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“That would make even reluctant readers want to join in,” Gigi said. “You could announce the winners at the end of the summer picnic.”
“I love it,” Lucy said, clapping her hands.
“Are you professing your love again?” Linc asked as he landed his hands on her hips from behind.
Lucy looked over her shoulder. “No, but who knows what the day holds.” And strangely enough, she kind of meant it.
Which was a whole bag of potatoes she wasn’t quite ready to peel.
Linc checked his watch and decided they’d done as much as possible. He closed the Pod doors and then strolled into the store. They still had quite a few books to move but expected they could have it done by tomorrow, and he could start the demo on Wednesday. “Lucy, you ready to grab some supper?”
“Almost,” she shouted in response.
He walked toward the front of the store and found her sitting in one of the yellow-striped chairs near the children’s section. “Watcha doing?”
Lucy looked up from her computer. “I’m trying to develop the rules for the Great Summer Readathon.”
“Read a what?” She explained the plan that would rehome all the books she’d saved, and he thought it was nothing less than brilliant. “Bravo, sweetheart. That’s a hell of an idea.”
“Captain Underpants came up with it, and I don’t mind admitting it’s a good one.”
“We’re talking about Ned, the Fire Chief, who has a major crush on your best friend, right?”
Lucy snapped the computer closed. “Yes, and I didn’t suspect his interest until today.”
“Poor son of a bitch will have to stand at the back of the line because Gigi has quite a few willing suitors.”
“As she should since she possesses every wonderful quality a human should have.” Setting the laptop down, she gave him a wink. “And I’m not just saying that because she knows where the bodies are buried and is the best co-conspirator a woman could hope for.”
“Not a person alive who doesn’t need a solid operator on their six.”
Lucy blinked twice. “Yes, whatever that means.”
He took her hand, realizing she wasn’t ready for the full download of what being a teammate entailed. “What are you hungry for? I heard the diner has great food.”
“The food is terrific, but…” she looked longingly at the stairs leading to her apartment, “I wish I could cook you a thank-you dinner. You’ve done so much for me today.”
“I always take care of my….”
She put up her hands in a stop motion. “I hope to God you’re not assuming that I’m some easy conquest and just because….”
Linc pulled her closer, making sure his grip on her wrist was gentle. “I’m not making assumptions about where our connection is headed. I’m just saying that if you want me in your corner, you have me.”
“Oh, that’s lovely. And appreciated.”
Skimming his hand over her back slowly, he hoped it would show her that he accepted she was still in a struggle. “I’ve recently decided that connection is a necessity, not a luxury, and a single life isn’t as interesting as the world would have you believe.”
“But it is quiet and peaceful.”
“Two words that I would never associate with you.”
“People change, Linc.”
“No doubt, but denying your true nature never lasts long.”
She stepped out of his embrace and smoothed his T-shirt. “What is your true nature?” She traced the edge of his sleeve. “You look like a bad boy with your handsome rough features, tats, and bulgy muscles, but you act like a hero out of a romance book.”
“Maybe I’m all those things.” He looked toward the front of the store. “My hard exterior is a result of the waves sent my way. The muscles I’ve piled on were necessary for work I committed myself to, and the ink decorating my body was chosen because of the experiences I had along the way.” Rolling his shoulders, he let out a long breath. “The soft side you see is the result of a year of hard work. I had a bad time after I retired from the Navy and didn’t know who I was supposed to be if I wasn’t running and gunning.” He raised his gaze and saw nothing but intense interest—no judgment, boredom, or anything else that told him to shut the hell up. “I tore myself apart so I could create a new version. I went to therapy, took up a serious ass yoga and meditation practice, and try to be grateful more than pissed at life’s daily ups and downs. I now accept that it’s not my responsibility to ensure people play their cards correctly.” He let out a rough laugh. “Which isn’t to say I don’t get on my horse now and again and ride in to rescue someone’s dumb ass.”
