Page 37 of Secrets in Calusa Cove

She was worse than Lilly’s four-year-old when he threw a temper tantrum. “If you go out there alone, I’m worried something bad will happen. Someone shot down your drone and screwed with your boat. Put dynamite on it, and we don’t know the intent. None of those things were accidents. Don’t be too stupid to live.”

Her eyes grew wide. She gasped.

Damn. He’d really botched that one.

“You’ve got some nerve. How dare you say something like that to me.” She raised her hand, finger pointed as if to poke him in the chest. “Wait. What?” She blinked a dozen times rapidly as if the last ten minutes had finally registered.

“Is it so hard to comprehend that I believe every word you’re telling me?” He cocked a brow. “Now, why don’t you calm down and I’ll tell you what I plan on doing and what I need you to do, to keep you safe from whoever wants you to go away.”

Her eyes turned to tiny little slits again.

Shit. He always managed to say the wrong thing.

“Who the hell do you think you are telling me to calm down? I don’t need some two-bit small-town cop to protect me. You’re a bully and a control freak.”

He sighed. “Jesus, you’re worse than Liz,” he mumbled. “I didn’t mean any of it that way. I’m really on your side. I swear.”

“Who the hell is Liz?”

“My ex-girlfriend.” He waved his hand over the top of her head. “Redhead, just like you, and thought I was a bastard and sexist pig.”

“I think Liz and I could’ve been friends.”

He bent over, grabbing his knees, and burst out laughing. Picturing the two of them even having a conversation was more than he could take. Talk about oil and water.

“I don’t see what’s so funny.” She tossed the bag back on the sofa, turned, and snagged her beer, chugging the rest of it. She placed the bottle on the counter. Then, her lips curved into a smile.

At least now, he’d managed to amuse the woman. That was a start.

Leaning against the door, he cleared his throat. “Of all the women I dated in my life, Liz was the only one who wasn’t outdoorsy. Nope. She was the designer handbag, fake nails, and weekly hair salon kind of girl. And those expensive shoes. I can’t stand shoes like that. Between the red hair and those damn heels, I should’ve known.”

“You have a thing against redheads?”

“Unfortunately, I have a thingforredheads. I just don’t like expensive shoes. Hell, I don’t like anyone who wastes money on frivolous things.” He waggled his finger. “You don’t strike me as the kind of woman who would drop a grand on a handbag.”

“I wouldn’t spend that kind of money on anything other than a gun.”

He chuckled. “That’s why I was laughing. Liz would’ve hated you, and I’m sure the feeling would’ve been mutual. A daddy longlegs made her squeal like she was about to be eaten by a gator.”

“That’s kind of a mean thing to say about your ex.”

“You should hear what she has to say about me.” He chuckled. “Of course, I would’ve proven one or two of her points with how I fumbled through this conversation when all I’m trying to do is show you that I want to help figure this out.”

“You’re forgiven for your fumble,” she said. “Outside of the hair, why did you date her if she wasn’t your type?”

“I was trying something new since I have terrible luck with the ladies.” That was an understatement.

“Maybe it’s not the women that’s the problem, but you?” She sipped. “Ever think about that?” She tilted her head and smiled as if she just won the grand prize.

“You’re funny.” He pushed from the door. “Get me another one, and let’s sit down and talk calmly.”

“Stop ordering me around, and I’ll be more receptive. I mean, I don’t dislike you or anything. As a matter of fact, I find you rather…interesting.” She pulled another longneck from the fridge, pulled the top off it, and handed it to him. “But there is nothing worse than a man who barks orders like a buffoon.”

“I apologize. It’s been a long day.” He chuckled. “And is being interesting a compliment?”

“From me, it is.” She smiled. “Oh. Before we went off the rails, I wanted to tell you that I saw those two city boys you and Remy arrested at Massey’s Pub tonight when I drove by. It looked like they were deep in conversation with Benson.”

“With Benson? Seriously? I stopped at Massey’s before I came home to chat with those two idiots, and I didn’t see Benson.” He took a seat on the sofa, lifted his legs, and stretched them out, resting his feet on the coffee table. “Those two are one of the reasons I’m in a foul mood. They’re renting a cabin here, and I can’t legally kick them out.”

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