Playing With Trouble (Desire Bay 1)

“Do what?” she asked.

He spun her out again, twirling her, and another laugh broke free right as he tugged her close once more.

“Laugh,” he said. “You should laugh more.”

She smiled up at him. “There’s a lot I should do more of.”

“I hope I’m on that list,” he said with a wink.

“No, you’re not.”

“Ouch.” He faked sadness, but they both knew all he had to do was get her in a private room with his mouth on her and she’d likely turn into a puddle for him.

“I have a new customer—Tilly. She’s the mother of the bride,” Laura said.

“Yeah, she’s a good lady. I’m glad you’re drumming up more business.”

“Me, too, but you’re right. I need to look at Baughman Home Goods as a whole, not just the flower shop. Which is why I have an idea.”

“Oh?” he asked and pulled her a little closer, keeping perfect stride with the music. “Let’s hear it.”

“I want to be your shadow,” she said.

“I’m liking where this is going.”

“I mean at work. I want to see what you do in the warehouse, and learn.”

He leaned back to look her in the eyes with seriousness. “Really?”

“Yes, this is important to me. I don’t want to mess up orders like today, and I need to know what you boys do out there all day so I can make smart, well-informed decisions.”

Jacob thought for a moment. “So you want to shadow me? Looking but no touching?”

“I suppose I could get my hands a little dirty,” she said.

“Oh, baby, you keep talking like that and I may have to take you home with me.”

Laura laughed when he twirled her again, and she couldn’t help but hope that his offer was a serious one.

“Thank you for a lovely evening,” Jake said, trying for sweet date material and coming off goofy. But it was making Laura smile, so he’d keep acting like a damn fool if it meant he got that pretty grin aimed his direction.

“Thank you for the ride,” she said, swaying a little in front of the camper door. “And thank you for walking me to my door.”

“Anytime,” he said.

“Would you like to come in?” she asked.

Jake paused, and his first thought was hell, yeah, he did. He couldn’t handle walking away from her tonight. It had been so good. And so heavy. There was more to Laura Baughman than he’d ever realized. He just wasn’t sure how to go about tapping into that.

Because it was clear she was trying. It was also clear there was strain between her and whatever she was outrunning from her past. And Jake wanted to know. Wanted to know her. Wanted to know about her.

“I would,” he said, “but I probably shouldn’t, since I’m not so great with look-but-don’t-touch rules.”

Laura opened the door and walked in. She looked at him over her shoulder and smiled. “Who said that you couldn’t touch?”

That was all it took and Jake was on her heels in a split second. He got into the camper and shut the door behind him. It was small but cozy and he was happy to be inside. To get a glimpse of her world. Be a part of it. Feel the warmth.

She sat on her small bed; the thing looked comfy but not overly large.