Why in the world would he risk aggravation to go out with her? What was the draw?

Luke must have sensed her apprehension because he launched into an explanation. “I hate those sort of things, but I don’t have a choice in going. It’s for the environment and I’m the game warden, so there’s expectations. And since I buried myself in my work as soon as I got here, I haven’t really taken the time to get to know people. Unfortunately, the ones I do know—mostly poachers and trespassers—are less than stellar. As are the LeDoux. So I really don’t want to show up alone at an event at their house.”

He alternated looking at her and glancing at the wall as he spoke, and Marina could tell he was as uncertain as she was. When he finally came up for air, she smiled.

“So you want to use me as your human shield?” she asked.

“Guilty as charged. I asked Adelaide if she’d go with me but she said she’d rather wrestle a bear.”

“My money’s on Adelaide.”

“Mine too.”

Marina looked at him, the anxious expression, the way he was bouncing one leg up and down. He was nervous. Guys got nervous? She’d always thought they held all the power, but here was this attractive, gainfully employed, full-head-of-hair guy, asking her to an event and looking worried that she might say no.

Which is exactly what she should say. For so many reasons.

“Do you think that’s a good idea?” she asked finally. “I mean, you know what I’ve got going on with the LeDoux. I already put you in their sights by asking you to help Avery. Showing up to their house with me might have them all taking aim.”

“You’re worried about my reputation?”

“Well, yeah. And your job. Besides, if people see you there with me, what will they think?”

“I hadn’t thought about it, but I suppose they’d think I was the smart one and Harold’s an idiot.”

She felt the blush creep up her neck and onto her face. Good Lord, she felt as though she was back in high school. Except no one had ever made her feel this way in high school. But if they had, then she was going to guess it would have been exactly like this. Her palms were sweating and for the first time in forever, it wasn’t because of a hot flash. And she knew, with certainty, that come tomorrow, she was going to regret what she was about to do.

“And honestly,” he continued, “if showing up with you on my arm makes the LeDoux mad, then that’s just a bonus. They can’t kick me out. I’m the game warden. And sorta the guest of honor.”

“Yes,” she said, before she could change her mind. “I’d love to be your human shield.”

His shoulders relaxed and he smiled. “I can’t think of anyone better to have in front of me.”

Her face felt as if it were on fire and she was certain he’d noticed the color display. So embarrassing, and yet she was too excited to care. Which was troubling.