Page 73 of After the Vows

“What?” I ask.

“Never thought I’d live to see the day when Chloe Summers was modest about anything.”

“It isn’t Summers anymore,” Chloe points out.

“Never thought Chloe would get married either. She must love you something fierce.”

Chloe gasps. I glance down at her but she won’t meet my gaze. Is Lana right? Is Chloe in love with me? If she’s in love with me, why did she run the morning after we had sex?

Damn. This woman is a mystery I want to spend the rest of my life unraveling. Layer by layer.

Lana stands. “I’ll let you two lovebirds enjoy your day.”

“I can be modest,” Chloe shouts after her. “Ignore her. She’s crazy.”

“Isn’t she the mayor? I think that makes her my boss.”

She scrunches her nose up. “Lana’s more in charge of the tourist stuff not the serve and protect stuff.”

I chuckle. “Serve and protect stuff?”

She waves her hand. “It’s what police are supposed to do – serve and protect.”

“Except I spend more time dealing with sheep than I do serving or protecting anyone on Smuggler’s Hideaway.”

Her light dims. “Do you not enjoy living on the island? Are you thinking of moving away?”

I probably should. I should hightail my ass far away from this island and Chloe before I get in too deep with this woman who has flight risk tattooed on her forehead.

“Dad! Dad!” Natalia shouts. “Watch me! I’m next.”

But I won’t go anywhere. My daughter has never been this happy before. And, if I’m being honest with myself, I’m pretty happy with my current situation as well.

But how long will it be before Chloe runs again?

Chapter 25

Mama bear – what Chloe turns into when bullying is involved

Chloe

Addy knocks on the door of the storeroom. “Hey, boss.”

I roll my eyes. “You don’t need to call me boss.” It drives me nuts when people call me boss. I’m Chloe. Nothing more. Nothing less.

She grins. “I know.”

“What’s up?”

“Your phone’s been ringing nonstop.”

“Which is why I left it in my office. I need to finish this annual inventory today.”

“I shouldn’t have looked but it’s your stepdaughter. She’s trying to reach you.”

My brow wrinkles. “Natalia?”

“You have another stepdaughter you haven’t told me about?”

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