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tush.”
    He laughed. “Not exactly what I had in mind, but hey, a compliment’s a compliment.”
    “So, on the news report I heard you mention the Wounded Warrior Project. I know you train dogs. Do you also help with that organization?”
    “I visit vets and try to mentor them like they did for me. We’re getting ready for a weekend up at Monmouth, end of May.” He grimaced. “Five miles of mountainous biking. I’ll have to get in shape for that.”
    Without meaning to, she slid her gaze over him, taking in his broad shoulders, muscular arms, and trim waist.
    “Your shape is fine,” she said a little too sharply. Then she added, “It’s a wonderful thing you’re doing.”
    “Least I can do. They saved my life, made it worth living again.”
    She frowned, unsure what it was about him that unsettled her. “You’re an interesting man, Shane Dawson.” He certainly did seem to have his heart in the right place. Just a young man, probably a few years younger than herself, she’d guess, and he spent so much of his time doing good deeds. She wondered if he’d be willing to do one more.
    “Thank you.” He gave her a quizzical look. “I think.”
    Although she’d rather stick a pin in her eye than ask for a favor, for Josh’s sake she swallowed her pride. “Josh has been pestering me about you. He thought you were funny when you did that thing with your hand.”
    “Yeah.” He made a face. “It always gets a laugh.”
    “Look, this is kind of awkward, but I promised my son that I’d ask.” She fought the urge to cringe. It was only a request. He could always say no. “Josh is going to a Dodger’s game with his friend and the friend’s father, and he’d like to have someone to take him.”
    Shane didn’t answer right away.
    “I didn’t want to ask,” she said quickly. “Don’t worry about it.” She licked her bottom lip. “It would mean a lot to him, but .…” Her mind raced through the possible problems a one-time boys’ night out could create. Josh would be thrilled to death, but afterward he’d be even more frustrated than he was now. She really needed to find a way to distract him from his daddy fixation. Perhaps, if he needed a man in his life, he could hang out with Brad and his dad more, or some other friends.
    Shane ran a hand through his hair. “You’re not married?”
    “No, I’m widowed.”
    “I’m sorry.” He ran a hand over his jaw. “Doesn’t he have an uncle or anyone else in his life that could step in?”
    Lauren’s spine stiffened. “No. Or I wouldn’t have mentioned it to you.”
    He folded his arms, then dropped them by his sides. Opened his mouth, shut it again. Lauren held her breath. Say no, she silently pleaded. Say no.
    “When is it?” he finally asked.
    “You can say no,” she said hopefully.
    “I’m asking which day. I might be busy.”
    “Of course you might be.” She fidgeted with her hands. “This is really a very bad idea. A boys’ night out will only fill his head with more notions of what he can’t have.”
    “Up to you, but I owe Josh something for spraining his arm.”
    “No, you don’t. It was an accident.” She smiled, feeling somewhat relieved. “Look, I’ll just tell Josh that I asked, and you said you’re sorry, but you have other plans that day.”
    “What day is it?” he asked, his eyes nailing hers.
    “Next Friday. It’s a night game. But I’ll find someone else.”
    To avoid the intensity of his stare, she began tidying up medical supplies.
    “Look. I want to do this, all right?” He stepped in front of her. “I might have to rearrange a thing or two. Let me see if I can work it out.”
    “Really?” She glanced up at him, surprised. “This is an awful lot to ask from a stranger, and it’s really very kind of you, but you don’t owe him or me anything.”
    “Josh doesn’t have a dad, and it’s the least I can do. Call it payback.”
    The tightness in her chest disappeared, and her shoulders relaxed. She