Read Laugh Like You've Never Cried (Summer Lake 5) for Free Online Page A

front door before he goes crazy.”
    Michael grinned. “I told you, he's making an exception for me. He's trying to lead by example.”
    “What do you mean?”
    “He's letting his guard down, 'cause he likes me. He's letting me do things he wouldn't let anyone else get away with. He's hoping that you'll do the same.”
    Megan stared. What did he mean?
    He was still smiling at her. “And so am I.”
    What things was he talking about?
    Water spurted everywhere as the vase filled up and overflowed. She put it down and turned the faucet off. Michael grabbed a towel from the rack and came towards her. She snatched it from his hand as he reached out, about to dry her down.
    “I...I...I.... Thank you. Sorry.” She busied herself with the towel so she wouldn't have to meet his eye. Maybe he'd just leave now. He could see what a dork she was. Surely he wouldn't want to waste a whole evening with her.
    “No, I'm sorry. I'll try to behave myself, okay?”
    She said nothing as she dabbed herself with the towel, still not daring to look up at him.
    “Meggie?” His hand came down on her shoulder, making her want to lean against something for support.
    She slowly lifted her gaze to meet his. His smile was warm and encouraging.
    “It's okay, little one. Just relax, huh?”
    She nodded. Not trusting herself to speak.
    The dimple was back, as was the mischief in his eyes. “I think we're both a bit nervous here. So how about we start out with an icebreaker?”
    “What kind of icebreaker?”
    He held both his arms out to her and jerked his head. “Come here and give me a hug.”
    She froze.
    He held his arms wider, smiling that smile that would be so hard to say no to. “Come on, just a friendly hug. It'll make you feel better.” He winked. “It'll make me feel better too.”
    She couldn't help smiling as he came towards her. She looked up into his eyes as he closed his arms around her. Oh, that felt so good. It had been so long since she'd hugged anyone but Ollie. She slipped her arms around his waist and relaxed as she breathed him in. He smelled good.
    “There, see. Didn't I tell you this would help?” His voice sounded husky. It sounded good.
    She nodded her head against his chest and was surprised how loudly she could hear his heart beating.
    ***
    M ichael closed his eyes and shifted his hips to the side. He was sure that if she could feel the effect she was having on him she wouldn't be this relaxed. She felt so small and fragile, she was working all kinds of crazy on him. He held her a few moments longer than he knew he should, then stepped back with a smile.
    “So, the ice is officially broken. Now can I tell you how gorgeous you look?”
    She lowered her eyes, but he could see the shadow of a smile. “Thank you,” she mumbled.
    He grinned. She needed to loosen up, and he was the guy for the job. “If you're not going to tell me how gorgeous I look, then I suggest we get going.”
    She looked up at him, shaking her head with a smile. “You don't need anyone to tell you how handsome you are. You already know it.”
    He nodded. “I sure do. And no, I don't need anyone to tell me. But I want you to.”
    Her eyes glimmered gold and brown as she smiled. “Then I suggest we get going.”
    He'd been right about having the back patio of Giuseppe's to themselves. It wasn't cold, but now that the season was over, not many people ate here at all, let alone out back.
    He'd been surprised when Megan had asked for a beer. He'd kind of assumed she'd be a water drinker. He looked her over while she studied her menu. She'd made an effort, that was obvious. He'd half expected her to be in jeans and another shapeless sweatshirt. She was still all buttoned up, but at least her skirt and that top confirmed his suspicions that she was hiding one hell of a figure under there somewhere. Her blonde hair was still all tied up, but even it looked more relaxed, looser.
    “What do you want to eat?” she asked.
    He had to bite back the