’ll drive the getaway car, take you for beers, or just listen to you bitch.” He slapped his cousin on the back. “Don’t hesitate.”

“Appreciate you,” Asher said quietly.

They pushed through the doors of Jasper’s, and Linc let out a disbelieving chuckle when he saw Lucy sitting at a cramped table. Small town living did have its advantages. He gave her a tip of his chin and accepted the small smile she gave him in response.

The group looked like they were in the final round of a no holds barred trivia war, so he followed Asher to the bar. The minute they arrived, two beers slid their way. “I see your lady love, Bea, is here.”

“She is not my anything.” Asher retorted before leaning against the bar. “The woman disapproves of most everything I do or say and lets me know in no uncertain terms.” He tipped his chin toward the group. “She’s light and love with everyone but me. And I’m over it.”

“I’ve got to say, it’s a damn fine day when I have a chance to witness the first time in recorded history that a woman is immune to your charms.” He sat on a barstool. “I feel like there should be some public announcement or something.”

“Screw you,” Asher said with little heat. “And for the record, she isn’t even my type.”

“Smart, kind, and full of fire, yeah that’s definitely hard to be around.”

Asher ran his hand over his jaw. “I’m fairly confident that the waves of crap headed my way are just the precursor to a tsunami. And the last thing I’m gonna do is allow a bystander to be onshore when it hits.”

“Are you saying that you don’t want witnesses or that having an innocent person caught in the undertow would be unacceptable?”

“Both,” Asher said quietly. “Even if that person is annoying, pushy, and possesses the most beautiful soul I have ever encountered in my thirty-four years.” He shook his head. “Did I mention irritating? Because she’s that too, what with the moral high ground she insists planting her fine ass on.”

Linc looked across the room and studied the woman responsible for his cousin’s discombobulation. “I can see why you’re avoiding her since it would take a man capable of carrying off some gangster ass shit to take on a woman like that.”

He received a middle finger salute in response and laughed as he pushed himself away from the bar. “Looks like the trivia masters are taking a break; I’m going to go over and say my hellos.”

“I’ll be here.”

“And I’ll be over there,” he mumbled, “seeing what I can do about getting my book lady interested.” He cut through the crowd and arrived at the table just as everyone was getting up. “Hello, ladies.”

A round of responses was sent his way, but he could only focus on the small smile Lucy sent in his direction. Holding out his hand, he prayed that she’d take it. “Would you like a drink or a bit of fresh air before the next round begins?”

Lucy took his hand and stepped away from her chair. “I wouldn’t mind going outside for a minute. We’re supposed to have a full moon tonight.”

“Well, let’s go see how it’s doing.” He led her out of the bar with nothing less than fifty curious stares following them. It seemed he and Lucy were going to be the featured bit of gossip in Haven for the next little while.

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