Page 115 of Hot Stuff
I turn to Pa. “I love yours.”
“He’s a hoot. We’re going to get up to all sorts of mischief together.”
“Good thing you’re rich and can afford bail money then.”
Laughing, Pa wraps his arm around my shoulders and tugs me close. “I wish your Grams was here to see this.”
“Me too.”
“She’d be so proud of you. Hell, she was proud of you, and you hadn’t taken over the world yet.”
“I haven’t now.”
“No, but you’re getting there.”
“I don’t want the whole world, Pa.”
“No, just a few parts of it.”
“This new part is going to be the best part.”
“The Rogues? Or those two?”
Smiling, I lean my head on his shoulder. “Those two.”
“Are you happy, Annie?”
“Yes.”
“Good. I’m about to make you happier.”
“Oh?”
“Yep, I’m taking my new partner out for ice cream. Give the newlyweds some time alone.”
“You don’t need to do that.”
“Who said anything about need? I want me a double scoop of chocolate chip cookie dough and I’ve got a youngster to corrupt.”
“Good thing Grams isn’t here or she’d be swatting you with the wooden spoon.” I laugh.
“She used to chase us right out the front door when I told her I was taking you out to corrupt.”
“And she did it with the biggest grin on her face.”
“She did. She did.”
“Should I take up the tradition?”
“Nah, we’ll start a new one.”
“Oh?”
“You bring ’em home, I’ll corrupt ’em.”
“You know you’re the reason we named our clothing line Rogue, don’t you?”
“Me?” Pa puts a hand to his chest.
