Zoe started to hedge around Joe to take the stool on the other side of Rusty, but he caught her hand, rubbing his thumb over the jumping pulse at her wrist. He gently pulled her down to sit at his side so that he was positioned between her and Rusty.

She blushed to the roots of her hair and she looked so damn adorable that it was all he could do not to kiss her right then and there. Casting him furtive glances from the side, she eased onto the stool, her hand still captured by his. He pulled it over to rest on top of his thigh and continued to rub his thumb in gentle circles on her baby-soft skin.

“I came over to invite you out with me again today. There’s still a lot I didn’t get to show you yesterday. And if I’m a good boy, I hoped you’d give me a rematch in skipping stones since you kicked my ass yesterday.”

Her eyes widened and her mouth fell open in obvious surprise. “Why would you want to spend the day with me again?” she asked in astonishment. Then she lowered her gaze as more color rose into her cheeks. “You don’t have to put your day on hold to be nice to me.”

He had to suck in several steadying breaths as rage filtered through his system. The idea that she somehow didn’t think she was good enough for him to want to take out, that she was some sort of pity case, infuriated him. He wanted to track down the son of a bitch who’d made her doubt her self-worth and take off his balls.

“Actually, I was hoping you’d be nice to me,” he said as lightly as he could given how pissed off he was.

He wasn’t the only one who’d caught the way she’d phrased her statement or her embarrassment. Both Rusty and his mom were visibly upset, though they quickly schooled their features. His mom went back to beating the batter for the next batch of pancakes but her jaw was tight and she put a little more strength in her movements.

“I want to spend the day with you, Zoe,” he said in a low tone so it wouldn’t carry to the others. “I know I don’t have to do anything, but it would make me very happy if you’d agree to spend the day with me.”

She finally lifted her gaze to meet his and what he saw damn near broke his heart. Her eyes were hopeful and yet sad at the same time. Almost as if she’d resigned herself to being insignificant and unworthy of his or any man’s notice.

He lifted her hand to his mouth and pressed his lips against each of her fingertips. Her eyes immediately widened and a shiver erupted over her body. Thank God she felt the same chemistry he did. He wasn’t flying solo, nor was his attraction a one-sided thing.

“Say you’ll put me out of my misery and agree to spend the day with me,” he coaxed.

Her lips parted and he nearly groaned at the unconscious invitation. If only they were alone. Then he’d take advantage of her silky-looking lips and devote the better part of an hour to exploring the fullness and softness of her mouth.

Her smile was adorably shy, but it slowly spread warmth to her eyes until her entire face was alight with pleasure and excitement. He felt savage satisfaction that she was starting to get it.

“I’d like that,” she whispered. “But—”

He pressed a finger to her lips, the same lips he was dying to taste. “Shhh. No buts. You and me, and today is ours. What do you say we make the best of it?”

Finally, she nodded, and he realized he’d been holding his breath when his chest started to burn. He slowly let the trapped air out of his lungs, feeling as weak and unsteady as a newborn colt as relief hit him right where he lived.

One hurdle overcome. Only a dozen more to go before he knew each and every dragon his lady needed slaying.

CHAPTER 13

“YOU have to help me,” Zoe squeaked as she all but dragged Rusty into the bedroom they shared.

“Calm down, sister,” Rusty said. “You know I’ll do anything I can. What do you need help with?”

“Everything? What do I wear? And by that I mean something that doesn’t scream desperate or that I’m trying too hard. Casual. I mean we went wading and skipped stones on the lake yesterday so I have to be prepared for anything, but not too casual. I don’t want to look horrible or anything.”

Rusty laughed. “Leave it to me. Simple, casual and not desperate. I think I can handle that.” She went to her closet and a few seconds later stuck her head back out. “Are the legs and pits shaved?”

“What?” Zoe gasped.

“Shaved,” she explained patiently. “I have a pair of shorts that would look awesome on you and a tank top that would be perfect, but I wouldn’t want to show those legs if they’re hairy, you know.”

Zoe closed her eyes in mortification. “Yes, I’ve shaved. But are you sure? Shorts?”

Rusty sent her a patient look filled with love. “Zoe, you have killer legs and a to-die-for ass. You’ll fill out my shorts like I’ve never been able to. I had hoped my scrawny teenage years were just that, teenage years that I’d grow out of. Unfortunately, my body didn’t get that memo, and as a result I have no hips, no ass and no boobs. I’ve seen sticks with a better shape than me.”

“That’s so not true!” Zoe protested. “You’re gorgeous, Rusty. I wish I was as tall as you are. You’re the one with killer legs, and your breasts and hips, not to mention your behind, are in perfect proportion.”

Rusty rolled her eyes. “Not that I don’t appreciate the observations, but it’s you we need to focus on. Now, are you going to trust me?”