Page 51 of Crossing Lines

“No!”Carter sounded flustered. “No interrogating her.”

I heard Lana mumble something after that declaration. I was with her. What in the fuck did he know about some girl being a firecracker? He sounded serious. My heart wasn’t ready.

“He’s so smitten…”

I looked at Kris and wrinkled my nose. Her giggle made me want to hit her. I really wasn’t ready for this.

“He’s a big boy, Stel.” Trace winked at me. I wanted to punch him too.

“God help us all. Let’s go. Big man, I need my backpack, the one over there. If he’s done, there should be a lunch pack on the counter for Ethan. Daddy was making up bottles and stuff for me to take when I came up to shower.”

“I have that in the truck already. He brought it to me on his way out to the yard. I’m guessing he’s going to hide in the man cave.”

“Good. Well, like I said, he’s Robert and Gabe’s struggle for today. He’s been out there every free minute he has. He won’t let any of us out there. He’s being very shady.”

“He’s allowed to have his secrets, baby.” Trace snickered.

I, being the adult I was, stuck my tongue out at him, then followed after Kris, who still had Ethan cuddled up against her chest. Trace walked with me, following close and helping me down the front steps, which were not as menacing today as they had been. I was sort of figuring out how to maneuver and balance on these damn crutches. Most of the time. The key was not rushing.

Climbing up into the truck wasn’t as easy but still manageable thanks to Trace’s help.

“Be safe and have fun.” He leaned in and kissed me. The kiss goodbye was hard and full of promises for later. God, he was just mean.

“I will. Scout’s honor.”

“Just don’t have too much fun.” He raised a brow at me.

I snorted. “We’ll only have a few strippers and a few bottles of booze. Just a normal girls’ day.”

I turned to look at Kris. Other than the slight grin on her face, she looked serious. Trace muttered something we’re probably glad we didn’t hear as he shook his head.

“You’re getting a little too good at bullshitting,” I said, giving her a high five.

“Well, I’m a fast learner.”

“Touché.” I laughed as Trace shut the truck door. “Love you, handsome.”

“Love you, too, baby.”

We pulled down the drive slowly and turned onto the main road.

“Y’all, I think my dad’s got a thing for a lady. She was one of the nurses in the ER.”

Dani Lynn, Kris, Shelby, and Anna looked up, with matching looks of wonder on their faces.

“Seriously?” Anna asked, her eyes widening when I nodded.

“He was on the phone with her yesterday. He said it was about her son, but I’m not convinced that was all they were talking about.” The corner of my mouth tipped up. “He was smiling. Like, a real smile, too. I just watched him?—”

“Like a stalker.”

I glared at Dani Lynn. She and Kris were grinning now.

“I was not stalking. I was merely leaning against the wall outside of his office. I needed a rest, and he just happened to be on the phone…” I grinned.

“I think it’s great. I mean, look, our dads are all in a place in life where they’re able to be free of the child-rearing years. It’s about work, grandbabies, and if they find time for a little romance, so be it.” Anna smiled, her cheeks pinking.

“Wait a minute. Does that mean Robert has his eye on someone? Hmmm?” Dani Lynn beat me to the question.

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