Page 20 of Rescued by the Single Dad

“A bit of a farfetched one,” Bennett countered.

Clint threw his brother a dirty look.

“Either way, I’m not ready to announce to the world that whoever tried to kill me didn’t succeed. Because that will just make whoever tried to kill me attempt to do it again.”

“And going to the cops is a bad idea why?” Bennett asked. “Is there a reason you can’t trust them?”

A glint in Brooke’s eyes said there was, but that she wasn’t about to tell complete strangers her reason. So she simply smiled and said, “I just need a few days ... please? I’m happy to pay rent, and help out ...” She glanced around the house. “What is it you guys do?”

“We run a microbrewery and brewpub,” Clint said. “Ever heard of San Camanez Brewery?”

“I have.” She lit up. “Your beer is great. And I’m normally not much of a beer person. But I really liked your Citrus Twist white ale that you came out with. Was it two years ago?”

Pride swelled in Clint’s chest. Not only did she have the timeline correct, it was his recipe, too, his microbrew masterpiece. Well, actually, all of the beers were his recipe, since he was the brewmaster. But he was really proud of how that one turned out. A continued fan favorite, many liquor stores and grocery stores couldn’t keep it in stock; it sold out so fast.

“We also have cabins down below at the base of the hill that we rent out from spring to fall,” Bennett added. “The five of us have houses up here with the kids.”

“Five of you?” she asked, her fair brows lifting.

Bennett nodded. “Five brothers. Clint’s the oldest, then me, then Wyatt, then Dominic, and Jagger is the baby and the only one without babies.”

The kids snickered.

“Because he still acts like a kid most of the time,” Emme tossed in. “Right, Dad?”

Bennett smirked. “Right.”

“Well, put me to work. Let me earn my keep,” Brooke said. But panic quickly filled her eyes. “That is, if you have room. If you’re okay with me staying for a few days until I can come up with a plan. I ... I don’t mean to impose.” She glanced around the house again. “I don’t want to upset your wife.”

“My mom died a few years ago,” Talia said plainly; an arrow straight into Clint’s heart. “Dad doesn’t have a wife.”

“All our moms died,” Aya added. “They were in a car accident together, all four of them. Our dads have no wives.”

God, kids could be brutally blunt.

Brooke’s mouth dropped open. “I’m ... I’m so sorry. That’s tragic.”

The air in the kitchen turned thick.

Bennett and Clint both cleared their throats and exchanged pensive glances as they sipped their coffee.

The kids didn’t seem too worse for wear.

“Yeah, it really sucked,” Emme said. “Still sucks. But at least we have our dads. And uncles. It’s getting easier.” She perked up. “It’ll be nice to have a lady around. I’m trying to learn how to do fancy braids, but it’s hard with curly hair. Do you know how to do fancy braids?”

Brooke’s smile was small, but her green eyes glittered. “I happened to be pretty darn skilled when it comes to fancy braids.”

All three girls grew excited.

“Would you do our hair?” Talia asked.

Brooke nodded. “Absolutely.” Then she pivoted her gaze to Clint. “That is, if it’s okay?”

“You’re more than welcome to stay,” Clint said quickly, before Bennett could interject with a counter offer. “We have a guestroom upstairs you can stay in. And we can find you some proper clothes. There isn’t much in the way of designer stores here on the island, but the Town Center Grocery Store has a clothing section at the back.”

“I don’t need designer,” she said, her gaze turning a little hard. She leaned back. “Just some pants that fit. And maybe some underwear and a bra. The gown I wore last night had a built-in bra, so when I removed it so I could swim, I was just in my underwear.”

The kids snickered again. “Dad’s pants are way too big for you,” Talia pointed out.

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