Nathan nodded as he listened.
“Yeah, that’s him. He’s on his way.”
As he ended the call, I asked, “You have a friend with a bomb-sniffing dog?”
“I was a SEAL; most of my friends have unique skill sets.” Nathan’s scar caused his soft smile to be lopsided.
“Like what?” I asked, needing to talk about something other than the box he thought required a bomb-sniffing dog.
Before Nathan could answer, his head snapped up as the familiar metallic sound of the patio door opening filled the air.
I was right behind him as he rushed to intercept Gran. “Good afternoon, Violet,” he greeted her.
“How lovely to see you again. Ashley, you didn’t tell me we were having company,” Gran scolded me as she patted her silver, sleep-disheveled hair.
“Sorry, it was a surprise visit.” And not a good one.
“Well, don’t just stand there; offer our guest something to drink.” Gran started towards the patio.
“I’m afraid you’ll have to stay inside for a—”
“Young man, don’t tell me what to do in my own home.”
Nathan’s eyes widened as she stood her ground. At five-foot-three, and hunched over her walker, Gran looked downright comical facing off against Nathan.
Nathan’s expression softened as he stared down at her.
I couldn’t wait to watch him try to charm his way out of this.
“You’re right, and I’m sorry. It was rude, and it won’t happen again.”
Damn him. He backed down too fast, and I wouldn’t get to see her tear him a new asshole.
“That’s better. Why do you think I need to stay inside?” Gran wasn’t stupid. She would’ve picked up on the tension and known there was a reason Nathan gave the order.
“Some of the guys from SSI are coming over to talk shop. It’s about a case, and it’ll be easier if we don’t have to worry about watching our language while we work.” His lie was smooth as silk.
Gran put a hand on her hip and stood a little taller. “You think I’m afraid of a few curse words?”
“No, ma’am.” He dug his hole deeper. “I’m sorry I didn’t ask before offering your backyard as a meeting place. I’ll call the guys and ask them to meet somewhere else.”
Well played. She loved having guests, especially tall, dark, and handsome men, and he knew it.
“That’s not necessary. I’ll make a pitcher of lemonade unless you’d rather have beer.”
“Lemonade sounds good. Thank you.”
Gran eyed the box, then looked at me.
Turning to Nathan, she looked him in the eyes, squinted. I knew that look. Gran was opening daring him to lie when she asked, “Is Ashley in danger?”
Nathan’s eyes flared before he looked at me, a question in his eyes. I appreciated him letting me control how much we’d tell her, so rather than letting him squirm, I put him out of his misery.
“We think Finn sent the flowers and that box.” I said, pointing to it, even though she’d seen it.
Nathan finished the explanation. “SSI is coming over in case he sent something the police need to handle.” He smiled, his scar wrinkling. “It’s always better to be safe than sorry.”
“Why didn’t you just say that?” Gran asked. “I’ll go make the lemonade. Ashley, come help me.”
