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“Absolutely.” He moved closer. “There’s nothing I’d like more than to become the man you didn’t expect to find and the one who steps up in every place the last man stepped aside.”
“The rock that never crumbles?” Lucy asked quietly.
“Yes, and the one who scales your walls so that guarding your heart becomes possible.”
Pressing her hand against her heart, she hoped it wasn’t too late to prevent it from slipping into Linc’s hands.
“Raise your freak flag and show me everything because no man should ever be satisfied with less than all of you. Especially if he’s asking for a piece of your heart.”
“If you mean fifty percent of what you say, then know it will be impossible to resist you.”
“Good!” He lifted her chin gently with his thumb. “Life is short, and the last thing I’m gonna do is waste your time with empty promises.”
She ran her hand over his cheek. “The most important thing you can be is honest. I can handle anything… except deception.”
“Understood.”
Seeing the young server cross the patch of grass with a loaded tray, she moved away. “I like your style, Mr. Hawker.” She gave the kid a grateful smile and studied the tray loaded with smoked meat, ribs, and sinful sides.
“Are you saying that because I ordered the left side of the menu?”
“Absolutely.” She passed him a plate and prayed his unchecked appetite wasn’t solely saved for the state’s delicious food. “I like people who give in to their desires and firmly believe that diets, abstinence, and anything that sucks the joy out of life should be avoided at all costs.”
“I couldn’t agree more and want you to know that when the time is right, I will be the one giving you every single thing your heart desires.” He pushed her hair away and pressed his mouth close to her ear. “And more than once if you’ll let me.”
Nodding faintly, she felt him move away and turn his attention to the mountain of food before them. She studied his broad, capable hands as he filled their plates and wondered if her divine counterpart had been delivered.
And, more importantly, was she ready?
All her squawking about leading a more sedate life wouldn’t be possible if she got involved with Linc. The short amount of time they’d spent together told her that beneath his super chill vibe lay a man with a voracious appetite and complicated nature. Two qualities she adored but also found troublesome since a fiery heart could envelop you in warmth as effortlessly as it could incinerate you. Which side of the equation did Linc land on?
Not able to get a sense, she let the idea go and hoped that when she took her hands off the wheel, it didn’t result in a crash and burn.
Several hours later, Linc led Lucy toward her sister’s house. “I had fun, sweetheart.”
“I did too.” She kissed his cheek. “Thank you for a lovely evening.”
“My pleasure.” He raised their linked hands toward the Ferris wheel. “Looks a little forlorn out there, doesn’t it?”
“It sure does.” Lucy let out a sigh. “The whole house feels dull without Olivia buzzing around with her endless positivity.”
“How is she doing?”
“I spoke with her yesterday, and she’s doing about as well as you’d imagine.” She dropped down on the porch's top step and slid off her heels. “She fell for your cousin and is doing everything she can to get over the disappointment of things not working out.”
“Zane is roaming around the house like a wounded beast and howling at anyone who gets close.” He joined Lucy on the steps. “I hope Olivia believes in second chances because I think my cousin is going to beg for one before too long.”
Scrunching up her nose, Lucy leaned away. “Why should she consider it?”
“Because, despite the horrible ending, Zane is very much in love.” He looked up at the moon as it rose in the sky. “People are not always ready to meet their person and open themselves to love. My cousin thinks he’s not worthy of your sister and sabotaged their budding connection accordingly.”
“Does he have any plans to change that mindset, put the past to rest, and grab a fistful of mental health?”
“I’ve hooked him up with a counselor, so I’m hoping so.”
“I’m not a fan right now, but I hope he finds his way out of the darkness.”
Linc moved closer. “That is some fine empathy, woman, and I appreciate that you’ve not put the plans in motion to ensure his demise.”
