Zach let out the chuckle that bubbled in his chest. For once, he got to actually surprise the cops. It might not happen again, and taking full advantage of the situation was only natural. “I think it’s cute that you sent the welcome committee. Would you like to leave a message for Lauren?”
“Dude, what’s going on, and why can’t I shoot him?” Dawson asked.
Zach clicked his tongue behind his teeth. “Well?—”
“I’m not talking to you.” Dawson glared Zach’s way, but the guy was too much of a goodie-goodie to pull off the intimidating look.
“He’s staying in Lauren’s rental house for now,” Asa explained.
“Nope,” Dawson spat. “He’s got to go. Far away from Lauren. Mexico sounds good.”
“That sounds great. Who’s funding this vacation?” Zach asked.
Asa lowered his head and pinched the bridge of his nose. “He’s helping Lauren out. She said she has the situation under control.”
Zach raised the arm gripping the crowbar, causing Dawson to flinch back toward his gun. “I’m not under anyone’s control.”
“Asa, this is not happening. Please tell me you understand how messed up this is,” Dawson said, gesturing to Zach.
Asa hooked a thumb over his shoulder. “Can we please unload the lumber? I parked around back, and I want to get it inside before it rains.”
The front door slammed closed, and Lauren appeared, jogging through the house like she was late for work. “Dawson! Don’t freak out.”
“Too late. I am officially freaked out.”
Lauren leaned a hand on the kitchen counter and sucked in a few deep breaths. Her honey-colored hairfell loose over her shoulders, and a light shade of pink tinted her cheeks.
Shoot. Why did she have to be so pretty?
She’s ugly. So ugly. She probably has a hairy back and foot fungus.
Ugh! Who was he kidding? Not even a foot fungus could make her ugly.
Lauren held a hand toward Dawson. “He’s helping. I need some repairs done on the rental house.”
“So you’re letting him live there? And work in your house when you’re not home? No way!” Dawson waved his arms in the air. “I can’t wrap my head around this.”
“He’s fine.” Lauren pointed to Zach as if the fact that he was standing there, not burning the place to the ground, was proof of good behavior.
“He is not fine. I’m not fine!” Dawson’s volume rose until he was shouting in the small kitchen.
Lauren propped a hand on her hip and rolled her eyes. “Come on. I’ll buy you a donut if you’ll just chill out.”
Zach pressed a hand over his mouth and pretended to rub his jaw. Watching Lauren put Dawson in his place was peak entertainment. “Yeah, calm down, officer. There’s no need to get testy.”
Dawson pointed a straight finger at Zach. “No one asked you.” Turning back to Lauren, Dawson’s tone lost its edge. “Why do you always use my love for donuts against me? You know I can’t resist them.”
Lauren reached out and placed a delicate hand onDawson’s arm. “It’s okay. There’s nothing to worry about.”
Zach’s attention zeroed in on the point of contact. Nope. That was not okay. “What about me?”
“Whataboutyou?” she spat. “I brought you a sandwich from The Basket Case. I left it in the car because I had to run in here and make sure you were still alive.” She pushed her hair back and let out a big whoosh of air. “Are we all okay here?”
Dawson pointed at Zach. “You’re walking on eggshells. I’m watching you like a hawk.” Dawson’s finger swung to Lauren. “And she’s bringing me donuts.”
Lauren clapped her hands as if they were breaking from their team huddle. “Fine. Everyone is on their best behavior, and we can all get to work. Can you please bring the lumber in the back door?”
“Yes, ma’am,” the three men replied in unison.
