Page 45 of Lucky Haven

She does need steadiness.

And every single day, she’s building that for her goddamn self, piece by piece, without any help from a man. But if one were lucky enough to get the shot, he’d be someone who didn’t see her need for safety and patience as any kind of liability.

It would be a fucking gift to give her that.

It is a gift.

Riley materializes at my elbow. “You good, boss?”

“Yep.” I watch Jeb’s truck disappear down the street. “Let’s get to work.”

Haven

did Jeb behave himself?

Cash

he followed my example and was civil enough

Haven

Glad to hear it

Cash

Any food allergies that I should know about for dinner tonight?

Haven

smooth change of subject

Cash

thank you

Haven

no, I eat pretty much everything

Cash

I’ll pick you up when you’re finished work

Haven

you’re right across the street!

Cash

humour me

“It’s not much to look at,” I warn Haven as I lead her up the outside stairs to my apartment.

Inside, she takes a polite look around and smiles. “It’s very clean.”

“My books are in my bedroom if you want to snoop at my collection.”

An intoxicating pink dusts the top of her cheeks. “I’m okay.”