Page 83 of Tangled Up

“That is correct, young man,” I glance at my shiny nails. “My friend did them for free last night. She’s adding nails to her menu of services.”

“Maybe I can stop by and meet her. If we’re going to be walking around the beach, my feet could probably use some attention.”

“Well, she’s excited to meet you.” I leave off the part where she was hoping for a hookup, poor thing.

Once they have the scones safely in the oven, he walks over and sits across from me. “Ronnie said you might resent me being here.” He gives me an apologetic look, and I decide I like this guy. “I’ll do my best to stay out of your way, but I have to do my job. I hope you won’t make it hard for me.”

“I’ll cooperate.” Reaching across the table, I give his solid forearm a squeeze. “How’d you draw the short straw?”

“Coming here? Who wouldn’t want to spend an unspecified amount of paid time in a resort-town on the coast?”

“Well, if you put it that way, let me show you the sites.”

“Caroline.” My aunt sits in the chair across from us, spooning sugar into her coffee. “You didn’t tell me you were working on a dangerous case.”

“I didn’t want you to worry.” Standing, I go around to hug her shoulders. “And I think they’re about to wrap things up, right Kev?”

Kevin shrugs. “I only know I’m here until I’m told otherwise.”

My aunt looks up at me with worried eyes, and I give her my best, reassuring smile. “I’m fine. Kevin’s here now, and I told Henry I’d help him take down the Halloween decorations at the clinic.” I point to our guest. “You coming with me?”

“I guess I am.”

She’s not convinced, but she nods slowly. “I should run to the store if we’re going to have company.”

“Don’t put yourself out for me.” Kevin holds up his hands. “I’ve got a travel allowance.”

“It’ll take me ten minutes to change. Does that work for you?”

My escort gives me a thumbs-up as he collects the plates, carrying them to the sink. “Ready when you are.”

A few minutes later, I’m in my black leggings and a sweatshirt that reads “cozy season,” and my police escort’s waiting for me in the kitchen.

“Can’t you at least be a plain-clothes officer while you’re here?” I squint at him as I pour more coffee into a thermos.

“Caroline, take these scones to your brother. Lord knows if he eats properly.” My aunt hands me a basket of what looks like scones, subs, and possibly leftover meatloaf.

“He’s a grown man. I’m sure he knows how to feed himself.” I put the basket on my arm.

“I worry about him. He spends all his time at that clinic. Who knows what he does.” She bustles over to the stove. “He needs a good wife.”

“Again, he’s a grown man. Don’t meddle.”

“Somebody needs to meddle.” She waves me away, and Kevin takes the heavy basket off my arm.

“I can carry this.”

“We can leave the cruiser here. It’s just a short walk.”

Strolling along the path, Kevin looks out towards the water. “This is a really nice place to live. What made you give it up to move to Pensacola?”

Pressing my lips together, I catch a stalk of sea oats and slide them through my fingers. “Broken heart.”

“Ah…” He lifts his square chin and smiles. “I know how that goes.”

“You do?” My eyebrows rise. “I wouldn’t think a hot guy like you would have any trouble in that department.”

“Are you kidding?” He looks down at me and smiles a straight-white grin. “It’s not easy being gay in this part of the country.”

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