Free Secret Nights at Nine Oaks by Amy J. Fetzer

her and out into the sun. He actually squinted against the brightness, and Phoebe knew she was doing the right thing.
    â€œIt’s gorgeous, breezy and just look at the million-dollar view.” She gestured to the flowers blooming, the live oaks elegantly festooned with Spanish moss. “Come on. Play with me.”
    The implication shot through him like a crack of lightning, and Cain stiffened. Her look dared him, invited him. Hell. He wanted to do much more than play with her. And he couldn’t. Not with Phoebe. He’d be consumed whole if he let himself indulge inher, even if she was only suggesting a picnic. God help him, he didn’t want to hurt this woman. And he knew, eventually, he would.
    â€œPhoebe, I know you mean well and you think you’re trying to help, but I do not want it.”
    â€œHelp with what?”
    â€œMe. My life.”
    She gave him a long look up and down that ignited his blood, then said, “You’re a grown man, and don’t need my help. Whatever reasons that you’ve made yourself a recluse, it’s your business. I’m bored and while I enjoy my own company, I want to have a picnic and I’d love for you to join me.”
    â€œYou aren’t giving up on this, are you?”
    â€œNope. Face it. I’ll be a nuisance.”
    She got behind him, giving him a push, and Cain smiled when he didn’t move. She kept trying like a kid who wanted someone to ride the roller coaster with her and could find no takers.
    â€œI have work to do.”
    â€œYou’re the boss, take a day off. And if you say your company can’t stand the inattention, then you’re not that good at running it.”
    He twisted to look at her. “That’s a gauntlet you’ve thrown down, m’lady.”
    â€œThen pick it up, m’lord.” She winked. “Take the challenge.”
    Cain wanted to go, he truly did. Spending a couple of hours with her was like drinking in sunshine. And she was her usual energetic and impatient self. It was addicting.
    â€œAll right, but let me change.”
    â€œOh no,” she said, pushing him toward the stone path. “It’s a ‘Come as you are’ party. You’re not getting a chance to talk yourself out of this.”
    â€œGod, you’re an imp.” And a delight, he thought.
    â€œSo what else is new?” She flashed him that smile, and Cain felt a renewing feeling race through him when he saw it.
    He took the basket from her. “Good grief, what’s in here?”
    â€œJean Claude’s Cajun fried chicken…”
    â€œFor an army?”
    â€œOh, there’s more, but it’s a surprise.” They walked toward the shore.
    Cain felt apprehension creep up his spine. He hadn’t been near the water in a long time.
    â€œWant to take a boat ride?”
    â€œNo.” And he didn’t want her to take one, either.
    â€œOkay, fine. The docks then.”
    â€œI’d rather not.”
    â€œBe brave, I’ll protect you,” she said, already walking briskly toward the pier.
    Cain watched her go, his hands on his hips. Thewoman was rather comfortable with her own stubbornness. She headed toward the open-air gazebo at the end of one dock. It was more of a place to sit and relax while watching the movement on the river than to dock the boats. Cain hadn’t been here in five years.
    As thoughts of Lily and her death started to crowd his mind, Cain shook them loose and started walking.
    When he caught the scent of the bug fogger and noticed the area was swept clean of debris, he realized she had a conspirator. Yet instead of sitting in the loungers, she went right to the edge of the pier, spread out the blanket and relaxed.
    Phoebe glanced over her shoulder, wondering why he looked so apprehensive just then. “Come, sit.” She patted the space near her, and when he set the basket down, she opened it.
    Cain realized this would be an