Page 90 of Only for the Season

Mom bristles. “But we haven’t done anything wrong.”

Nora rolls her eyes. “She wants us to make a purchase. I’ll have a skinny mocha latte with oat milk.”

“The coffee shop is on the boulevard.”

“Figures. This place is stuck in the previous century.” Nora couldn’t appear more bored if she tried.

“I asked you politely. Don’t make me get mean.”

I tug on Parker’s hand. “It’s okay, Princess. I’ll deal with them.”

“Nope. You are not dealing with these blood sucking assholes, a mermaid wouldn’t be bothered to save from drowning.”

“I’m confused,” Mom says. “Who’s drowning?”

“No one’s drowning and no one’s leaving,” Dad insists. “I know my rights. You can’t kick us out.”

“You’re wrong. I can kick you out.”

Dad’s nostrils flare. “I am not wrong. I’m calling my lawyer.”

“Go ahead.” She flicks her hand at him. “Spend more money you don’t have proving you’re wrong. You’d think you’d be tired of lawyers and judges explaining you’re wrong by now.”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about. Don’t interfere where you’re not wanted.” Spittle flies from his mouth as he sneers at her.

I step in front of Parker. “Be nice or I’ll extend the restraining order.”

Parker pushes me out of her way. “I’ve explained this before. You don’t have to protect me. It’s my job to protect you from these vultures.”

“Princess.”

“Nope.” She slams up a hand. “I don’t want to hear it. I’m not allowing these people who are not your family to hurt you. Not anymore. And not on my watch.”

Mine. The word reverberates through my mind. This woman is mine. I’m not letting her go. Not now. Not ever.

I love her.And this is what love is supposed to feel like. Someone who stands beside you, who fights for you, who shields you when the world turns ugly. Not someone who sees you as a walking bank account and drags you into court when you refuse to pay up.

“You should leave before I let the kraken loose,” Parker tells my family and I chuckle.

“What the hell is a kraken? Does she have a guard dog? I don’t want to ruin these shoes.” Nora clutches her chest.

Parker barks out a laugh. “Because ruining your shoes is your biggest concern.” She glances up at me. “Was she always clueless?”

“I’m not answering. I enjoy my eyeballs where they are.”

“Please, as if I’d let her near you. I learned to fight on Smuggler’s Hideaway. She can’t get anywhere near your eyes when she’s curled up on the floor crying.”

I throw an arm around her shoulders. “I’m liking Smuggler’s Hideaway more and more.”

“Us Podunk towns tend to grow on a person.”

“I’m sorry. From the depth of my heart, I can’t apologize enough for saying this is a Podunk town.” Especially not after my sister used the word as an insult.

“It’s okay. You can make it up to me later.” She waggles her eyebrows.

Dad clears his throat. “Did you forget we’re standing here?”

“I didn’t,” Parker says. “But you apparently don’t know how to listen, so now I’m ignoring you.”