Page 4 of Tide and Seek

“I’ll protect you.”

“Is that right?”He smiled.

“Honestly, the sharks and jellyfish are probably more pleasant than half the humans you’ll meet.While I’ve missed the Pacific Ocean and the restaurants, I can’t say I’ve missed the people.”

“Were they snobby?Shallow?”

“It’s almost like you’ve already met them.”

He gave a sheepish smile.“You were a snob when you first got to Rainy Dale, Max.I’m assuming your friends would be cut from the same cloth.”

“They were and are.Frankly, I’m a pussycat compared to them.”

“You’re not exactly selling the idea of joining you on this trip, Max.”He chuckled.

“I just want you prepared for what they’re like.There not all bad.My immediate neighbor C.J.is nice.But most of them aren’t warm and welcoming to new people.They’ll smile to your face and stab you in the back without a thought.”I sighed.“At least with me, I’ll stab you in the front.”

His laugh was uncertain.“I like how you say that as if it’s a positive.”

“Isn’t it?”

He turned to me, looking curious.“What do you suppose they’ll think of you dating a hick sheriff like me?”

“I think they’ll like you because you’re so exceedingly likable,” I said firmly.“However, I don’t actually give a rat’s ass what they think.I’m positive you won’t like them though.”

“No?”

“Nope.You’ll see right through them.”

He sighed.“The more you talk, the more I hate the idea of you going alone.Seems like I should be there to have your back.”

“Yeah?You think you want to do it?”

He nodded, looking thoughtful.“Sure.Why not?”

“Excellent.”I smiled, feeling uncharacteristically cheerful, especially considering the circumstances.“I’ll buy our tickets first thing in the morning.”

“Great.Just let me know how much it is, and I’ll Zelle you my half.”

I waved him off.“No, you won’t.It’s my treat.”

A line appeared between his light brows.“I’m perfectly capable of buying my own ticket.”

“Of course you are.But I’d rather sit with you on the plane.”

He looked confused.“Well, obviously.”

I leaned toward him and said softly, “I’m flying first class, cowboy.That’s the only way I fly.”

“Oh.”His eyes flickered.“Well, how much more is that than coach?”

“A lot.”

His jaw had a stubborn jut.“How much more?I’m not in the poorhouse, Max.”

“I know that.But you’re exceedingly practical.”

“Meaning what?”He frowned.