FIFTEEN

It was midweek, and Zane was ready to unveil his latest effort despite the unfamiliar unease filling his chest. He'd been around the world more than once, faced more foes than he could shake a stick at, and had never shrunk from any situation, no matter the odds.

Until he met Olivia. Were his jumpy nerves due to a simple case of not wanting to disappoint the woman?

It seemed possible since giving her something she wanted had somehow become incredibly important. He heard footsteps and looked up, seeing her head in his direction. "Are you ready?"

She took his outstretched hand. "As I'll ever be." Looking up at the ride, she let out a happy sigh. "I've been the architect of my happiness for quite some time, so it's weird having someone who wants to…"

"Be your builder?" he finished.

"Yes."

"Well, before you make a list of things you want to do to me…I mean, for me, let's see if it works."

Olivia bit her bottom lip. "Don't you worry; all efforts will be appropriately rewarded."

"I look forward to it." He gave her a confident nod and flipped the Ferris wheel switch. The engine slowly rumbled to life, and he pulled her away. The old ride began moving as the rusty sound of the wheel turning filled the air. He'd taken off the passenger gondolas earlier and was glad their clanking back and forth was not part of the debut. The ride made its first revolution, and he took a cautious breath, praying it could make a second.

Olivia let out a whoop. "You did it, Zane. Holy moly, you really can do anything."

A sense of accomplishment overwhelmed him.

It turns out that making another human happy was damn powerful medicine for a battered soul. Lifting Olivia into his arms, he held her tightly. "Just the beginning, babe." Of what specifically, he couldn't say. But dammit, he wanted a couple more chances at being the one who made her smile.

He looked up as the wheel slowly made a second revolution. "This is a good start."

"Forget good; this is freaking amazing." She slid down his frame. "We could have this ready for the upcoming lake run and wow the town."

"The what?"

"Every year, a group of near maniacal fitness weirdos runs around the lake. People sponsor the freaks of nature, and, the more laps completed, the more money earned. All the proceeds are used for the daycare programs at the elementary schools, which is obviously a win for everyone involved."

"And how does our poor old ride figure in all that nonsense?"

Olivia slapped his chest. "Sir, where are your capitalist tendencies?"

"Not sure I possess any since I've worked for chicken feed for longer than I care to admit." He watched her eyes narrow. "Do you have an opinion about that?"

"My goodness, of course, I do. How can a warrior not be paid top dollar?"

"Welcome to Spec Ops, babe. It's not a money-making gig."

"That is horrific and a tragedy."

"Not really." He reluctantly stepped away from her touch and flipped the switch, hearing a sound he didn't care for. "I did get to live out every dream of glory and honor, after all."

Olivia pursed her lips. "Well, I suppose there isn't a price tag you can put on something like that."

"Exactly."

"Anyway, we need to bilk our generous townsfolk out of their spare change and charge for a ride on," she waved her hand, "this beauty."

Zane ran his hand over his neck. "Exactly how long do we have before this happens?"

"Two weeks."

He glanced at the passenger gondolas. "Lots to accomplish."

"Together, it's completely doable." She lifted herself and kissed him soundly. "We'll have to cut down on our dirty afternoon escapades, but it's worth it."

He shifted his hips and liked the resulting smile. "Are you sure that's something we're capable of?"

"Yes," she said with a groan. "We'll just double down in the evening."

"I like the way you think, woman."

Olivia stepped back and retied her bow. "Of course you do. Since so much of what I spend my time deliberating about is what I'd like to try next." She grabbed his hand. "All I ask is that you don't make me a fool."

"How did we go from sexy escapades to me screwing up so quickly?"

She flapped her hands. "I'm putting it out there, just in case."

"Believe it or not, I'm trying my best. I want you happy, not pissed off and planning my demise."

"I know you believe that, but you may decide that your earlier assessment was accurate at some point."

Not caring for the turn the conversation had taken, he moved closer. "Meaning?"

"Your hermitty life may ultimately be more alluring than taking me on. Hanging out with someone isn't always easy. There are the inevitable misunderstandings and hurt feelings."

"You think I'm gonna spook again, don't you? Leave you vulnerable?"

Looking down at the ground, she let out a sigh. "It's possible."

He lifted her chin and flinched when he saw uncertainty swimming in her beautiful eyes. He'd put that there, dammit. "I'm not promising some kind of happy ever after, but I will try." He closed his eyes and let his mouth drop to hers. "With everything I've got."

"Oh, Zane." She pressed their mouths together. "I want nothing more than to roll around in the mind-blowing things you've been saying. Really allow myself to marinate in the heart-felt loveliness. But I'm desperately afraid if I do let my guard down, you won't be interested anymore. Once you've got me, you may not want to hold on."

"I can't make guarantees, but I will do my best to navigate these unfamiliar waters without capsizing our little boat."

"I can't ask for more." She fisted her hand into his shirt. "But if you have a change of heart, tell me first. Don't string me along and make me guess. I'll accept your truth but won't tolerate your ambiguity."

"Fair enough."

"Because if you decide that you've had enough and then do some sort of poorly thought-out imitation of a ghost and disappear without explanation, I will not hesitate to call upon the Haven Ladies' Society to make things right."

He bent down, so their faces were close. "Duly noted. And for the record, I have no desire to be on the wrong side of those women."

"What about my sides? Aren't you worried about me?"

"Of course. I'm not a damn fool."

"And Zane…"

"Yeah, Liv?"

"You've made an ordinary day extraordinary. You beautiful man."

Gobsmacked. He coughed, hoping it would clear the emotion clogging his throat. "I don't know about that."

"It's clear you're uncomfortable with my proclamations, but too bad." Taking his hand, she swung it back and forth. "Eventually, my emotional freewheeling won't even make you blink."

"I doubt it."

Olivia cupped his scarred cheek. "Said without an ounce of conviction."

"Leave me be, woman."

"For now." She spun around and pointed at the gondolas. "I'm thinking pink."

"Of course you are."

"My sister, Callie, would say it's totally on brand, so how could I not?"

"Not sure what that means?"

"Pink is more than just one of my aura colors; it's also my signature."

"That I get." He gave her a wink and knew his signature gray would soon change since a small slice of optimism was taking up permanent residence next to the pain and guilt that had made a home in his chest.

A damn miracle, as far as he could tell.

Olivia sat on her midnight blue couch and studied what she could only assume was a dog standoff. Grams had dropped Killer off earlier, and Bella was deeply underwhelmed—and slightly miffed, if she wasn't mistaken.

So much for one big, happy family.

There was a light knock, and she stood, seeing Betsy Yarlin standing on the other side of the screen. "Come in, neighbor."

"Sorry to stop by without calling."

"Since when do we stand on formalities?" She pushed open the screen door and welcomed her neighbor inside.

Betsy held up a small canvas bag. "I ran into your sister, and she said you'd be interested in any spells that worked."

She accepted the bag and peeked inside. "You're loaning me all of these?"

"Giving," Betsy clarified. "Hoyt Doherty is no longer of interest, and I will not waste another minute mooning over that infuriating man!"

Olivia checked her watch and then grabbed Betsy's hand. "We're taking this conversation into the kitchen. It's just about five, and that kind of declaration needs to be accompanied by some alcohol."

"I won't disagree since I've finally admitted to myself that I've wasted years thinking Hoyt was shy and just needed time." She collapsed into a chair at the small kitchen table. "The sad truth is, he never saw me as anything more than a friend."

Olivia quickly made two gin and tonics and plunked them on the table, along with a bowl of almonds. "Did he say that specifically, or was it something you inferred from his behavior?"

"I asked him point-blank if he ever thought about kissing me, and he got so flustered that he ran away." She lifted the drink and took a big gulp. "I've never seen a six-foot-five man move so quickly. You would've thought I asked him if he'd like to run down Main Street naked." Swiping her blonde hair back, she let out a sigh. "Which means casting a spell on his sorry behind would just be a waste of my love juju, and I can't be doing that anymore."

Olivia clinked her glass against Betsy's. "Amen."

Betsy sat forward and frowned. "What are those dogs doing?"

She glanced over her shoulder. "Having a standoff. Grams foisted Killer on me, and Bella is having none of it."

"Why don't you take the dog to the Hawker homestead and let the spirits decide if he'd be a good match for Zane."

"I was thinking about sharing my dog bounty with him but wasn't sure he'd appreciate the gesture since he thinks being a recluse is still an option."

"Wait, weren't you two kissing in front of your mom's store the other day?"

"Yes, but having sexual chemistry with someone doesn't mean long-term potential exists."

"So true. But at this point, I'd be more than happy with an actual date that was mildly entertaining."

Olivia frowned. "Don't you settle, Betsy. Just because one fellow doesn't see your magic doesn't mean a dozen others won't." She took a sip of her drink. "I bet a bunch of men in town will be elated to know you're available. Most probably assumed that your friendship with Hoyt was a precursor to something permanent. We need to get the word out that you're single and ready to mingle."

"I guess that's exactly what I am." She tapped her nails on the table. "Maybe I should get a makeover before we make any announcement, though."

"I don't think that's necessary, but maybe a new haircut that makes you feel sassy wouldn't be a bad idea. Channel your inner Lizzo and let your juice shine." She watched her quiet friend sit up and square her shoulders. "There are too many ordinary things in life; don't let your love life be one of them."

Betsy pushed herself to her feet. "You are right. It's past time I got started on a new chapter." She hugged Olivia and then headed to the door. "Thanks for the pep talk."

"Anytime." Olivia finished her drink and noticed that Killer had lost interest in the doggy showdown and was headed her way. The little darling dropped at her feet, and she patted his head. "Keep that move handy when I introduce you to your new dog-dad." She received a short bark and nodded. "And don't be offended by Zane's steel fa?ade and general grumpiness. Because I'm almost one hundred percent confident that beneath all that bluster lies a big squishy heart."

At least that's what her slightly dented heart hoped because she was ready to give in and start believing in every heartfelt sentiment he'd thrown her way.

Which meant that her excuses about keeping herself protected would fall apart faster than her fitness plans. Shivering at the possibility, she put it out of her mind and started concocting a scheme to get Killer and Zane smitten with one another.

Olivia sat on Zane's front stoop an hour later and held her breath. Killer was playing to his audience beautifully, and the contented sighs coming out of the tiny beast didn't seem in the least bit nefarious. The white ball of fluff was keen on Zane, and there wasn't an ounce of fakery involved.

"You said a month, right?"

"At the most." She crossed her fingers behind her back, praying the white lie wouldn't come back to bite.

"I guess it would be okay." He ran his hand over the dog's back. "He can run around without much chance of getting hurt."

"I doubt he's going to want to leave your side." The dog was curled into Zane's lap, and she knew any attempt to move him would likely be meant with a good bit of sharp teeth. "Maybe you can teach him a few things while you're together."

"The first being that he's overplaying his audience?" Zane asked as Killer whined and scrabbled closer. "The dog has got your sense of the dramatic. Are you sure Bella wouldn't eventually welcome him into the pack?"

"She's made her opinion clear, and I'm not ready to test how vehemently she might defend her turf." Ignoring Zane's impressive side-eye, she studied the trees.

"You know I'm not buying any of this, right?"

She whipped her head around. "Whatever are you talking about?"

"You think I need a dog because of how Bella helped me with one of my episodes." He shook his head. "Babe, I can spot someone on my six a mile out. I know you saw me pulled into an old memory yesterday and noted how Bella stayed at my side until I could drag myself back into the present."

Biting her bottom lip, she stroked Killer's soft fur. "Are you mad?"

"Not really." He covered her hand. "But ignoring stuff probably isn't good."

She ran her finger over a scar that bisected his knuckles. "I didn't want you to feel more self-conscious than you already do." She ran her eyes over his face. "Though how you would still feel trepidation about me or the folks in town is a mystery. Women want to know you, and men want to become your friend."

"I don't know if that's true."

"Whatever." She leaned into his shoulder. "Do you like Killer?"

"His name should be lover boy." He lifted the dog off his lap and set him on the ground. "And yes, I think he's fine."

"A ringing endorsement."

"That's about as enthusiastic as I'm gonna get over this little dust mop." He dropped his arm over Olivia's shoulder. "And please don't take this one exception as a sign that I need more wayward animals."

"Of course."

He smirked. "I know that you're not being sincere. How can you be both infuriating and irresistible?"

She scooted closer and ran her hand over his mouth. "It's a gift."

"I'm starting to understand that."

"Can I assume the sparks in your eyes are of a sexual nature?"

Zane cupped her face and pressed their mouths together. "You can pretty much count on it."

"Lucky me," she mumbled against his mouth. She gave him a dirty kiss and relished his response when the sound of a loud motorcycle engine bounced against the trees.

Zane pulled away and stood. "What the hell?"

Olivia joined him and heard Killer let out some impressive sharp barks. "A family member?"

Zane descended the steps and laughed when a large man parked the bike and slid off his helmet. "Cousin Linc? What the hell are you doing here?"

"Heard you were trying to tame the family ghosts alone." He ran his hand through his hair and looked up at the three-story structure. "Figured I'd come and help."

Olivia watched a rare genuine smile form on Zane's face and knew another Hawker in residence wouldn't be a bad thing.

And not just because the man was too handsome for words. She lifted Killer into her arms and gave herself a moment to consider what kind of genetic lottery produced so many good looking, magnetic men.

Certainly, any progeny they produced would be equally as lucky. Not that she was thinking about what kind of munchkins she and Zane could create.

How ridiculous.

Zane waved to Olivia and then walked back into his house with the new dog on his heels. "Where you at, cousin?"

Linc descended the stairs. "Family gossip suggested you were going with a recluse thing." He planted his feet at the bottom of the stairs and crossed his arms. "But I have to call bullshit because you've got a charming girlfriend and a dog that won't leave your side."

"If I told you this wasn't my plan, would you believe me?"

"Of course, since good fortune is pure serendipity." He lifted his arm and checked his watch. "Do we have time for a beer before we're expected at Chateau Bennett for supper?"

"Absolutely." He slapped his cousin on the shoulder and acknowledged that he was glad for the company. Another fact he could pile on top of all the others that told him his plan for solitude had more holes than a piece of Swiss cheese.

Once they were settled with beers, Zane studied his cousin. "I never heard how your departure from the Navy went."

"A hell of a lot better than Asher's if gossip is to be believed." He lifted the bottle to his mouth and took a gulp. "A decade as a boat guy was everything I could've hoped for. High risk, high adventure. Lots of good done."

"I heard you pulled Colt's team out of a dicey situation a couple of times."

"Sure did." He threw Zane a wink. "Not that I'm talking about it, though."

"The baby of the family is always the most talkative and the one with the least fear."

"Ain't that the truth." He shook his head. "Worry not; your brother has found his home on the Teams and is making a name for himself, just like Rorke did."

"Wouldn't expect less."

"And how's your transition going?"

Zane drained his beer. "Not as much of a catastrophe as you'd expect."

"Guessing that pretty lady from down the lane is helping."

"Not sure about that." He ran his hand over his neck. "It sure is testing me, though."

"As all good things do." Linc tipped back in his chair. "God isn't going to give you the good stuff unless he or she is sure you can handle it."

"For the record, war is a hell of a lot easier than love. And anyone who tells you differently is full of shit."

"The fact you used the L-word pretty much answers my next question."

"I was speaking metaphorically."

"You don't have a figurative bone in your whole damn body, but I'm not gonna bust your chops too much. You go on and enjoy the fantasy that Olivia is just a distraction." Linc shook his head. "But when you're done rolling around in your own bullshit, know that if you want a lover, then you gotta be a fighter."

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"Fight to do the right thing. In life, love and the pursuit of whatever is formidable. Including vanquishing those memories, you like to lug around." Linc smirked. "If you're in hell right now—swing! Channel that heartache, soul-ache, and whatever other kinds of ache you got and fight for the right thing." He tipped his chin. "You won't forgive yourself otherwise. Don't start bowing now."

Zane plunked his empty bottle down. "And what made you think I was kneeling to anything?"

"Those heavy shoulders you got."

The small dog in his lap whined, and he decided God was bringing in the heavy guns. He hadn't spent a day in his cousin's company in years. Yet here he was, laying down the truth like a damn preacher. And it wasn't because Linc was prone to give people advice—because he wasn't. The man lived hard, played hard, and rode odds that never should've worked out for…anyone. He lived by his own code and counsel and expected others to do the same.

"You ever consider that what you're feeling has been well earned?"

"Happiness?" Zane asked.

"Yeah!"

"Didn't think I deserved something like that." He rubbed his finger over the bottle in his hand.

"That's about the dumbest thing I've heard you say because you have paid the piper and are due for some righteous blessings." He shook his head. "The battlefield is where peace is won. Joy is on the other side of a skirmish. Conflict isn't the opposite of joy; it's the path to it. The road in."

"But…"

"Instead of calculating how many lives you didn't bring home, count the ones you did."

"Damn, when the hell did you become so freaking Zen? Did you sneak off to an ashram while stationed in San Diego?"

"Don't knock my mental health, man. It was a long-fought battle, and not one step was easy." Linc pushed himself out of the chair. "So, tell me about your girl. Does she have any pretty sisters or friends?"

Head spinning at the turn of the conversation, Zane leaned back. "She's got both. Her older sister owns the bookstore in town, and her best friend has a yoga studio. She's got a younger sister I haven't met and about a hundred friends I can't keep straight."

"I saw a pretty redhead in front of the bookstore on my way in. Is that a Bennett sister?"

"Yep. That's Lucy, the town heartbreaker as far as I can tell."

"She can break something on me." Linc pulled two beers out of the fridge and returned to the table. "That woman is temptation. Pure and simple." He flipped the caps off and sat down. "A goddamn piece of dark chocolate cake that no one can resist."

Zane crossed his arms. "That's a lot more adjectives than one pass should've provided."

"I might've stopped and taken a moment to enjoy the scenery."

"Okay." He studied his cousin and couldn't tell if there was more. Or if he wanted to know about it. Not that Lucy Bennett couldn't handle Linc Hawker, legendary Lothario, because she could. The little time they'd spent in one another's company told him there wasn't a man or invasion of a small country she couldn't manage with little effort—in a dress, high heels, and some damn sparkly jewelry, to boot. He shook his head and decided those were facts his cousin could discover on his own.

His hands were full as it was. He had a tiger by the tail and didn't have an ounce of confidence that he'd come out the victor. Not that he wanted there to be a losing side when it came to him and Olivia. He just didn't want to be worse off than he was. Killer licked his hand and then tilted his head. "Don't overplay your hand, dog. I'm already keeping you."

"You ever think giving in and raising the white flag is more expeditious?"

"To total ruin?" Zane asked.

"Or happiness," Linc replied quietly.

"A lot more than I'm comfortable admitting."

"Yeah, man, same."

Zane slid his finger over the condensation on the cold beer bottle and told himself that giving in wasn't giving up. It was just a road he wasn't all that familiar with.

How perilous could the road less traveled be anyway?