Jane's Gift (Lone Pine Lake 1)

“I ate dinner with the kids,” she admitted, but he caught her admiring the glass-encased popcorn machine. He saw the longing in her eyes.

“You know you want some popcorn. I’m craving Milk Duds myself.” He approached the counter and placed his order. A box of Milk Duds, a large Coke, and a large bucket of popcorn—extra butter.

Jane’s eyes nearly bugged out of her head. “You’re going to eat all that?”

“No, you’ll be helping me.” He grinned and handed her the large cup of soda, which she clutched with both hands. He stashed the Milk Duds in the front pocket of his jacket and grabbed the bucket of popcorn. “Let’s go. We’re in theater number four.”

As they walked together in companionable silence, Chris vowed then and there to keep this evening light, friendly. That’s what she wanted and there was no need for him to get his insides twisted. Simply enjoy her company and leave it at that.

Settling themselves a couple rows from the top in the recently converted theater, Chris checked out his surroundings. The complex had been switched to the popular stadium seating only a year ago. The seats were wide and cushiony, and the arm rests in between each seat actually lifted. If he allowed his thoughts to go in the direction he wanted, those lifting arm rests would’ve given him all sorts of ideas. They would’ve definitely made it easier to get closer to Jane.

But he wouldn’t go there. They were just friends, or whatever. He didn’t know what to call them.

Chris stashed the giant soda in the arm rest between them so they could share it. He hadn’t even asked if she minded sharing, which was presumptuous of him, but she didn’t complain so he didn’t bring it up. He offered her the popcorn and she took it, an embarrassed smile on her face.

Pulling the candy box out of his pocket, he set it on his lap, then shrugged out of the jacket, laying it on the folded chair next to him. When he caught Jane watching him, her eyes went wide, the expression on her face guilty. She looked away.

“What’s wrong?” He tore open the box of candy and popped a couple of Milk Duds. The chocolaty sweetness exploded in his mouth and caramel stuck to his teeth when he chewed—not the best date night candy, he realized.

Man. Why was he thinking like that? It wasn’t a date; she said so herself. It was a simple night of friends going to the movies. No biggie.

“I’m not used to seeing you in anything but your uniform,” she finally admitted, her voice small.

“Oh.” He glanced down. He wore jeans and a navy blue thermal Henley shirt; nothing too impressive but he didn’t look like a slob, either. “Do I measure up?”

She blinked once, twice, a little smile curving those luscious lips. “Do I have to answer that?”

“If you don’t want my ego destroyed, then yes, absolutely.” They were most definitely flirting, which surprised him.

Her smile grew and she nodded, the waves that framed her face bouncing a little with the movement. “Oh, you measure up.”

“Do I now? Hmm.” He scratched his chin, pretended to contemplate her, which wasn’t far off the mark, because he was most definitely checking her out.

And he liked what he saw.

Leaning in closer, he positioned his mouth right at her ear, caught sight of her earring. It was round, carved like a flower, and was a bright, ruby red. Sexy. He’d never thought earrings were sexy before. She mystified him. There was a fleeting sadness in her eyes that made him yearn—yearn to make her happy, make her smile and forget all her troubles.

“Well, I think you look amazing,” he finally murmured, breathing deep. The smell of her shampoo and whatever other hair products she used filled his senses. A heady scent that made him close his eyes and savor it.

She didn’t answer, didn’t even look at him as the lights dimmed, giving her the perfect excuse to focus on something else. The previews started and Chris figured they were in for a long haul so he focused his attention on her instead.

He didn’t stare, just watched her out of the corner of his eye. Her eyes widened as she stared up at the screen, taking it all in. She brought her hand to her mouth, dropped a few pieces of popcorn in. He caught the subtle swipe of her tongue across

her lips once she’d finished chewing and he held in the groan that wanted to spill.

Sexy—and she didn’t even know it. The way she subconsciously tucked her dark hair behind her ear, how she smoothed her fingers over that little red earring, then slid them down to mess with the neck of her sweater… Damn but he wanted to get his hands beneath that sweater. Was it wrong of him to think like that? Especially since he knew he had no chance?

“You want some popcorn?” She offered him the bucket, her mouth in a tempting little pout.

The popcorn didn’t tempt him whatsoever.

“All right.” He reached over and scooped out a small handful, shoved it into his mouth. Chewed thoughtfully as she resumed her position, popcorn bucket in her lap, eyes locked on the giant screen.

Reaching over again, he grabbed another handful, his arm brushing hers, invading her space. She invaded his head, his thoughts, and he found it only natural to return the favor as much as possible.

Chris had always been about returning favors. He liked to give as much as he received.

…