Page 28 of Bad For A Weekend

“Anything for my girl.”

Brandy has been overly attentive since returning home, and I’ve been milking it. So far, she’s made all my favorite meals and stayed close to my side when I’m home. It’s been nice to have her comfort.

“You have a long weekend coming up in a few weeks,” Dad says, pushing his dinner around with his fork.

“I do.” I take a huge bite of my salmon Caesar salad.

“I think you, Ziggy, and whoever else you want to go should get away for a few days.”

“What do you mean? Where would we go?” I ask, intrigued by the idea but not sure being out of my secure home is smart.

“Our house in Tulum.”

Dad owns properties all over the world, including a vacation home in Mexico we usually visit twice a year. It’s a five-bedroom beachfront house that was built to blend in with its environment and has access to a private cenote.

“You wouldn’t come with us?” I ask.

“No, I need to stay here and deal with all this. But I’ll send Brandy and security with you.”

He means Owen. He’ll send Owen with us. Visions of him shirtless and lounging on the beach with me fill my head. It’s a dumb fantasy, but God, is it a good one.

“Personally, I think it’s a great idea,” Brandy says with a gleam in her eye. She loves going to Tulum and has made a couple gentleman friends that she sees while we’re there.

“You just want to get laid,” I say.

“Baylor.” Dad’s tone is admonishing, but he can’t hide his grin.

Brandy lifts her chin dramatically. “I wouldn’t mind seeing myfriendswhile I’m there.”

“Do you think it’s safe?” I ask, bringing the mood down, but I have to know. Lately, the only place I want to be is home. Ever since my bracelet was stolen, even school feels dangerous. Being in a different country without all the protection I have here makes me nervous.

“I’ll charter a flight, so there’d be no record of you leaving, and I’ll make sure you’re not followed to the airport.” He shrugs. “I think it’d be good for you to get away and relax.”

The more he talks about it, the more I warm to the idea. Sunning in the sand, hopping waves, swimming in the cenote, and not having to worry about dolls covered in blood or men following me sounds like heaven.

“Okay, but I think I’ll keep it simple and only ask Ziggy and Sara to go.”

“Whatever you want.” Dad stands, his plate still full. “I’ll make the arrangements.”

It worries me he isn’t eating. It’s been two weeks since Owen discovered that doll, and nothing has felt right since. Dad’s on edge, spending his days hounding the security company and detectives for information.

When he found out there were no fingerprints on the doll and that it was a popular toy sold in all the big box stores, he lost his mind, shouting and throwing things. He’s feeling out of control, something I can relate to.

I glance over at the pool house, the sun finally setting behind the house and dimming the bright reflection coming off the windows so I can see inside. Owen is lounging in a chair with his feet kicked up, and he’s shirtless, his tattoos on full display. I don’t know how I’m supposed to swoon for boys my age when I have this man living so close.

“He’s a looker,” Brandy says with a sigh.

I startle. “What? Who?”

“Don’t play dumb with me, little girl. I see the way you look at him.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”Deny. Deny. Deny.

“Uh, yeah you do,” she scoffs. “It’s okay. I like looking at him too. He’s pretty.”

“Pretty?” I laugh.

“In a tall, dark, and dangerous kind of way.” She studies him. “I wonder if he likes voluptuous women with an insatiable sexual appetite.”

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