Dani moved to where she’d been sitting earlier and pulled out her backpack.She smiled at Lawson.“I’ve got some sandwiches in here, along with Bibi’s lunch.Would you like to share?”
His eyes were warm, and she wondered what he was thinking about sharing with her.
Whatever it was, she suspected she’d be all in.
Yep, she was a mess.
Chapter6
Getting Up To Speed
Lawson forced his eyes off Dani and yanked his control back into place.He wasn’t about to jump her in the back of the truck.
Beatrice.She’d named the truck Beatrice.And she used it as a lunch spot with her giant dog.She’d decorated it with fairies and suncatchers.Blankets and pillows, too.
None of that should appeal to him.None of it should make him smile.But it did—all of it.
Man, he wanted to haul Dani to her toes and taste her.Watch her eyes go blank and learn how she liked to be touched.
Hell.
Lawson hopped down from the truck and grabbed the pack he’d set there earlier.He sucked in a few deep breaths to settle himself.
He’d never experienced an attraction this strong.Dani Richards was physically enticing, but when talking with passion and delight about her bees and the environment, she was addictive.
They’d known each other for less than a day, and she’d been afraid of him for half of that.He wasn’t being a dick and making a move on her.
Instead, he’d share his peace offering and act like a gentleman.
Hopping back up to the truck, he was disappointed and relieved that Bibi had snuggled up beside Dani.Lawson settled himself against the side of the truck, where he could watch her.A smarter man would have squeezed against the truck’s cab on the other side of Bibi, where he wouldn’t become any more attracted than he already was.
He was a dumbass, but he was a dumbass who was about to enjoy the view.“I brought bribes to get you to forgive me for being pushy yesterday.”
Her face lit up when she chuckled.“You don’t need bribes.You’re forgiven as long as you forgive me for being rude.”
He grinned.“Deal.I’ve got some of the latest cider flavor to try.A mix of apple, ginger, and cranberry.My buddy Nash thinks it’s good enough to try out at the No Phailed Apples Inn once it’s open.But they’re also looking for honest input.”
“They’ve done a lot of work on the old farmhouse.”
He nodded as he filled the two mugs he’d brought.No disposable products for the group at the farm.“They have.I’ve only seen pictures so far.I got distracted by Beatrice here and haven’t explored the farm yet.Not even to see the infamous Worminator.”
Dani pressed her lips together, but he could see the smile she was hiding.“I’m sorry if I’m keeping you from your family.”
He laughed.“They’re doing fine without me.Actually, they all know I was heading here today.They were eager for me to make up for freaking you out yesterday.They’ll be relieved I didn’t permanently destroy your relationship with all things Malssum.”
He loved her soft laugh.“You didn’t.”
“Good.”He lifted his mug to clink with hers.“To new friends.”
Her cheeks flushed as she held out her mug.“To new friends.”
He didn’t add that he hoped that friendship might turn to more, but he hoped she was thinking it as well.There was no way she couldn’t feel the attraction arcing between them.The proof was in her flushed cheeks and sparkling eyes.
But he wasn’t moving on it.Not when they didn’t know each other well.He wasn’t looking for a one-night stand.
Lawson dug into the pack and grabbed the container of dog treats.“Is it okay if I give Bibi one of the dog treats Gray makes for Boomer?They’re all healthy stuff.”
Dani’s smile widened.“That would be fine.I don’t know them well, but your siblings and their partners are very nice.It’s nice having neighbors who are such terrific people who care about the environment, too.”
