Page 12 of Deadly Hacker

“You know, in case there’s an emergency or something. I’m sure I’ll be picking up Grace again some other time,” Rad continued.

“I don’t usually give out my number to, uh, non-parents or guardians,” Emma Jean deflected awkwardly.

Rad wasn’t even fazed. In fact, her reluctance only allowed him to extend the chase a little longer. But he had his target set. She was everything he had ever wanted in a woman, and he was not about to let her slip away so easily.

But all in good time. He had toyed with the yoga teacher enough for one day. There was no need to push her limits right off the bat. He would make time.

“In that case, I’ll see you next time, Emma Jean,” he said with a wink. Before she could respond, he gave Grace’s shoulder a light squeeze. “Come on, Grace. The sooner we leave, the sooner we can get that cookies-and-cream milkshake you like on the way home.”

“Ooh! What are you waiting for? Let’s go!” she exclaimed. “Bye, Miss Emma Jean!”

Grace tugged at Rad’s shirt as they turned away to leave.

“See you next week, Grace!” Emma Jean called after her.

It was difficult to tear himself away from her, but Rad managed to leave with Grace without looking back at Emma Jean. He had made his impression. It was always better to leave them just a little bit wanting.

Grace and Rad rode the elevator down, then went out through the lobby into the golden afternoon sunshine. He offered assistance periodically, but she always declined it. Despite her young age coupled with the frequent pain and physical struggle she dealt with, Grace held tight to her independence, which Rad had always admired. He had never given much thought to becoming a parent himself. His lifestyle certainly didn’t lend itself well to parenthood. But he liked spending time with Grace. She always offered a unique perspective.

“Do you think Dad will get me a car when I turn sixteen?” she asked as they drove away from a local fast-food restaurant with Grace’s coveted milkshake.

“Sixteen is a long way down the road, kiddo.”

“Mommy says it’s never too early to plan for the future.”

“Your mommy is very smart,” he agreed. “What kind of car are you thinking?”

“I want one just like this. Except pink. Does it come in pink?” she questioned, taking a sip of her milkshake.

“No, but you can always have it painted pink.”

“Really? That’s what I want.”

“I’ll put in a good word with your dad,” Rad replied.

“Okay. Do you want me to put in a good word with Miss Emma Jean?” she asked.

Rad laughed. “For a car?”

“No, silly. For her number. You think she’s pretty, right?” Grace went on.

As always, Rad was impressed by the little girl’s perception. “I do think she is very pretty. But she doesn’t have to give me her number unless she wants to.”

“Well, yeah, she’s a grown-up. But I’m just saying… I’m probably, like, the best student in her whole class,” Grace reasoned. “She’ll listen to me.”

“You know, I think your dad’s business conversations are rubbing off on you,” said Rad.

“Do you want my help or not?”

He quirked an eyebrow. “Do you think Ineedyour help?”

Grace snorted. “Well, she said no, didn’t she?”

Rad nodded. “Touché. You drive a hard bargain.”

“Mommy says I’m hard-headed. That’s good, right?”

He nodded. “Oh yeah. Definitely.”

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