Page 50 of Colton On Guard

“Well?” Miles demanded, rapping his knuckles sharply on the counter. “Did you lose your voice?”

Revis, who’d been sleeping in his bed behind her, growled. Expression startled, Genna swung around to look. Not only had the big dog gotten to his feet, but her little JB had joined him. The two canines stared Miles down. The hackles on Revis’s back were raised and they both looked decidedly unfriendly. Anyone who had any knowledge of dogs would take this as a clear warning.

Parker couldn’t help but approve. It appeared he wasn’t the only one watching over Genna.

After a brief irritated glance, Miles paid no attention to the animals or to Parker. Instead, he continued to focus all his attention on Genna. “Well?” he demanded again.

Straightening, she took a deep breath. Parker guessed she was determined to keep her response cool and composed. “Sinceyou are asking me how you’re going to have a fish fry, I can suggest a couple of markets that stock an ample supply of fresh fish. Beyond that, there’s really nothing else I can do for you.”

At that, Parker had to stifle a laugh.

Miles bristled, likely about to hurl another set of insults or demands at Genna. Just then, the driver of the bus waiting out front honked the horn.

“You’d better get going,” Parker drawled, unable to help himself. “It sounds like they might be getting ready to leave without you.”

Face red, Miles looked from Genna to Parker. “You haven’t heard the last of me,” he declared. “I’ll be posting a review online.” He took two steps toward the door before whirling around. “And I will be contacting my bank to dispute the credit card charges.”

With that, he bulldozed out the door and stomped off to the waiting bus.

Watching him go, Genna sagged against the counter in relief.

Parker sighed. “Please make a note in his file not to allow him to book with us again.”

“Already done,” Genna responded, shaking her head. “I can’t imagine being so entitled that you think you shouldn’t have to pay if you don’t catch a fish.”

“It happens. But luckily, not very often.” He thought for a moment. “But it did remind me why I’d rather Spence take the fishing groups. At least when I stick to hiking or four-wheeling, people don’t have unreasonable expectations.”

As the bus drove off, Parker finally relaxed. Genna appeared to be trying, but she couldn’t hide the way her hands trembled.

Just knowing how badly that customer had upset Genna made his entire body clench. “Are you all right?” he asked, his voice gruff.

Gaze locked on his, she slowly nodded. “It was all just so unexpected,” she said. “I still don’t understand why he got so angry.”

“Some people are just like that. Like I said, it’s rare.”

“Is it? You’re telling me that no one gets upset if they go out on a wildlife trip and don’t see any? Or a whale-watching thing with no whales?” Genna asked, some of the color finally returning to her face.

“Oh, we have had some who might make a few snide comments here and there, but it’s rare that someone demands their money back. And not just their own payment, but that of everyone in the group.”

She glanced at her computer. “That would have been a significant amount of money. And he signed the disclaimer.”

“Exactly.” He moved around behind the counter and squeezed her shoulder, aching to do more. “Don’t worry about it. He’s gone. Hopefully, he’ll move on with his life. And if he writes a bad review, once he explains his logic, no one will take him seriously.”

“True.” Finally, her tense expression relaxed and she smiled up at him. “I’m just glad you were here. You and the dogs.”

They both turned to look. Revis and JB had returned to their beds and had curled up comfortably.

“Best decision I ever made,” Genna said, her smile widening.

“Best decisionweever made,” he corrected, barely able to keep from touching her again. “You did well handling all of that.”

“Did I?” Apparently completely unaware of how she affected him, she got busy typing something into her computer. “I wondered if you would have preferred I offer him something. Like maybe a free pass to come fish again.”

He snorted, about to comment, until he realized she wasn’t serious. “Only if you guarantee he could catch a bunch of fish next time.”

Brows raised, she met his gaze. “Thank you. Just being able to joke around about this has made me feel a lot better.”

“I’m glad.” He thought for a moment. “After Spence’s group comes back, are there any more going out today?”