Page 72 of Forbidden Kisses
“You’re really going to let me stay with you tonight?” he asked.
Jack leaned back in the booth. “Well, I’m not going to let you sleep on the corner of Sandy Drive.” He stared at the teen for a long moment. “I’m not sorry I called social services. I had to.”
Tristan’s smile faded. “Yeah, well. You’re not the first person to call, so whatever.”
Jack leaned forward, propping his elbows on the table. “If your dad’s been investigated for this before, why are you still there?”
Tristan shrugged. “Those ladies usually come out to the house, ask a bunch of questions, make a huge stink, and then leave. I guess Dad is pretty convincing with whatever he tells them. Anyway, all it ever does is stir up trouble for me.”
“Sorry about that.” Jack reached for his glass of water. Suddenly his food wasn’t sitting too well in his stomach. A kid deserved better than to be mistreated at home. A kid deserved security, stability.
Jack’s thoughts went to Grace and the life she’d lost during their parents’ divorce. He couldn’t blame her for wishing things were different, for trying to make up for a past that had hurt her.
“I turn eighteen in two weeks,” Tristan said. “No one’s going to care if I’m on my own earlier than that. I just need a place to crash till then.”
“I’ll help you,” Jack said. Which meant he’d be feeding Tristan as well as giving him a roof over his head until the kid was on his feet. Not that that was a hardship. Jack had the resources. And maybe a distraction was exactly what he needed right now anyway—something to lure his mind off Grace.
Although he doubted anything would distract him from thinking about her.
—
On Friday morning, instead of indulging in muffins and mindless chatter, Grace met Krista, Abby, and Joey to discuss a game plan. They’d all called in sick at work, which was maybe partially true. They all had to be a little sick to think this was a good idea. The East Coast fishing tournament was in less than twenty-four hours. Tomorrow morning they’d be setting out, a crew of mostly amateurs going up against expert fishermen.
“Dad would never approve of this,” Joey said, raising his coffee to his mouth and taking a large gulp.
“Well, we’re not asking his permission, are we?” Krista asked.
Joey glanced over. “It’s his boat.”
“And yours.” Krista returned her attention to Grace and Abby. “I’m seriously excited about this. I couldn’t sleep last night.”
Grace smiled. “Thank you, guys. I know I’m asking a lot. You’re all missing work today and giving up your weekend for me.”
“You don’t have to keep thanking us,” Abby told her. “Hasn’t anyone ever gone out of their way for you before?”
Grace considered the question. “I usually don’t let people go out of their way for me.” She lifted a shoulder. “I don’t like to be an inconvenience.” And she didn’t like to depend on people who might let her down. “Anyway, I really appreciate your help with this.”
“We’re going to win. I can feel it,” Krista said, excitement gleaming in her blue eyes. “So let’s get started. Joey, you know exactly where to take us, right?”
Joey nodded and set down his cup of coffee. “I’ve never entered this tournament before, but let me tell you, if I had, I’d have won. Dad and I have a secret spot.”
“Wouldn’t your father kill you if you shared his secret spot?” Abby asked.
“Well, yeah, if I shared it with someone who could keep going there. You guys can barely drive a boat, though. You’re not going to steal our spot.”
“I can drive a boat.” Abby raised her hand.
“Me, too,” Krista said, narrowing her eyes at her brother. “But you’re right. We’re not fishermen, so your secret’s safe.”
“I also have a secret tool,” he said, looking proud of himself. “I’ll show you that, too.”
Abby cocked one eyebrow. “A secret tool? That sounds a little dirty.”
Joey stopped talking, and all the women laughed.
“Uh-oh. Heads up, guys,” Krista said, pulling her paper cup in front of her face. “Sam and Pete Sawyer are here.”
Grace froze. Her back was to the incoming customers, but she’d called in sick at work this morning. “They can’t see me here,” she whispered. “I’m supposed to be in bed sick.”
