Chapter 6 Getting Up To Speed #2
“I hope so. She was such an amazing lady. Frannie B enjoyed trying new things, helping the world, and other people. She wanted her cosmetics to help women feel good about themselves and more confident. She said when a woman feels good about herself, she can’t help but make positive changes in the world. ”
Lawson nodded. “I’m sure she’s right. And not just for women, but for everyone.
When I worked overseas, I saw many people who’d been beaten down by life and circumstances.
They were often taken advantage of by warlords and insurgents.
Once those people had access to safe water, food, and education, things always changed for the better. ”
Dani shuddered, reminding herself how lucky she was.
“I wish the world was a safe place for everyone. Even though my family and I want different things from life, I had a privileged upbringing. I never had to worry about food or clothing. Education was valued more for my brother, but they still supported my sister and me getting business degrees. I’m so grateful that there are people like you who willingly go into dangerous areas in order to help others. ”
He nodded his thanks at her comment, and those dark, intense eyes studied her. “Tell me more about how you ended up in Vermont.”
She sensed he wanted to gloss over his service and his bravery.
Instead of prying into areas she wasn’t welcome, she opened her heart a little more.
“The rest of my family prefers the indoors and discussing money and business. They enjoy dressing well and socializing with their peers. They think I’ve lost my mind wanting to play with bees and live outside a big city. ”
“I bet none of them can wield a welder.”
She laughed. “Definitely not. Even the smell would turn them off.”
Lawson’s smile widened. “They don’t know what they’re missing. I’m a mechanic by trade, and I spend my free time working on old vehicles, bringing them back to life.”
“Which is why you spotted Beatrice here.” The thought of the drone circling didn’t terrify her now. Not when she knew it had been Lawson. He hadn’t been spying or threatening her livelihood. He’d been interested in Beatrice.
He nodded with a wry smile. “I didn’t notice you and Bibi at all at first. Certainly didn’t see the hives or the metal art in the trees. I was zeroed in on this beauty.”
He ran his hand over the edge of the bed with one hand. Again, Dani wondered how those wonderfully calloused hands would feel on her skin.
Instead of moving closer to him, she packed the reusable lunch containers into her bag. Lawson took the hint easily and did the same with his own.
Then he lowered the tailgate and hopped down. Bibi followed suit. Lawson held out his hand to Dani again and helped her down.
She’d clambered in and out of Beatrice hundreds of times. She was perfectly capable of doing it herself, but the gesture warmed her heart and sent another zip of attraction up her arm when she took his hand.
The sensations had her hesitating for the barest of seconds. Lawson’s smile widened, and she wondered if he felt the attraction as a physical thing as well. The heat in his eyes suggested the answer was yes.
He raised his other hand, and then shifted his grip to her waist, lifting her down to stand before him, showcasing his easy strength.
Her hands landed on his shoulders, and she stared into his eyes.
Neither moved for several long seconds. Part of her wanted to lean in to taste his lips, but she wasn’t ready for that. She’d never been the kind of woman to jump into relationships without much thought.
But she’d never been this attracted to a man before.
Lawson’s eyes darkened, and his lips kicked up into a grin. “You’re an amazingly attractive and fascinating woman, Dani. I hope you won’t mind me popping over all the time.”
She swallowed hard, working to control her body. “I won’t mind.”
“Good. I want to learn more about bees and the honey-making process. I’d love to help you plant and place more wildflowers.
Then there’s that workshop of yours. I’d love to see how you create your whimsical pieces.
Mostly, I’d like to get to know you better.
Find out more about what makes you happy. ”
Her heart wobbled.
Lawson lifted a hand and brushed his thumb over her lips. Shivers coated her skin at the simple touch.
He did it again, then stood back. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
He squeezed her hand and then patted Bibi’s head while his eyes remained locked on hers.
With slow steps, he backed away, their eyes still locked. When he reached the woods, he grinned and waved. Then he turned and disappeared down the path with the flowers.
Dani’s body trembled, and she rested against Beatrice. “He’s a potent man, Bibi.”
Bibi leaned into her side, staring into the woods as well. She ran her hands through her friend’s fur. She figured her dog was as besotted as she was.
“What a difference a day makes. Yesterday, I wanted to run and hide. Today, I want to run after him.”
And keep him for my very own. But she wasn’t brave enough to say that out loud.