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Chapter Fifteen

Miles could easily read Molly’s reluctance, but he wasn’t sure where it was coming from. He’d thought they’d gotten over the awkwardness and cleared up expectations last night. And he’d kissed her in front of Dr. Sanders. She had to know he was serious.

He figured the best solution was to pretend everything was fabulous and just treat her the way he wanted to. He didn’t want this to be her only visit, so he did everything he could to show her how happy he was to have them over.

“This used to be a cabin for the fish camp before Parker’s became a full-time operation.” For the first time in a long time, he looked at the house with real pride. He saw the potential of coming home to a true family with the people he loved and adored filling these rooms. “They obviously expanded this cabin and fixed it up a lot,” he continued as they walked the wrap-around porch. “Back in the day there were half a dozen of these tucked into the marsh.”

“Seriously?” Molly’s gaze skimmed the area. “I guess I can see it. Then they’d take the catch over and cook together? ”

“Pretty much.” He slipped an arm around her, ignoring his body’s protests. Tucking her close was the best medicine.

While Bryce zipped ahead and back again, exploring and asking questions, Miles shared his vision with Molly. “The inside is pretty basic right now,” he admitted. “I’ve been taking my time adding pieces here and there.” He unlocked the slider and led them into the central family room.

A brick-tiled fireplace anchored one wall. He had a couch and a couple of chairs parked around a big coffee table. It wasn’t as much a lack of style as a lack of time and interest. Until he’d kissed Molly, he was certain he’d be moving on—sooner than later.

He tried to see it through her eyes. Plenty of light poured through the windows and glass slider, painting her in a bit of a spotlight as she took in the space. What would she think?

“My goodness this is incredible. You need some art on the walls.” She clapped a hand over her mouth, but a giggle escaped. “I sound like Sharon.”

“Then you’re both right. I’ve been eyeing one of her latest pieces in the gallery, but I can’t decide if it’s too small or too big.”

Molly just stared at him, eyes wide. Her aunt’s paintings sold for serious money. She probably thought he was scraping by, especially when classes weren’t in session. They’d have to discuss that eventually.

“I have one of her pieces back this way,” Miles said. “Come on, Bryce.”

He guided them into the kitchen and the breakfast area with its view of the marsh. On the wall was one of Sharon’s smaller live oak landscapes.

“Does she know?” Molly asked. “She’s always so honored and humbled to see her work in someone’s home.”

“I’m honored. It makes me smile every morning.”

Bryce scrambled up into the bench built into the bay window, his fingers on the glass. “That’s the boat we had dinner on.”

“It is. Knox and Eddie brought it back for me this morning.” While he’d been laid up in the clinic. “Who’s in for cookies?”

He got Bryce set up with a stack of Oreos and a glass of milk. “How about you? Can I interest you in a cookie?” he asked Molly.

“Water is plenty. I can get it myself.”

“I’m feeling great.” He filled a glass with ice and water and handed it to her.

“I can’t believe you tried to walk all this way from my place. In the dark.”

‘It’s not that far. The marina would have been further.”

“Right. Of course. I don’t know why it’s so different.” She chewed on her lip.

“Because it’s on the water?”

The more he realized he had feelings for her, the more he worried that his house would bother her. And then he remembered they could move anywhere. There were other properties in and around town, and thanks to his early developments and smart investments, price wasn’t really an issue.

Of course she didn’t know that. Just like he couldn’t be sure she’d want to be part of his life full-time. Hell, he’d pretty much rushed her into becoming his girlfriend. Not his style at all, but he’d sensed a limited opportunity and refused to squander it.

“No. No, it’s not that at all. I’m just feeling guilty. My life’s a mess and you got hurt and we’ve kind of?—”

“Jumped into a relationship.”

“Apparently.” She licked her lips. “I’m not opposed. I guess you’ve figured that out.”

“Mm-hm.” He leaned against the counter, wondering where she was going. “Your life’s not a mess. ”

She snorted. “Shouldn’t you be resting or something? Making you stand around in your own kitchen must go against doctor’s orders.”

“I’m doing fine.” He knew he looked rough. At the clinic, he must’ve scared Bryce. The boy rallied, though, treating him now as if nothing was wrong. He appreciated that. “We could go out to the porch swing.”

Her cheeks started to turn pink. “That’s silly.”

“The fresh air is good medicine, right?”

“Laughter is the best medicine,” Bryce piped up. “Aunt Sharon says that.”

“We can debate it later,” Molly said. “We should go and let you rest. Do you need me to bring groceries over? I’m happy to share some of the food Lila delivered.”

“You sound like a girlfriend,” he pointed out, keeping his voice low.

She rolled her eyes. “I sound like a concerned neighbor.”

He could play along. “I’m good on groceries.”

“Can we have Parker’s for dinner?” Bryce asked.

“We just had a Parker’s picnic last night,” Molly replied.

“But we’re close.” He said it with just enough whining that Molly steered him toward the car.

“We’ll get going.” She smiled at him. When Bryce wasn’t looking, she squeezed his hand. “Call if you need anything.”

“Absolutely.” He wondered how she’d react if he told her how much he needed her.

She refused to let him walk them past the porch so he stood there at the railing, wishing she was comfortable enough to kiss him in front of Bryce. He waved as she drove away in the car he’d loaned her. Helping her gave him a great deal of satisfaction. He watched until they were around the bend. Sad, he turned toward the house.

And caught the glare of sunlight bouncing off of glass.

He braced for impact, thinking it was a gun. Because that was exactly what the Vedras clan would do. Whoever ordered last night’s attack had likely issued a new order to make sure he went down and stayed down this time.

But the bullet never came and whatever reflected that light disappeared. Another thought occurred to him. If it wasn’t a rifle, it had probably been a camera. Had to be the same slimeball that threatened Molly with those doctored photos.

Pissed off, Miles shouted toward the marsh. “Whoever you are, you might as well show yourself!” He waited, but didn’t get a reaction, the coward. The only movement was the wind through the grass and a white heron lifting up and gliding off for better hunting.

Miles shouted again, “Get the hell out of town before we find you. This is your only warning.”

He went inside, letting the screen door slam shut behind him. He locked the front door and then checked the locks on every other window and door. Once the security alarm was set, he texted Knox.

A moment later his phone rang.

“What the hell do you mean it’s about her and not you?” Knox demanded.

“Hello to you too,” Miles grumbled. “But I’m right. Someone out in the marsh was watching me. Since they didn’t take a shot or rush the house it’s safe to assume it’s not Vedras.”

“Agreed.”

“Which means it’s someone spying on Molly. Probably the same jerk who jumped me last night.”

“Still there?”

“Can’t be sure. Whoever it is didn’t take the bait when I yelled at them.”

“Miles!” Knox swore. “What are you thinking?”

“I’m thinking for someone who’s supposed to be my bodyguard you’re sure as hell absent at critical moments. ”

“I am not.”

“Are you in the marsh? Hiding in the trees out back?”

“No.” Knox swore again. “You’re alive, Miles. Which means I’ve got eyes on you. But I’m wondering how the hell anyone got around me.”

“Crap. Sorry.” Knox had hauled him to the clinic. And it shouldn’t have taken this long for the timing and details to sink in. “You scared off the guy last night, didn’t you?”

“Yeah,” Knox replied, clearly distracted. “One of my guys gave chase, but lost him.”

Like the hit-and-run driver. “This is about Molly,” Miles insisted. “And whoever’s dogging her is succeeding because we’re looking for Vedras-level threats.”

Knox sighed. “That tracks. I’ll send it up the line and see what they suggest.”

“Don’t you have backup watching Molly too?”

“We’ve got full surveillance. We’ve had eyes on the three of you all day. Whoever is doing this is damn good at hiding. We’ll get to the bottom of this, Miles.”

“I believe you.” He owed Knox his confidence. And his life.

Miles ended the call and set aside his phone, his mind spinning.

If Knox hadn’t spotted the person taking photos, sending threats, driving into Molly, and jumping him, that person was posing as a local. Miles rushed back to his office and opened his computer. It had started with the sudden custody challenge and escalated quickly.

And he would find a way to bring the trouble to an end.