Hunt looked up, calculating. “What time does that kid go to bed?”
“In, like, four hours. Can you wait that long?” she said, chuckling.
“No.”
“Hunt!”
“Fine,” he said, and huffed out a mock sigh. “I can wait. Come on.” He dragged her by the hand. “We might as well look around while you leave me pining.”
The doorbell rang.
Abby looked to Hunt. “Are you expecting someone?”
“No one. I told my brothers to stay away.”
She squeezed his hand. “That was naughty of you.”
He laughed. “It was the smartest thing I’ve ever done. If I hadn’t, they’d be over, harassing me and preventing things like this.” He leaned forward and kissed her, ending it with a gentle nip at the corner of her mouth she was always worrying.
Hunt lifted his head, and Abby’s eyes were glazed over.
“Okay, nowI’mpining,” she said.
“Good.” He walked to the door. “We can get right to business as soon as Noah crashes.”
Hunt opened the door, and an older man and Vivian stood on the stoop, their expressions pinched.
Wonderful,Hunt thought, and sighed. “Can I help you?” he asked Noah’s grandmother.
“You’re that man,” Vivian exclaimed.
Hunt laughed. “I am a man, yes.” He glanced at the person next to her. “I see you have one of your own.”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” she said, and pushed her way in.
“Vivian?” Abby said. “Why are you here?”
“We had a deal,” Vivian said. “Our grandchild would live with us.”
Abby’s eyes narrowed. “I said I would think about it.”
Vivian straightened her back. “And have you decided?”
“Yes. Noah will stay with me. We’ll live here, with my husband. This is our new home.” Abby stretched her arms wide. “My husband and I can give Noah all the possessions and private education he needs. And love. He’ll have more love than he knows what to do with.”
Hunt walked over and wrapped his arm around Abby’s waist. “Was there anything else you needed?”
Vivian pointed. “This man nearly got our grandchild killed, Abby. He’s in charge of the boats, including the one that trapped Noah.”
“What else were you told about that day?” Hunt asked.
Vivian scoffed. “Just that you were the one in charge, and people like that Donovan person, who cares for the children, aren’t reliable. Abby put our grandchild in a dangerous situation, leaving him at your establishment, and we’ve notified Child Protective Services.”
Hunt glanced around. “I don’t see CPS here. I guess they’re not worried.”
“Now, see here—” Vivian began.
“No,” Hunt said. “I don’t think I will.”
