The Summer of No Attachments by Lori Foster

Chapter Six

On Sunday morning, the skies stayed dark and the air was static. By midmorning, the storms had started and the electricity went off and on before dying completely. It was Ivey’s day off, but she worried about Daisy and the puppies, so much so that a few hours before Corbin and Justin were due to visit, she decided she had to collect the animals.

Luckily, there were no other animals at the clinic just then. Knowing she’d be back home in plenty of time, she bundled up in a rain poncho, stepped into her knee-high rubber boots, grabbed her purse and headed to the garage. The second she backed out of the driveway, the windows were awash with rain. It came down so hard and fast, the wipers could barely keep up.

Worried about Hope as well, Ivey called her, put the phone on speaker and set it on the console while she drove.

“Everything okay?” Hope said at once.

“The power is out here. What about you?”

“Yes. Of course I didn’t think about candles or anything, so I might be running out to the store if this lasts. Good thing I got my bedroom stuff set up yesterday because we sure couldn’t have moved it today.”

“So the boys came through?”

“They were super nice, even though they had to navigate those narrow stairs with my mattress and box spring. I gave them all generous tips.”

“Because you’re a generous person.” Sheets of rain washed over the street, causing Ivey to drive very slowly. “I wish I could have helped you more with your move.” Not that she could have gotten a box spring and mattress up those stairs.

“You were working, and besides, I enjoyed it.” Hope hesitated, then confided in a whisper, “Lang offered to lend a hand.”

And Hope hadn’t shared? “You big sneak! Why didn’t you tell me?”

With a laugh, Hope said, “I turned him down, but, Ivey, it was so nice of him. He asked, I thanked him and said I could handle it, and he said if I changed my mind to let him know. He didn’t press so I’m guessing you talked to him?”

“To Corbin, who I’m sure shared.”

There was a long pause. “How did he take it?”

“Corbin? He was rightfully angry on your behalf.” Just as she’d known he would be. “He couldn’t speak for Lang, of course, but he agreed it would be best to let him know, just so he didn’t come on too strong.” Tentatively, Ivey asked, “It worked?”

“I think so.” With an agonized groan, Hope said, “This is all so uncomfortable, but still, I’m glad it’s out in the open. I mean, just among us. I wouldn’t want all of Sunset to know.”

“Of course not. I’m sure it won’t be repeated.”

“Lang gave me his number.”

Ivey could hear the tempered wonder in her friend’s voice and it made her smile. “Do you think you’ll call him?”

“No. At least, not anytime soon. But it’s nice having it. I, um, gave him my number, too.”

Wow, talk about progress. “Good for you.”

“I still can’t imagine me doing anything with a guy.”

“You don’t have to imagine it,” Ivey said quickly. “Just let things progress naturally. Conversation first, okay? That’s a big first step.” The phone began to fade in and out, and she knew she was losing Hope. “I have to go, okay? Sketchy connection. If you need anything, please let me know. Love ya a bunch.”

“Love you, too. Drive carefully.”

A near-continuous flash of lightning gave a strobe effect against the darkened sky as Ivey parked close to the back door of the clinic. A slight overhang helped shield her from the downpour, but she was still drenched in the time it took her to unlock the door. Icy trickles snaked down the side of her face and into the neck of her rain slicker. Her rubber boots slipped on the linoleum floor when she stepped inside.

Concerned for Daisy, she hurried through the dim interior until she reached the right kennel. All was silent, but then Daisy probably didn’t hear her with the fury of the storm all around them.

When she opened the door, Daisy launched into startled, maniacal barking until she realized it was Ivey. Then she hunkered down in a low rush, her puppies following. Obviously Daisy was relieved to have company.

“I know, baby, I’m so sorry.” Plopping down to sit on the floor, Ivey cuddled them all. For fifteen minutes, she soothed the frazzled animals. Once they were calmer, she loaded them into a carrier with soft blankets. The second there was a slight break in the storm, she dashed out to her car and secured them in the back seat.

Her phone, which she’d left on the console, showed she’d missed a call from Corbin.

Assuming he’d have to cancel, disappointment swamped her. Yes, she understood. After all, being out in the mess wasn’t pleasant. But she’d been looking forward to the visit all morning.

She returned the call right before she pulled out onto the road. Thanks to the faulty connection, they could barely hear each other, but she caught enough to hear Corbin’s surprise that she was out in the storm.

She had an equal surprise in knowing he and Justin were on their way. Something about them being out and about when the storm started, so if she didn’t mind, they were going to be early.

It didn’t require a glance in the rearview mirror to know she was a complete and utter mess. The rain always amplified her hair to impossible heights, and her frizzy curls had already sprung free from the hood of the slicker. Pretty sure the chill in the air had pinkened her nose, too.

But hey, Corbin wanted to visit, she wanted to see him, so they’d both just have to suffer her appearance. “Come by whenever,” she said loudly so he could hear her over the storm. “I’ll be home in ten more minutes.”

Because traffic was nonexistent with the storm, she made it in eight—and Corbin’s SUV was already in her driveway. When he saw her, he got out to manually open her garage door for her, since the power was out, and she slowly drove in past him. Before she even left the car, he was inside, with Justin dashing in behind him.

The boy wore a brand-new bright green raincoat, rubber boots and a smile of anticipation. Corbin had on a windbreaker, which hadn’t done a thing to protect his head. With both hands, he pushed back his sodden hair.

Ivey stepped out to greet them. “I know why I was out on the road, and I’m guessing Justin will be pleased. But why were you guys out?”

“It was only drizzling when we left,” Corbin explained. “I thought we’d get something to eat before coming over, but the weather changed our plans.”

“We bought me a raincoat instead,” Justin said, admiring his neon boots with icky black spiders on them.

“You look very sharp.” Without thinking about it, Ivey lifted her own boot, bright yellow with chickens...and realized she’d worn shorts. And her knees were soaked. And she had gooseflesh. “My, uh, boots are cute, too, don’t you think?”

“I like mine better,” Justin admitted.

She choked on a laugh.

Corbin cocked a brow at her knees. “I think they’re very cute.”

Time for a subject change! “Guess what?” She tipped her head toward the car. “I have a surprise in the back seat.”

“What is it?” Justin tried to peer in the window around her.

“I couldn’t bear the thought of leaving Daisy and her babies alone at the clinic in this weather, so I brought her home.”

Instead of appearing happy, Justin’s face fell. He quickly looked down, hiding his gaze from her.

“Justin?” Gently, Ivey moved closer to him. “You don’t want to see Daisy?”

“Are you keepin’ her now?”

“What? Oh, honey, no. She’s your dog, I promise.” At that, he perked up. Ivey couldn’t resist brushing back his damp hair. “I just didn’t want her to be alone, that’s all.”

“But you said your cat wouldn’t like her.”

“True. I suspect Maurice will get all grumpy, give me dirty looks and then hide under the couch. Or maybe the bed.” She cupped his cheek. “But you’re here now, so you can help me introduce them. What do you say?”

Suspicion narrowed his eyes. “She’s still my dog?”

Ivey crossed her heart. “I promise.”

The concern disappeared from his face, replaced with glowing happiness. “I’ll help for sure. Daisy likes me, right?”

“Daisy adores you.” Ivey opened the back door, and there was the little dog, her nose pressed to the side of the carrier, her tail going crazy.

Poking a finger between the wire bars of the carrier’s door to touch Daisy’s nose, Justin bent to speak to her. “Hey, Daisy. Are you scared, girl? I’m here now.”

Corbin caught Ivey’s hand. “Thank you.”

“For?”

He nodded at Justin. “I’ll take the carrier in.”

“All right.” She gathered her phone and purse from the front seat, then hurried ahead to the door. It opened into her mudroom, which housed Maurice’s litter box.

And... Maurice had been busy, so it wasn’t the most pleasant welcome for Corbin or Justin.

“Sorry.” She grabbed the air freshener and liberally sprayed the air.

“You have a cat,” Corbin said, “so a box is a reality. We don’t mind, do we, Justin?”

Face scrunched up in distaste, Justin mumbled, “Guess not.”

There in the doorway to the hall sat Maurice, blocking their way with his imperious posture, his incredulous expression taking in the humans and the carrier with accusation. When he sniffed the air, Ivey could almost hear him demand, A dog? You dared bring home a dog? Fluffy gray fur bristled on end and his tail poofed out to twice its normal size. Arching his back, Maurice glared.

“Let me get him,” Ivey said, but when she reached for him, the cat gave her a grumble of betrayal and shot away.

“Maurice,” she called. “Don’t be like that.”

A very rusty meow came back at her as the cat scurried down the hall and disappeared.

“Well, damn. He’s going to sulk for hours now.”

Corbin and Justin glanced at each other, then grinned.

“You talk to your cat like he’s a person,” Justin said.

“Well, yeah. He’s been my buddy for fifteen years.” She rubbed her forehead. “Like me, Maurice is set in his ways.” Giving up on that for the moment, she turned with a smile. “First things first. We can leave our wet boots in here and hang our slickers on those pegs. Let me get out of my stuff first, Corbin, then I’ll take the carrier from you.” She quickly toed off her boots and set them beneath a bench, then shrugged out of her dripping poncho.

Watching her, Corbin’s brows went up again.

Glancing down, Ivey saw why. Her oversize white T-shirt was more damp than not, and it clung to her braless breasts.

Thank goodness Justin had all his attention directed to removing his new boots.

Jerking around, presenting Corbin with her back, Ivey said, “Oops, I better change. I’ll only be a moment. Make yourself at home.” Face hot, she exited as quickly as Maurice had. Flying down the short hall, past the kitchen and into her bedroom, she very quietly closed the door and dropped back against it.

Good Lord, she’d given Corbin a peek with his ten-year-old son right there. Her face flamed with mortification. The only saving grace was that Justin hadn’t even noticed her faux pas.

For a few seconds she fanned her hot cheeks, then finally stepped away from the door and into her small bathroom.

Ack! Worse and worse. Her hair had spiraled completely out of control. In a rush, she tried to smooth it down, but it didn’t help. She curled her lip and growled at her own image.

Some women wore the super-curly look with panache. She wasn’t one of them.

Knowing she couldn’t take the time to primp, not with Corbin in her house for the first time, two animals bound to conflict and the storm still raging, Ivey went back into her room and stripped off her clothes.

What to wear, what to wear?

She heard a bark and, in agony over the circumstances, grabbed another T-shirt, this one dark gray with the word NOPE printed in bold white across the front. She found black-and-gray pajama pants and had just finished pulling them on when a tap came on her door.

“Ivey?” Justin said in a whisper.

In two big strides, she reached the door and pulled it open. “What’s up, kiddo?”

Beaming at her, he took her hand and urged quietly, “Come see.”

Curious now, very aware of the trust in his gesture, she followed along—and found Corbin sitting on the floor, his long legs stretched out, Daisy and one puppy on his lap...and Maurice close to his side.

Oh, my heart.She pressed a hand to her chest to contain all the emotion trying desperately to explode.

With one hand, Corbin gently rubbed Maurice’s neck, smoothing down his unruly fur. With the other, he kept the puppies contained. Every so often, he bent and nuzzled against Daisy’s little round head.

The sight of it completely did her in.

“Neat, huh?” Justin squeezed her fingers. “Come on. We gotta go real slow cuz Dad says your cat is nervous.”

“Your dad is a very smart guy.” Never in a million years did she think Maurice would get that close to a dog. Usually he didn’t even like people. For certain he’d always avoided Geoff.

She couldn’t have been in her room more than ten minutes. How had he pulled it off?

Releasing her, Justin got down on his hands and knees and crept forward. Maurice eyed him, then stepped into Corbin’s side and started to purr.

That did it. Pretty sure she fell in love at that moment. Not that she’d known Corbin long enough, but hey, her cat trusted him.

It wasn’t an earth-shattering thing. More like a feeling that sank into her bones.

She, too, lowered herself to keep from startling the cat, then scooted up to sit beside Maurice. The cat’s long graying whiskers curled around his face, as did the longer fur above his eyes, giving him a forever-disgruntled air, only contradicted by the rumbling purr.

“He’s a sweet old guy, aren’t you, Maurice?” Corbin stroked along his back. “You don’t mind one scared little dog visiting, do you?”

As if in answer, Maurice stretched out to sniff Daisy. The dog froze, only her tail moving as she waited to see what would happen. When one of the puppies tried to join in, Maurice gave it a swat. The pup sat down and stared.

Justin snickered. “It’s okay, buddy.” He lifted the pup into his lap.

Ivey sniffled. “Oh, you two sweethearts.” They were both utterly wonderful. “I’m not emotionally equipped for all this today.”

“They’ll get along,” Corbin said.

“But Daisy is still my dog,” Justin cautioned.

That got her snickering, which got Corbin grinning, and pretty soon they were all laughing softly.

And none of the animals minded.

Hope raised a fist to the storm, but it raged on all around her. So stupid.

“How could you get stuck?” she asked herself for the twentieth time. After a big, resounding boom, the power had gone out for good. At only two in the afternoon, it looked like early evening, the black clouds and gloomy skies blocking most light. Knowing she’d have to get at least a flashlight, she’d bundled up, gotten in her car, backed out...and off the driveway into the swampy yard where she remained.

Damn it, she was a good driver! How could that have happened?

She wasn’t sure what to do, but she’d need her car before Monday morning because she had to go to work. Ivey was visiting with Corbin, and no way would Hope interrupt.

Biting her lip, she considered things. Was Lang alone in the bigger house? Or had he gone out, too?

When her phone rang, she jumped so hard it felt like her heart had bounced against her rib cage. Without seeing who it was, she swiped her thumb over the screen and yelled, “Hello?”

There was a second of charged silence, followed by a laugh. “Catch you at a bad time, Hope?”

Her jaw dropped. Lang. “I’m sorry! It’s the storm... I can barely hear with the rain so loud against the roof of my car.”

“You went out in this mess?”

“Um...” She looked through the window where it appeared a pond was forming around her car. “Sort of?”

“Sort of, meaning what?”

“I was going to the store for a flashlight and candles and stuff. Maybe something to eat that didn’t need to be cooked. But... I’m stuck.”

Calm and patience personified, he asked, “Stuck where?”

“In my driveway?”

“You don’t know?”

She narrowed her eyes. “In my driveway.”

“How’d that happen?”

Was he laughing at her? From somewhere usually hidden, her temper popped out. “I’m hanging up now.”

“No, wait.” She could still hear the grin in his voice. “That’s why I called. I was going out to the store, too, and was going to ask if you needed anything, but hey, why don’t I just pick you up and we can go together?”

Several things happened at once. Her heart jumped into overdrive. Heat rushed over her skin. Dread threatened, but it ran neck and neck with eagerness. “I, um...”

“Hope.” His tone sounded incredibly gentle. “We could hit up the store, then grab food and after that I can take a look at your car.”

“It’s stuck in the mud,” she explained, because she wasn’t yet ready to address anything else. “I’m afraid if I keep trying to get it free, I’m only going to tear up the yard.”

“True enough. So what do you say?” He waited. Almost as enticement, he added, “I could be over there in three minutes.”

Before she overthought it, Hope closed her eyes and blurted, “Okay.” Then she clenched all over.

“Awesome.” Still, she didn’t hear any great inflection in his tone. No pressure, but no real excitement, either. “Stay put. I’ll bring a towel.”

As soon as he disconnected, she thought she might hyperventilate. The air inside the car seemed to thicken and grow hot. Deliberately, she slowed her breathing. It helped the tiniest bit. She sat there, frozen, a morass of tingling nerves, until his headlights came up the driveway. He’s safe, she told herself. He understands. It’ll be fine.

Ivey wouldn’t steer me wrong.

That last reassurance did the most to calm her panic. Out of every person she’d ever known, she trusted Ivey the most. Sometimes, Ivey was the only person she trusted.

Pulling up beside her passenger door, Lang put his truck in Park. When he pulled on a hat, she realized he was about to get out, which guaranteed they’d both end up soaked. That got her in gear.

Waving for him to wait, she turned off her car, grabbed her purse and climbed over the console so she could dash straight into his passenger door. With one last withering glare at the angry skies, she pulled up the hood of her coat, opened the door and dashed toward his truck.

The door opened before she reached it, but the truck was high and it took her a second to clamber in.

Sodden, dripping everywhere, she looked up—and caught Lang’s indulgent smile. The roomy cab of his truck seemed to shrink around her until she was too close to him, could see only him, smell him, feel him—

“A little wet out there, huh?”

The ironic words interrupted her building tension, allowing her to work up a smile. “A bit.”

In a very matter-of-fact way, he handed her a big beach towel. “I don’t think it’ll be too difficult to get your car out once this rain lets up. It looks like you went into an existing rut, meaning plenty of other people have ended up in that same spot, too.”

With the edge of the towel held to her dripping face, she peeked over at her car. If others had gone off the driveway in that same spot, she wouldn’t have to feel like such a dolt. “I see.”

“It wouldn’t hurt for Corbin and me to put more gravel there. I’ll ask him about it when I see him again.”

“Thank you.”

“No problem. Warm enough?”

God, he was so nice and so casual about everything that it just naturally helped her relax. “Yes, thank you.” While drying herself, she tried to think of something to say. Very little came to mind. “I really do appreciate this. I wasn’t sure what to do.”

“Hey.” He started to reach toward her, but pulled back again right away. “Call me anytime, okay?”

She nodded, but that led to another thought. “How long will you be here?”

“With Corbin?” He shrugged. “A while. Long enough to really get to know Justin and to make sure my brother is okay.”

“Why wouldn’t he be?”

“You can’t know, Hope.” He stared out at the storm, then fixed his gaze on her. “A guy finding out he’s a dad, and not of an infant but a kid who’s been around for ten years? That’s a tough one. Like this tsunami of emotion, compounded with guilt and anger. Corbin’s working it out. He’s a great dad already but I can tell he’s still struggling with his thoughts and feelings, like trying to find some footing in the whole single-parent routine.”

As dry as she could get, she folded the towel and put it on her lap. “You two are close.”

“Corbin and me? Yeah, we are.” Some distant memory put a grin on his face. “We always got along, even when he was a pain in the ass, but after Dad died...” The humor faded. “I think we teamed up to make Mom feel better. And since Mom was working to make us feel better, it was like this dysfunctional love fest for a while there, with each of us trying to put a happy face on our situation.”

“I’m sure that had to be difficult.”

“Losing Dad was the pits.” His voice lowered, grew a little rough. “He and my mom... They epitomized the perfect couple in so many ways. Losing him was really hard on her. At fifteen, I felt like I had to be the man of the family.”

“That’s awfully young.”

He snorted. “Especially with my mom. It took her no time at all to realize what I was thinking, and she set me straight real fast.”

Forgetting that she was alone with a man for the first time in four years, Hope refastened her seat belt and asked, “How’d she do that?”

“She sat Corbin and me both down and we talked it out. She made it clear she was still the boss—and the woman does like to be bossy, let me tell ya. She said she appreciated our help, and she loved us for being so considerate, but that she wanted us to go on being our usual selves, meaning into mischief and sometimes messy and nowhere perfect, and she’d go on correcting us, and we’d all just have to make do with our grief because that’s what would’ve made my dad happy.”

What a wonderful way to tackle sorrow. “I can almost picture that, your mother talking to her sons and the love you all feel for each other.”

He put the truck in gear and rolled forward down the drive. “Don’t think it was all roses, okay? As boys, Corbin and I were loud, rambunctious, argumentative little knuckleheads who got into too many scuffles. But that’s most kids, I think.”

“Sounds like you two know what to expect with Justin.” This was nice. More than nice. Other than Ivey, she hadn’t had such a long, detailed conversation in a very long time, at least, not about anything other than a client’s pet.

“Maybe, but so far Justin has been different. Not really sullen, but often more subdued than I’d like. I think he’s buried some pretty big worries down deep inside him.”

Surprised by that observation, she said, “You think?” To her, Justin appeared to be a very sweet boy who smiled often.

As he pulled onto the main road, Lang rolled a shoulder. “The thing is, you’re subdued, too, so you might not have noticed.”

Why that insulted her, she couldn’t say, except that for the first time in forever, what someone else thought mattered to her. “Not everyone is outgoing and enthusiastic.”

He briefly glanced at her, but the dark skies and continued rainfall kept his attention on the road. “No, they’re not. Some people are shy, some very sweet. Some just naturally quiet.”

And some were cowards. Smoothing her hand over the damp towel, she avoided looking at him and said, “I’m all of the above.” He held silent, and that felt like encouragement. “I’m also very uncertain.”

“With me?”

The windshield wipers worked furiously against the downpour, adding a shush-shush-shush sound to the hiss of tires on wet pavement and the resounding roar of rain against the roof. Honestly, she confessed, “A little less with you maybe.”

“I’m glad.”

Thankful that her admission hadn’t scared him off, she peeked at him. Such a nice profile. Like Corbin, he had a strong jaw and masculine nose, but his hair always seemed to be a little more unruly than his brother’s. “I’m not sure why you’re different,” she whispered.

“Chemistry,” he said without hesitation. “It’s there between us.”

Hope blinked—and watched the firm line of his mouth tip in a half smile. “Chemistry?”

“You know, I don’t think you’re as delicate as everyone, yourself included, seems to think. So I’m going to lay it out there.”

Alarm sparked. “It?”

“Yeah. My thoughts. The truth.” He flashed her another quick glance. “Okay?”

Not like she could do anything about it being alone in his truck with him.

He didn’t wait for her approval anyway, instead forging on...as if he spoke to a normal woman.

“I think you’re pretty hot, Hope. Like that dark, slinky hair of yours and your inquisitive blue eyes.” His brows pinched together. “That’s what first drew my attention, right? I mean, I’m sure you’re used to guys noticing you.”

Ha! Fat chance. She wasn’t used to that all. Not since... No. She didn’t want to think of him.

Again, Lang continued without her having to contribute to the conversation. “I’m not a dumb guy, though, so I noticed right off that you were worried. I kept my distance, right?”

“You did.” And she’d appreciated it.

“But I was still drawn to you. That small way you smile, as if you’re not sure if you should. And the watchful way you kept an eye on me. It was a funny mix of reactions. Not ha-ha funny, but it sort of threw me, thinking you were sexy but getting the message that I should back off, and seeing you look so cute in your indecision.”

Ivey had also told her she was cute. Was it true? Sadly, more often than not she couldn’t look at herself long enough to notice. She swallowed heavily. “That’s not what I see.”

“In yourself, you mean?”

She nodded, realized he was watching the road and cleared her throat. “I’ve been...” She couldn’t say afraid. “Worried for a really long time.”

“Four years, I know. Ever since some asshole mistreated you.” He blew out a breath. “You know I’m different, right?”

In her head she knew it. Sometimes that didn’t matter, though, when her reactions took over. “I do, it’s just that I still get jumpy.”

Pulling into the grocery parking lot and finding an empty spot very near the front of the store, he put the truck in Park but didn’t turn it off. He didn’t look at her, either. Staring out at the flooding rain, his jaw clenched and his voice dropped to a whisper. “I can’t pretend to know what you went through or how it must have felt.” His hands gripped the steering wheel. Abruptly he shifted to face her. “I have a hell of an imagination, though. I spent the entire night thinking about you. I wanted to come see you right away but I figured that’d be over the top.”

Caught in his direct gaze, Hope couldn’t look away. In the shadowy interior of the truck, his light brown eyes mesmerized her. He hadn’t moved closer, but the space between them seemed to disappear, making her breath quicken.

“When I called and found out you were stuck, I was glad.” His gaze flickered over her face, across her cheeks, her chin, her mouth, before locking on her eyes again. “Gave me the perfect excuse to come see you.”

Hope shook her head. “I can’t believe you wanted to.”

“That’s because you’re not a man looking at an attractive woman. You don’t see what I see.” His hands relaxed, as did his intent expression. “You don’t feel what I feel.”

Her heart tripped and she whispered, “What?”

“I hope this won’t insult you, but protectiveness is top of the list.” He considered that, then gave a firm nod. “I want to protect you. I want you to feel safe with me.”

Indignation was there, but it was overtaken by curiosity. “I think I do.”

He acknowledged that with a quick smile. “I want to get to know you better, too. Do you think we could do that?”

God, she wanted to, but... “I don’t know.”

“How about we try, and if at any point you feel pressured, just tell me. I’m not perfect, I know that. You need to know it, too.”

The grin took her by surprise. “I wasn’t under the impression you were.”

“Good,” he said, all too serious even with her teasing. “Let’s face it. There’s a good chance I’ll trip up every so often and I want you to know up front that you can call me on it.”

“So...we’ll be spending time together?”

“I hope so. Like this, just being out and about. Or on a date if you want. You’re close by so you could join Corbin, Justin and me for a movie in the evening, or a swim in the afternoon.”

“I don’t own a swimsuit.”

“So buy one. Or swim in a T-shirt and shorts.”

Warmth enveloped her. She wanted to. Suddenly everything he mentioned sounded exciting, fun and actually possible. Feeling a little giddy, she nodded.

“Awesome.” He leaned forward to look out the windshield. “I think the rain is lightening up a little. Want to make a run for the store?”

The soft laugh escaped in a rush. He was so casual about everything that it helped her to be casual, too. “Yes, I think I do.”

His smile matched hers. “Afterward, you want to grab a bite to eat somewhere? That is, if any place is open in this outage.”

She nodded too fast, then couldn’t help laughing again. “A lot of places have generators, so...yes. Okay.”

Being a seriously funny goof, Lang rubbed his hands together. “Well, this is all progressing more nicely than I could have hoped. Come on, I’ll race you.”

And before she even thought about it, Hope jumped out and took off through the rain, laughing freely, feeling absurdly happy.

Behind her, she heard the truck door slam and then the slapping of Lang’s sneakers right before he drew up alongside her. He even turned to run backward, goading her with, “Come on, slowpoke. Is that the best you’ve got?”

She ramped up the speed and shot past him, nearly colliding with the automatic doors. They opened and Lang was there, putting on a serious face for the gawking shoppers while she continued to snicker.

Fun. She was having honest-to-God fun, and with a man.

In that moment, she knew a whole new world had just opened up to her. She couldn’t wait to tell Ivey all about it.