Page 102 of From the Start

“No,” he grumbles but he does allow Kai to help him into the wheelchair.

Kai wheels Dad outside, but at the top of the steps, he stops and frowns. “You really need to do something about getting a ramp.”

“Dad’s cast will come off soon and then we won’t need a ramp.”

Kai lifts his eyebrow. “The steps are easy for him to maneuver?”

I purse my lips. “Easier.”

“Exactly,” he mutters as he lifts Dad in his wheelchair and carries him down the steps.

I can’t help but notice how his biceps bulge with the effort. Biceps I’ve sunk my nails into while Kai tastes my skin with his tongue – more skillful than any hero in one of my romance novels.

“Feeling warm?” Kai smirks and I realize I’m fanning my face. I drop my hand, and he chuckles.

“Whatever.”

We get Dad situated in Kai’s SUV and begin driving out of town towardMermaid Mini Golf.Kai’s phone rings and he answers.

“The island’s about to get one smuggler louder!” Miles shouts.

“On our way.” Kai ends the call and speeds up.

“What’s going on?”

“Paisley’s in labor.”

“Good. We can go straight to the restaurant,” Dad says.

Kai chuckles. “Sorry, Henry. Hospital first.”

The hospital isn’t far. It’s halfway between Smuggler’s Rest and Rogue’s Landing, which – on an island the size of Smuggler’s Hideaway – is equal to a five-minute drive.

As we’re crossing the parking lot, Miles and Zane arrive.

Zane rubs his hands together. “I’m going to win.”

I frown at him. “Win?”

“The bet. Duh.”

I roll my eyes. “I should have known.”

The Raider brothers love their betting. They had a whole bet going on when Kai and I would get together. And, no, I don’t know who won. And I don’t want to.

“Mr. P!” Miles shouts in greeting to my dad before commandeering his wheelchair from Kai. “How fast does this thing go?”

I chase after them as Miles runs with Dad in the wheelchair. “Be careful!”

We reach the entrance to the hospital and they’re forced to slow down. I elbow Miles until he releases the wheelchair.

“You’re no fun,” he mumbles.

“That’s what she said.”

His eyes widen before he barks out a laugh. “Trust me.” He drapes an arm over my shoulders. “She has never said I’m not fun.”

“Really?” I raise my eyebrows. “Not even Hazel?”