Page 55 of Riding the High

“That’s it. Now we’ll let the fish go,” he tells her.

“Can we go on the boat now?” Mabel asks.

“A little later. I’ve got to run to town to refill the propane tanks for the cabin owner. You can come with me.”

“Can I stay with Ginger instead?” she asks.

“Ginger looks pretty comfortable where she is, Mabes. Let’s leave her be.”

I prop myself up on my elbows. “It’s fine, she can stay with me. We can keep catching fish, can’t we, Mabes?”

Mabel’s eyes light up before she turns to face Cole.

“Okay, I’ll be back in less than an hour,” he replies, kissing Mabel on the head and turning so our eyes meet. I feel the pull to him like he’s got his hook inme.

“See you, Sheriff.” I wink at him.

“Be good, girls,” he chimes as he starts to walk up the stairs. Something about the way he includes me as his girl charges my heart rate as I watch him go.

“Can you stop staring at my dad and help me cast?” Mabel asks, loud enough for Cole to hear. He looks back over his shoulder to flash his signature cocky grin.

My face heats and I wish I could sink between the deck boards on the dock.

“I … yes,” I say, standing to help her while knowing I’m totally busted.

We cast out a few more times after I hear Cole’s truck leave the driveway but don’t catch anything else.

“Can we go in the boat now?” Mabel asks. “I’ve been waiting all day.”

“I think we should wait for your dad to get back,” I tell her.

“Why? You know how to drive the boat right?” she responds.

“Yes, I suppose so.”

“I’m just a little bored of the dock,” she says, fiddling with her fishing pole.

I think for a moment. Icandrive the boat. Especially since the bay is as calm as glass.

“Let me call your dad,” I say to Mabel, pulling my phone out of my pocket.

Mabel waits expectantly as it rings. But it goes to voicemail.

She looks up at me with pleading eyes and I feel grateful that, after the last two and a half weeks spent together, she still likes me.

I smile at her. “Okay, but only if he texts back to say it’s fine.”

“Yay!” Mabel jumps up and down and launches herself into my leg. “He’ll say yes to you,” she adds, matter-of-fact. I give her a little squeeze as she continues. “I like having you as my dad’s friend.”

Not her babysitter.

I get us both ready to go, and pack a bag with water, snacks and life vests. Just as I’m about to try Cole again, he texts back.

LAW DADDY

This goes against everything I’d normally allow.

That’s why you should do it. Step outside your comfort zone. I’ve managed bigger boats than this. We’ll be fine.

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