Page 13 of Spotted at Lighthouse Bay
“I’m in the parking lot,” Rick said with a nod.
Addy led the way, up the hill, past the tea shop. A black SUV sat gleaming in the sunlight.
“This looks like something from a spy movie,” she said.
He unlocked the car and opened the trunk. “I’ll admit it’s a bit on the nose, but it’s top of the line. Makes things simple.”
She leaned in. The seats were black leather. The windows were tinted black, and the inside of the doors reflected back at her like bottomless pools. “Is it yours?”
He shook his head. “No. IronClad Elite provided it as part of the contract.”
The trunk was spotless. Rick opened a black suitcase and lifted a large bandage out of a compartment. “May I?”
“It’s really not a big deal. It flares up now and again,” she said.
“I understand, but you’ve been holding that arm since we met. It can’t be comfortable.”
She looked down. Apparently she’d been obvious. Did that make her look like prey to any predators? Did anyone out there even know she existed? Know that she’d been part of Shane’s past, the part he’d hastily tossed away?
He gently lifted her arm and pressed it into her abdomen. “Hold that here.”
His hands were large, and his skin was rough against hers, but his touch was as light as a hummingbird. Goosebumps rippled across her skin.
He looped the bandage under her arm, tying it behind her neck. “How does that feel?”
She let her arm fall into the support. The ache eased, dissipating for the first time since she’d failed to throw the wine bottle. “Much better.”
“It should hold up until we can get something more durable.”
“Thank you, Rick.”
“Don’t leave without me!” Marilyn yelled, walking out of the tea shop.
Sheila was close behind her, pulling a large, boxy suitcase over the rocky path.
Addy took a deep breath. “Did you hear the good news, Mom?”
“Yes! I’m delighted!” Marilyn walked to the passenger door and opened it. “Finally, some luxury. You know, in my younger years, I rode in cars like this all the time. Limousines, town cars. I dated a man who wouldn’t let me lift a finger. Always sent his driver for me, like I was a queen.”
A queen of what, Addy had no idea. Collecting boyfriends, maybe.
“Tomorrow I can try to talk to Lawrence and figure out what company you were working with,” Addy said.
“Thank you, Adelaide. I always know I can go to you when I need help.” She placed a hand on Addy’s cheek and patted it.
Addy turned to get the suitcase, but Rick was already loading it into the trunk.
“Oh, thank you,” she said.
How many times was she going to have to thank this guy? She was a broken record, mumbling and muttering like a servant to her mother’s queen.
He nodded, opening the back passenger door for her. Using her good arm, she pulled herself up and slipped onto the leather seat.
“I could get used to this,” Marilyn said, the front seat humming as she adjusted it backward into Addy’s legs.
Addy scooted to the other seat. “You’ve changed your tune. I thought you said Rick couldn’t be trusted.”
“The man has a nice car, Adelaide. That’s something I wouldn’t take for granted.”
