Page 50 of High Value Target

Tinsley snatched the papers from the frazzled butler. “I’ll do it, Daddy.”

“You’re sure?”

“Of course. I didn’t have anything planned. Palmer is in Austin today.”

“Okay. If you’re sure. I need them back asap though.”

“All right.” She cocked a brow at Grady, holding her keys in the air.“Feel like doing somethingspontaneous?”

Grady pulled his own set of keys out of his pocket. “I drive.”

She rolled her eyes. “You are such a guy.”

“All the way through, darlin’.”

Tinsley stalked toward the door. “I’m still not your darlin’.”

He grinned and followed. JD chuckled after them.

Grady led the way to his pickup and held the door for Tinsley. It was a step-up model with a lift kit, so he offered her his hand, then went around and slid behind the wheel. “When’s the last time you rode in a pickup truck?”

“You act like I’ve never ridden in one. This is Texas, for God’s sake.”

“When?”

She shrugged. “The last time was probably when we took Pharaoh to a competition.”

“Competition?”

“He’s a show jumper. He won the Ocala Grand Prix last February. Mother even had hopes I’d make it onto the Olympic Team for Paris in 2024.”

“Didn’t happen?”

“No. I think it was the first time I’ve ever not lived up to her expectations.”

“And yet, here you are, still alive. You crushed her hopes, failed to be perfect, and yet you survived.”

“I guess it sounds silly to you, but there’s a lot of pressure to succeed in our family.”

“It doesn’t sound silly at all. I come from a long line of military men. My dad, uncle, both granddads. So, there was a lot expected of me, too.”

“Where did you grow up?”

“I’m a Bama boy. Went to the University of Alabama.”

“Then the Army?”

“Yep. Joined the ROTC. Went straight into the Army after I got my degree. Graduated Special Forces training and became a Green Beret. Next stop Afghanistan.”

“I can’t imagine that life.” He felt her eyes on the side of his face. “Was there a girl you left behind?”

“There was.”

“Spill.” He heard the humor in her voice and glanced over to see her grinning.

“No way.”

“Come on. You know all about Palmer.”

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