Just a Little White Lie(71)

Lucinda started to object but stopped. Pleasure raced through her at the idea of another night with Jake, every nerve at full alert. They’d discussed this but hadn’t really come to a decision.

Or rather, she hadn’t. Apparently Jake had, and she loved him for it. His take-charge attitude was one of the reasons she’d fallen in love with him. And that was so out of character for her. It scared her to death.

Birdie’s eyes went vacant. She’d obviously forgotten she had a houseguest. Then, remembering, she said, “Oh, it’s okay, Lucy. You can still stay. You’re more than welcome. We have plenty of room.”

Though she tried hard to hide it, no one could have missed the slight reluctance, nor could they hold it against her.

Lucinda laughed. “I don’t think so, but thanks. Jake and I actually have some work to do. It goes back to his trip to Mississippi…and my father.”

Rubbing his jaw, Zane eyed his friend. “Think I picked a good time to come home. This should be interesting.”

Jake’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “Don’t go there, pal.”

Birdie turned to Zane. “Home?” she asked softly.

“Yeah, honey. Home.”

As Zane moved closer to her, a black cocker spaniel puppy flew past them, ignoring the calls of its owner. “MaGee, get back here! Now!”

“Oh, look at the doggy, Mom!” Sammy ducked under Zane’s arm and chased off after the bundle of wavy hair.

As if in slow motion, Lucinda watched, horror-stricken, as a huge four-wheel-drive backed out—aimed directly at Sammy and the runaway. The truck’s windows were down, a Toby Keith song pouring from the stereo at ear-splitting volume. She knew the driver couldn’t see the little boy or the dog or hear their screams.

And they were screaming, Birdie the shrillest of all.

Lucinda was closest. Without even thinking, she sprinted across the lot, reaching Sammy first. She thrust him behind her, out of harm’s way. In the truck’s outside mirror, she met the driver’s panic-filled eyes. He stomped on his brakes but not before the truck made contact with her.

The force sent her sprawling to the ground. Before she had time to do more than register the bite of gravel on her palms, the sting scraping her knees, Jake scooped her up, crushing her against him as he stood. He was shaking as uncontrollably as she.

Her head pressed to his chest, she heard the hammering of his heart and knew her own was doing a darn good job of matching his.

“Put me down. I’m fine.”

“Like hell. That truck hit you.”

“It barely touched me.” But she rubbed her hip, aware of a growing ache there.

Birdie shouted, “Leave her be till we check her out. You shouldn’t have moved her.”

Sammy, arms around the puppy, burst into tears.

The teen-aged, white-lipped driver was out of his truck and around the back in a flash. “Oh, Lordy!” He ran trembling hands through his short hair. “I didn’t see you! I’m so sorry! Are you all right?”

“I’m fine. Just fine.” Lucinda eyed him. “But I think maybe you need to sit down.”

He did. Right there, without hesitation, the young man gave way to his rubbery legs and dropped to the ground. Shaking badly, he held his head in his hands.

From the corner of her eye, Lucy saw Birdie and Zane beside them. Birdie knelt by her son, her arms going around him. But from the sounds of it, she was chewing him out royally.

The puppy was now back in his owner’s custody, a leash fastened securely to his collar.

“Jake, please, put me down. People are staring at us.”

Slowly, he lowered her, setting her feet on the ground. He rested his forehead on hers. “Luce, I thought—” He blew out a relieved breath. “Oh, lady, don’t ever do that again.”

“Are those tears, Jake?”

He blinked rapidly and ran a shaky finger over his eyes. “Got dust in them.”

“You’re lying. And I love you for it.” She kissed his strong chin.

“Lucinda Darling, you baffle me. You literally risked your life to save my nephew and this mutt. A mutt whose owner better take him to obedience school.”

The dog’s owner, who stood nearby holding tightly to the dog’s leash, had the good grace to look abashed. “I signed him up two days ago. We start lessons tomorrow.”

“Not a moment too soon,” Jake said. “Go. Take him home before he causes any more trouble. We’re good here.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah. Positive.”

MaGee’s owner, wearing an expression of heartfelt relief, hurried to make good his escape, dragging the puppy behind him.

Jake’s deep green eyes turned back to her, searing her with such intensity, she shivered.