Page 88 of The Sunken Truth

“Get what from?”

“Being pathetic.”

“You’re not pathetic,” she snapped, then pulled her chin in as she registered what he’d said. “What do you mean – that’s where you get it from?”

“I mean, maybe it’s a family trait.”

“You’re related to the superintendent?” she asked, confused.

“Sadly, yes.”

“No.” Lily slapped a hand over her mouth and mumbled through her fingers. “No way. He’s not…?”

Flynn nodded. “Superintendent Brand is my dad.”

“Oh my god, Flynn.”

“I don’t know if you noticed, but he’s not my biggest fan.”

“Flynn,” she whispered, tilting her head as a wave of sympathy surged through her.

“It’s fine,” he said, with a dismissive shake of his head that didn’t fool her for a second. “He’s always been like this. I’m used to it.”

“That doesn’t make it okay.” She touched her forehead to his. “Why is he like that?”

“I think he’s mostly pissed off that I exist,” he said, his tone light as though he could convince her it didn’t bother him.

“I’m really sorry,” she said, before a small smile pulled at her lips. “You’re kind of amazing, you know?”

“Why?” he asked suspiciously.

“Because you have to deal with having him for a dad, and you’re still such a good person.”

“You shouldn’t flatter me too much. It might go to my head.”

She kissed him again and reluctantly pulled away.

“I have a question,” she said.

“I’m sure you have lots, and I’ll tell you everything… just maybe not here.”

She grinned at him. “I was actually going to ask what we’re going to eat for dinner now that the pub isn’t an option.”

He slung an arm around her shoulders and pulled her closer. “I should have known you’d mostly be concerned about your stomach.”

“Always,” she quipped, before turning serious. “I’d also like to hear everything about your dad and how you ended up here.”

“How about we grab fish and chips and find somewhere quiet to eat them?”

She nodded her agreement. Entwining her fingers with his, she stood and pulled him up from the curb.

Chapter Thirty-Seven

With the beautiful weather,they had to walk all the way to the end of Porthcressa Beach to get a spot completely to themselves. They didn’t speak as they got comfortable and tucked into their dinner. Lily felt a warm glow that had nothing to do with the sunshine.

The thought that she could lean over and kiss Flynn at any moment made it difficult to contain her smile every time she glanced at him.

When he finished with his fish, he stretched a leg out so it rested against hers. He cast her a sidelong glance. The way his brow creased made her heart squeeze. Whatever he was gearing up to tell her was obviously hard for him to talk about.