Page 38 of Inferno

Taylor nodded. “It’s not that far.”

Prissy frowned. “It’s certainly too far for a young lady to be riding back and forth from there at this time of night.”

Stan gave her a warning look, recognizing that she was about to launch into overprotective-mother-lioness mode. “Pris—”

“Where are your parents?” she fussed.

Taylor looked discomfited. “My parents are divorced,” she explained. “I live with my dad, but he had to go out of town this week. My aunt’s staying with me and my younger brother until Dad gets back.”

“I see,” Prissy murmured, trying not to pass judgment on the woman who’d left her children to be raised by their father.Like Celeste.

“Well,” Prissy said decisively, draping an arm around Taylor’s shoulders, “if you call and ask your aunt, I’m sure she won’t mind if you stay a while longer and have some pound cake. Manning’s great-grandmother mails us care packages every month, and her cakes are todiefor. She always sends two, so there’s plenty to share. After you eat, Manning and I will take you back home.”

Lips twitching with humor, Stan graciously volunteered, “I can drive her.”

“Thank you, honey,” Prissy said warmly. She smiled at Taylor. “So what do you say, little missy?”

“Well, um, I’m not, um—” Faltering, Taylor looked askance at Manning, who grinned ruefully and shook his head at her.

“She’s not gonna leave you alone,” he warned, the amused voice of experience. “So you might as well say yes.”

Taylor smiled sheepishly. “Well…Icoulduse some help with our precalculus homework.”

Manning’s grin broadened. “Say no more. I’m your man.”

Taylor beamed at him.

Bored with the entire transaction between their eldest brother and Taylor, the boys raced back downstairs to the basement to resume playing their new video games.

As Prissy watched Manning and Taylor head off to the kitchen, Stan curved an arm around her waist, affectionately nuzzling her earlobe. “What’re you up to, woman?”

“What?” Prissy asked innocently.

Stan chuckled. “You know what I’m talking about. You practically kidnapped that girl.”

Prissy smiled, shivering at the soft rasp of his goatee against her cheek. “I really like her.”

“Gee, I couldn’t tell.”

Prissy laughed. “Don’t make fun of me. Taylor’s a sweetheart. Not only did she defend Manny to Principal Henderson, but then she came all the way out here tonight just to bring Manny his schoolwork so he wouldn’t fall behind while he’s suspended.”

“Well, considering that he got suspended overher—” Stan broke off with a laugh as Prissy poked him in the ribs. “I’m just kidding, babe. You’re right. It was very considerate of Taylor to bring our son his schoolwork. I can see why you’ve taken such a shine to her.”

“I really have.” Prissy sighed, savoring the warmth and solidity of Stan’s body as she rested her head against his shoulder. “It’s nice to have another woman in the house.”

Stan raised a brow at her. “You say that as if you intend to make Taylor a regular fixture around here.”

Prissy smiled. “That’s not such a bad idea.”

Just then a girlish peal of laughter wafted from the kitchen, followed by Manning’s rumbling chuckle.

Stan and Prissy exchanged amused looks.

“Do they remind you of anyone?” she asked knowingly.

He smiled into her eyes. “Now that you mention it, theydoremind me of a certain young couple from another time. But that doesn’t mean we should start planning their wedding.”

“Of course not.They’re only fourteen. We were eighteen when we got married.”