Page 21 of The Tide is High

“Not really,” True said.

“Bingo,” Faith said. “And he could just be pulling on your pirate chain to get back inside the bar.”

“True,” she said, considering it.

“That’s your name, don’t wear it out,” Faith said, giggling to herself as she stacked a couple of plates onto her tray and headed inside.

True turned back and eyed the wreck. “So, you are getting closer,” she muttered. “Cos, that’s not creepy.”

~

“Aren’t you allowed in?” Jennifer asked, eyeing the big shifter standing outside the door to the bar and wondering why he just didn’t open the door as regular people did.

Parker dragged his attention from his target and eyed the pint-sized witch he’d heard about. This was the one who had kicked the alpha in the shin the first time they’d met – a little firebrand fighter – he hoped he didn’t suffer the same fate. He liked kids as much as the next man, and the code said not to eat them, so what could you do with a child?

“It’s not that,” Parker informed her.

Jennifer looked up at him, and he noted the thoughtful expression. At least she was mulling it over before a possible attack.

“Then why are you standing there?”

That was a good question. Parker knew he should go inside to stake his claim, woo his mate, and make his intentions known– if that was what he planned to do. “Life’s complicated,” he said, and then realised who he was talking to. “Some things take thought and time.”

Jennifer frowned, and he didn’t blame her – he was confusing himself. “I can push it open for you.”

“That’s sweet, thanks, but…”

“Okay,” Jennifer said, elbowing him in the thigh so she could get around him. She pushed the door open, stepped inside, and put her back to the glass door, keeping it wedged open for him. “There you go.”

That action put him in an awkward position. Now he would look like a complete idiot if he didn’t go inside. Parker pulled on his big boy pants, straightened, and nodded to the little witch. “Thanks,” he said, not sounding too convincing to his own ears as he stepped inside.

“That’s the bar,” Jennifer said, pointing, and he followed her gaze back to where it was before. The two witches were still serving, and he grumbled a growl under his breath. “Those are tables where you can sit if you want food or service,” she pointed around the area, and Parker obliged by following her impromptu tour. “There are toilets at the back,” she whispered like it was a closely guarded secret.

Parker couldn’t help but smile. “You make a great guide,” he said.

Jennifer eyed him with curiosity. “Are you one of them?” she asked in a low whisper, but his ears caught her words. Parker nodded, and the child frowned again. There was a determined look in her eye, and he wondered if now was the time he would get kicked. “Well, I have their back, especially my aunt Evie,” she said, pointing towards the bar.

Parker followed where she pointed. “That’s your aunt?”

Jennifer nodded. “Do you want to meet her and get a drink?”

“I’ve already met her, sort of, but I could use a drink,” Parker said, more than surprised when Jennifer slipped her hand against his palm and tried to get a grip, but her hand was too small. Instinct had his hand closing around hers before he’d even thought about it, and she wasted no time pulling him with her towards the bar.

“Aunt Evie, Aunt Evie!” Jennifer said in an excited voice. “He needs a drink but was scared to come in.”

Parker opened his mouth, and it stayed open at the child’s words. He met Evie’s gaze looking a little surprised and a lot confused.

Evie grinned. “What have I told you about picking up strays?” she asked, noting that Jennifer’s hand was inside the shifter’s grip. She motioned for Jennifer to let go.

“I thought we were supposed to be nice?” Jennifer said, a little put out. “Can I kick this one?”

CHAPTER NINE

~

It was Evie’s turn to open her mouth and look lost. But the sound of Parker’s deep chuckle made her brain kick her backside into gear. “Did he do something to deserve it?” she asked light-heartedly.

“I don’t think so,” Jennifer said, shrugging. She pulled her hand from Parker’s and grasped the counter's edge, going up on tiptoes until she could almost rest her chin on the surface. Evie leaned in. “But Amy said it’s always better to go with your gut and apologise later,” she whispered.

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