Rock Me All Night by Katherine Garbera Page A

doubted herself in any situation. He knew there was something important in what she was telling him but had no idea what. “Why?”
    â€œI like learning new things. And… Never mind.”
    â€œTell me, Lauren. You can trust me.”
    She shook her head, those thick tresses spilling over her shoulders, and then she looked up at him. Right in the eye. “I know I’ll always have something lasting when the relationship ends.”
    She took a step away from him. Her tracks were the only ones in the thick layer of snow. “My mom says that it’s because I don’t believe a real man can live up to my dream man.”
    â€œWhat do you think?” he asked. He followed her easily.
    â€œI think Mom puts too much stock in the books she’s read. But I can’t say that to her.”
    â€œThen why do you do it?”
    â€œI’m not sure.”
    â€œI have a theory.”
    â€œYou’ve only known me a few days. I’m not sure you have enough info to make an observation.”
    â€œDo you want to hear it or not?”
    She glanced over her shoulder at him. A light snow began to fall. He took his scarf off and wrapped it around her neck. “Okay.”
    â€œI think it’s because of your job.”
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œI’ve been listening to your show, and you have this aura of intimacy with your listeners. And I think that’s why you set yourself up for failure in relationships.”
    â€œYou don’t know—”
    He put his finger over her lips to stop the words. She was defensive and he couldn’t blame her. Soul baring wasn’t really on the menu tonight.
    â€œYou don’t have to defend yourself. It was only my opinion.”
    Â 
    Lauren knew she’d said too much and strove to put some distance between them again. They talked of books and music. Jack set an easy pace through the park. She wasn’t surprised to learn that he never kept any books or CDs for more than a few months. She couldn’t imagine not having her favorite novels in her house so that she could reread them when the urge struck.
    But that didn’t stop her from remembering what he’d said—she did fear intimacy. She’d spent her entire life making sure there was some barrier betweenher and others. The radio was the ultimate cocoon, and she honestly didn’t think she could work in another field.
    The morning was beautiful and unexpected, but she was chilled by the time they returned to the Hummer H2. He turned on the heat and handed her a mug of vegetable soup. He shifted closer to her on the seat and she scooted away, then realized she was once again running away after she’d vowed to stop doing that.
    â€œTonight was your last night on the midnight shift?” he asked.
    Lauren leaned back against the seat, letting the warmth from the heated leather surround her. “Yes. I’m moving to the morning drive time starting Monday.”
    â€œWith your voice and your empathy you ought to do well there.”
    She knew he was right. Ty had been bugging her for years to move to the early slot, where she’d get more listeners. But Lauren liked the anonymity of doing the midnight show. She had some loyal fans but it was a small fan base. “I guess. Ty is moving me to help with the station’s Valentine’s Day promo.”
    â€œThat Mile of Men thing. You know that’s reverse sexism. If I sponsored a Mile of Women, you’d go nuts.”
    She had to laugh because she was coming to know Jack. He wasn’t at all what she’d first expected him to be. Especially when it came to women. He wasn’ta hound, as she’d expected. In fact, he had a deep well of caring that surprised her. “I know. You’re right. But hey, that’s acceptable in society now.”
    â€œGoing to ride that wave while you can?” he asked. He stretched one arm along the back of the seat. She’d