Page 62 of All Along The Watchtower

I jolted so hard, I nearly fell out of the chair. “What?”

Astrid’s gaze sharpened. “I mean, I just thought you were helping out with his daughter, but that reaction makes me think something else is going on with your new neighbor.”

Get it the fuck together, Cartwright.

“Nothing is going on with Ford.” My brain started the highlight reel of that kiss again. “As you say, I’m just helping with Peyton, because I understand her situation in a way most people don’t. He asked for my expertise, as it were.”

Lindsay smirked. “Is that what they’re calling it these days?”

I rolled my eyes. “Get your mind out of the gutter. Just because you’re crushing on your boss…”

“We agreed on a subject change!”

“Anyway, she’s a really sweet kid. And she’s totally crushing on my dog, so I’m seeing a lot of her.”

“Well, I think it’s really great of you to help him out like this.” Astrid sipped at her Diet Coke. “I’m sure he’s been struggling with the whole single dad thing.”

Nope. I wasn’t biting at that. “He’s stepping up. That’s all anyone can ask. I’m gonna go check on your food.”

Before they could say anything else, I made my escape.

Back behind the bar, I found Pop hunched over what looked like a Xerox copy of old parchment, his reading glasses perched on the end of his nose.

“What’s all this?” I leaned over his shoulder. “Something for Peyton’s paper?”

His eyes sparkled. “Oh, this goes way beyond some school assignment. That little gal’s got a real knack for historical research. We’ve been comparing these old maps to modern ones, and there are some fascinating discrepancies.”

I couldn’t help but smile at his enthusiasm. “So you two are cooking up a treasure hunt?”

“Maybe.” He tapped the weathered paper. “These old sailing routes don’t quite match up with what’s documented. And some of the landmarks…” He trailed off with a secretive grin.

I could’ve told him her map was an artist’s reproduction, but why should I spoil their fun? “You really like her, don’t you?”

“She reminds me of another smart little girl who crashed into my life years ago.” He peered at me over the rims of his glasses. “One who also needed somewhere to belong.”

My throat tightened. “Pop…”

“I see how you look at that girl’s daddy, too.” His voice gentled. “It’s okay to be scared, baby girl. But don’t let fear keep you from something that might be worth the risk.”

“I’m not—” The protest died at his knowing look.

“Bree, honey, I’ve watched you build walls higher than the lighthouse these past ten years. Maybe it’s time to consider letting someone back in.”

I traced my finger along the edge of the map, avoiding Pop’s too-perceptive gaze. “It’s not just about me anymore. Or even Ford. That kid has been through enough without getting caught in the crossfire if things go wrong between us.”

“And if things go right?”

“Pop.” The word came out strangled.

“Look at me, baby girl.”

I lifted my eyes reluctantly to meet his.

“That child already loves you. And unlike the people who left you, Ford came back. He’s trying to do right by his daughter. Maybe it’s time to consider he might do right by you, too.”

My chest ached. “I can’t.”

“Can’t or won’t?”

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