Page 139 of Protecting You

Peri placed her tiny hand on his thick arm. “Yours is good, too, Mr. Wright.”

“Thank you. You’re very kind.” And then he stuck out his tongue at Eliza.

Dad.

Stuck out his tongue.

Had Alyssa been transported to another universe?

Or…or was this the kind of grandfather he’d be? Playful, lighthearted.

The question had her yearning for children. Not that she was going to have kids just to earn Dad’s approval. She’d done enough to know the futility of that.

“I wanted to introduce you to Levi.” Eliza ushered the boy forward. “Levi, this is Peri.”

He was practically bouncing. “We’re gonna go look for crabs and sharks. You wanna come?”

Peri’s eyes widened, and she looked at Callan. “Sharks?”

“I’m sure he’s joking.” He turned to the boy. “You are joking, right?”

“Huh-uh. They might be out there, so we’re gonna stay on the rocks where they can’t get us.”

“Very smart. That way you’ll be safe.” His gaze rose to Eliza, “Where exactly?”

The younger woman who’d followed them answered, “I’m just going to walk them down the jetty.” She pointed at the rocky structure he’d noticed on his drive in. “I’m Laine Webb, by the way.”

He rose and shook her hand. “Nice to meet you.”

“Laine’s family owns Webb’s Harborside,” Dad said. “Their family goes back generations in Shadow Cove.” Dad gestured to someone out of Alyssa’s line of sight.

One of his guards came around the table. Alyssa had gotten so used to them at public events over the years that she’d neglected to mention them to Callan.

He must’ve figured out who they were.

This one was named Jock. He’d been with Dad for years. Bald head, small gray eyes, meaty muscles, and wrinkles proving that he’d lived his share of life. “Sir?”

“Accompany our guests, please.” He winked at Peri. “Make sure you protect them from sharks.”

The guard lifted his lips in a smile, but from the intensity in his eyes, he caught the double-meaning.

Not all sharks kept to the water.

To Callan, Gavin said, “Does that suit you?”

By the way his lips pressed together, it didn’t suit him at all. But he said, “Stay with Laine,” giving his daughter ado as you’re toldlook. “And be careful on those rocks. They might be slippery, and those aren’t the best shoes for climbing.”

“Okay, Daddy!”

Alyssa watched their progress out the wrought iron gate circling the patio, down a short set of stairs, and along the sand toward the jetty.

The babysitter, Laine, held both children’s hands, and the guard followed about ten feet back.

Peri should be safe. And now that she was gone, it was time.

Beneath the table, she gripped Callan’s hand and squeezed.

He took a deep breath, quickly scanning the crowd. Would he get everyone’s attention?

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