Page 82 of Abducted

She chewed her lip. “It’s going to be hard to explain what you do, and even harder for him to understand.”

“I’m sure your mom filled him in on some things. Don’t worry about it. I will handle the questions. He has every right to be leery and cautious. I would be, too. What’s the worst that could happen?”

“He could hate you.” She laughed. The brittle sound echoed in the truck. The sun beat through the window, warming the inside of the car. Cal slid his sunglasses on.

“You’re right, he could. But that’s the worst-case scenario. I can’t change my past, or who I am. But I love you, and the sooner he knows that, the sooner we can come to an understanding and set aside our differences.”

Her heart hung on the only words it cared to hear. Satisfaction settled in her belly. “I love you, too.”

His thumb brushed over her knuckles.

“It’s just weird for me. I haven’t brought any men home since college, and that didn’t go too well.”

“It will be fine.” Cal pulled off the interstate. They were minutes away from her house. Cal’s hand rested calmly on the steering wheel, his legs stretched out in front of him. He was so at ease. Seeing his calm demeanor lessened the tension in her body.

He pulled up to the gate, Lana gave him the code, and it swung open.

He parked in the circle drive and turned off the ignition. “Ready?”

She took a slow, steadying breath, nodded, and climbed out of the truck. Cal rounded the vehicle, his hand extended to her. Together they walked up the front steps. Her hand lifted to open the door. She hesitated. For the first time in her life, she had the urge to knock. Her hand closed over the cool metal. A breeze kicked up and rustled leaves across the stamped concrete steps.

Cal’s hand smoothed over her back. “You okay?”

She was being ridiculous. This was as much her home as it had always been. She nodded and swung the door open.

“Dad? I’m home.” She kicked her shoes off. The rustic beaten hardwood floors were rough beneath her sock-covered feet. Cal slid his shoes off and shut the door. A moment later, Edward emerged from his office off of the foyer.

The temples of his raven-dark hair sported gray streaks that hadn’t been there a week before. Dark bags shadowed his vibrant blue eyes. He’d always looked much younger than his sixty-one years. She couldn’t say the same now. His face softened on her. Tears shone in his eyes. Without hesitation, she raced to him and threw her arms around his neck. He’d lost weight. A choke sounded in his throat.

“I’m so happy you’re home, honey.”

She stepped out of his embrace and wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes. “I missed you, Dad. It’s been a hell of a week.”

He snorted. “You can say that again.”

Lana turned back to Cal, her hand looping around her dad’s arm. “Daddy, I want you to meet Cal Hart.” Introducing him as her “boyfriend” seemed too insignificant.

Edward’s shoulders straightened, and he extended his hand.

Cal stepped forward, his eyes sparking with interest. He shook his hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir.”

“Likewise.” Her father’s clipped tone made her cringe. “Let’s have a seat in the family room.” He gestured for Lana to lead the way. Her hand dropped from her father’s arm, and instinctively she reached for Cal. His hand closed around hers reassuringly. Her spine stiffened. Edward’s hot gaze burned a hole through the back of her head.

Best he understood their relationship right off the bat. She led Cal down the hall and to the back of the house. The family room was one of three large sitting areas on the main level. Often they preferred this room, as it was off the kitchen and had a stunning view of the manicured backyard. A large pool and hot tub carved up the landscaping. Hidden from the main house’s view behind the pool house lay her private suite.

She sat on the oversized white leather couch, Cal took a seat next to her, and Edward sat in the wing-back suede chair adjacent to them.

Edward broke the silence. “First of all, I would like to apologize.” He tented his fingers in front of his chest. His tone was grave, his eyes heavy and dark. “Lana, honey, I never in a million years thought Grace was anything but who she had seemed. It’s all so unbelievable. I loved her very much, and I suppose that made me blind—”

“No, Dad. It’s not your fault. I didn’t see that coming, either.”

His lips thinned. He nodded slowly. “Why didn’t you tell me about the encounter with Tanner?” She shifted awkwardly in her seat. Cal squeezed her fingers.

“I didn’t want to upset you, and I thought I had handled it.” Her lips rolled in. “Did he know about Grace’s plan?” She shifted her gaze to include Cal.

Edward looked to Cal for the answer.

He cleared his throat. “The FBI is still trying to determine that, but it looks as though he didn’t have much to do with it.” Cal leaned forward.

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