Page 33 of Tempted

“Hell, yeah.”

“What will you do with your house guest, Julie?”

“Make sure she understands that the savior act is no longer available since I’ve got a woman to romance.”

“Just like that?” she asked with surprise.

“Yes, sweetheart. Just like that. I told you that I was a stubborn SOB and meant it. I’ve got my target locked and don’t plan on backing off.”

“I see.”

“Is that a yes, let’s have a date or get the hell away from me?” Seeing her struggle to decide, let the monster of frustration shrink. This wasn’t easy business and wasn’t meant to be, and he decided that made perfect sense because achieving your heart’s desire always involved the fight of a lifetime.

“Alright, we can go on a date.” She gave him a slow once-over. “Hopefully, it won’t end in recriminations or broken dishes.”

“Sweetheart, we have nothing but sweet kisses under the moonlight in our future.” Lucy nodded as only a queen could, then spun on her sky-high heels and strode away. “You won’t regret it,” he called out.

And he would make damn sure she didn’t because if he was going to take another stab at the dream-making business, he was sure as shit going to succeed.

TEN

Four days later, Lucy found herself sitting at a roadside barbeque joint just outside Greenville, staring at Linc’s fine assets as he ordered their supper. Fanning herself with a stack of napkins, she told herself the lingering heat from the day was causing her to feel like she’d just been peeled off the racks in the pit. When the lie didn’t land, she sighed and watched him head in her direction. So much for keeping her libidinous thoughts in check.

“Are you trying to talk yourself out of giving us a chance?”

“Not particularly.” She set down the crumpled stack of napkins and studied Linc’s rueful smile. “But I am considering returning to my spiritual readjustment and skipping the next go around in the romance Olympics.”

“I fully support your trek into vulnerable badassery but respectfully request that you give this date of ours a shot before retreating behind the abbey walls.” He set down two tall cups filled with sweet tea and then dropped down on the bench. “Because I think we have a shot at creating something incredible.”

“I suppose kissing and soul evolution don’t have to be mutually exclusive.”

Moving closer so their shoulders were touching, he lifted his mouth into a smile. “Might even make leveling up that much easier.”

“It’s possible.” Smiling faintly, she took a sip of tea and looked around. “I like this place and am relieved that we get to enjoy our evening without an audience.” She kissed his cheek. “Getting out of town was a good idea.”

“Thanks, sweetheart; I’m glad you’re okay with the casual vibe.”

“Just because I wear more jewelry than is appropriate and sky-high heels doesn’t mean I require good china and cloth napkins at every meal.”

“I know,” he ran his fingers over her stack of bracelets, “and I love your style. Your ability to cross the line into hella-extra doesn’t scare me, and I know you’re not a woman who will ever be comfortable being basic.” He took her hand. “You want to creep over to Liberace terrain—I say, go for it.”

Letting out a laugh, she leaned away. “Don’t encourage me. Dolly Parton is my style inspiration and all-around guru. Not only is her style flawless, but she is also the finest human to grace our beleaguered world.” She restacked the napkins. “Did you know that she has a program that will mail a child a free age-appropriate book once a month from birth to age five?” She clasped her hands to her chest. “There is no obligation, no catch; she just wants to make sure that every child has books. I think she should be the world's president and supreme allied commander. Love, acceptance, music, and books. The woman is a goddess.”

He ran his thumb over her cheek. “I couldn’t agree more and want you to know that I like you, and the more you reveal, the truer it becomes.”

“My goodness, that’s a lovely thing to hear.” She glanced down at their hands. “We are as different as can be and yet….”

“We kinda make sense.”

Telling herself not to resist the good feelings his statement produced, she looked up. “I do enjoy your company and appreciate that you aren’t bothered by my eccentricities.”

“I’ve got no interest in normcore and prefer the company of people who embrace their truth and idiosyncratic notions.”

“A statement like that makes me think you’d be a perfect addition to Haven since we adore peculiar and original individuals.”

“That’s good to know because I have been seriously considering making a permanent move.”

“Really?”

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