Defending Harlow (Mountain Mercenaries #4)(49)

It took a second for his words to register, but when they did, she grinned. “Go me.”

“Yeah. You ready to head home?”

She nodded. “Thanks for organizing this, Lowell. I wish all the women could have come, but I know that Carrie, Violet, and the others had fun. Even Loretta did, I think. She’s been super stressed lately with everything that’s been happening, so it was good for her to get away.”

“You’re welcome,” Black told Harlow. He reached out, took her hand in his, and started for his car in the lot. He’d followed her back to her apartment earlier so she could drop off her car, then he’d driven them both to the strip mall where the escape room was located.

He got her situated in his car, and they drove in silence for a while as he headed back to her apartment. “Zoe will be back in about a week and a half,” Harlow said after a few minutes. “Give or take a day or two, depending on how things go with her daughter.”

“Yeah. I’m sure you’ll be more than ready for a break.”

“No. I mean, yeah, but it’ll be weird because I’ll miss seeing everyone more often too.”

Black knew she meant that. She loved being at the shelter. Loved cooking for everyone.

“I . . . uh . . . was wondering if you wanted to come over to my place for dinner when she’s back?”

Black blinked in surprise and turned to look at her. He could see the blush on her cheeks in the passing streetlights.

“Not a date.” She chuckled nervously. “Because, you know . . . but I thought the least I could do was make you a nice dinner for all you’ve done to help me out. Escorting me to and from the building and stuff.”

When he still didn’t answer right away, she babbled on. “It’s not a huge deal, I mean, you’re probably busy anyway, but I just thought I should offer.”

“How about you come to my place?” he asked. Black wanted to throw his head back and yell out his excitement that she’d offered to cook for him. She might not want to call it a date, but it so was. The first time they ate together, though, he wanted it to be on his turf. He wanted to spoil her. To show her that he wasn’t like those assholes she’d been with in the past.

“Oh, um . . . yeah, I could do that. I can go shopping and bring over what I need.”

“No. Send me a shopping list, and I’ll pick up everything beforehand.”

“That’s not right. I can—”

“Harlow,” he interrupted. “Send me a list. It’s the least I can do if you’re willing to cook for me on one of your nights off.”

“Well, okay. A week from Wednesday?”

“Sounds perfect.” It was too far away, but if she thought that was going to be the next time they did something together, she was mistaken. “I have something I need to do Saturday morning in Manitou Springs. I don’t know how long it will take, and I don’t want to miss you texting when you leave for the shelter. How about I pick you up around eight in the morning, we can go to the Manitou Springs Incline, then I’ll take you to work?”

“Oh, you don’t have to babysit me. I’m sure I’ll be okay for a day, walking from the parking lot to the shelter by myself.”

“Harlow . . . do you want to come with me or not? If not, I’ll just do it another time.”

“No, no, that’s fine. I’ll come with you.”

It was almost scary how well Black knew her. He knew she wouldn’t want to put him out in any way. “Great. Oh, and wear sneakers and comfortable clothes.”

“I always wear comfortable clothes,” she quipped. “But wait . . . what is this incline thing? You do remember what I told you before the bike ride, right? That I’m not coordinated, and exercise isn’t my thing?”

“I remember,” Black said, having a hard time keeping a straight face.

“Why do I have a feeling I’m going to regret this?” she mumbled.

Black chuckled and reached out to brush a lock of her hair behind her ear before returning his hand to the steering wheel. He was also having a hard time keeping his hands to himself. He always wanted to touch her, and not just in a sexual way. He was comfortable around her, liked having her near.

“You won’t regret anything,” he swore. He wouldn’t let her. No matter how long their relationship lasted, he’d make sure they parted on good terms. He didn’t want her to hate him. The thought was abhorrent.

They were silent for the rest of the trip to her apartment complex. The parking lot was well lit and she lived in a safe part of the city. He’d never felt uneasy about her living here, thank God.

“I guess I’ll see you tomorrow,” she said.

“Yup.”

“Thanks again for organizing tonight. Do I owe you anything?”

He raised his eyebrows and simply stared at her.

Harlow rolled her eyes. “Sorry, stupid question. I forgot that I was in Lowell Land tonight and not the real world.”

“I’m glad you had fun,” he said, ignoring her sass.

“I did. It was nice that Jasper got to see not all men are assholes.”

“I’m hoping maybe you’ll realize that sooner or later as well,” Black told her.

Harlow brought surprised eyes up to his, then bit her lip. “Drive safe. See you tomorrow.”