Page 34 of Lucky Haven

“Maybe instead of having dinner with me, you should be out there getting to know your future sister-in-law.” She picks up a green bean and wiggles it at me.

“Or maybe our next dinner date should be out there together, so you can help me figure this out before the wedding.”

She rolls her eyes. “When she came into the library, she asked about midwifery books.”

“Really? I didn’t notice that.”

“I think you were distracting her daughter at the time.”

I grin. “I do like the little rugrat. She’s cute. And smart for her age.”

“So we can surmise that family is important to her—and that’s true for Zane, too, right?”

“Of course.”

“So maybe something that represents the foundation of this new family?”

“Tree roots,” I say.

Haven’s eyes light up. “Yes, exactly. Maybe a piece of art?”

“I like that. Thank you.”

“What should I get them?” She shakes her head. “You can’t just put my name on your gift. We’re fake dating, so it would be awkward after we break up. Don’t argue, please. I’d rather give them something separate, as a friend of the family.”

Instead of arguing, I shove the last bite of meatloaf into my mouth. But that also makes it hard to answer her question, and it hangs over us in silence as I chew.

Fucking. Awkward.

“Books,” I finally manage to answer. “Maybe build them a starter family library?”

Haven sighs in relief. “I can do that.”

“Good. I’ll tell them that you’re coming, too.”

“Are you going to tell them the truth?” A flash of insecurity streaks across her lovely, sweet face. “I don’t like deceiving them.”

I swallow hard. “We won’t be deceiving them, don’t worry.”

As if my brothers would even ask why I want Haven to come as my plus-one, when it’s fucking obvious—to everyone except my new girlfriend, apparently.

My new fake girlfriend, who can’t imagine why I would want her for real.

Damn it.

Chapter Ten

Haven

When we leave the diner, Cash moves me to the inside of the sidewalk, putting himself between me and the road. His big hand lingers on my hip, then the small of my back, and when he finally lets go of my body, I feel the absence of his touch so keenly it makes my skin all hot and uncomfortable.

Like the return of his touch might be the only thing that could sooth my frazzled insides.

There’s no discussion about him coming back to my place, he just falls into step beside me as if this is what we’re going to do because we’re dating.

Me.

Dating Cash Kincaid.