“Kevin was right,” he told Alex. “Benny just needs a different approach to keep his attention.”
“He’s really good at reading the dogs,” Alex said.
“He’s good at reading people, too.”
“I can believe it.”
Shane felt eyes on him. April had switched her attention from her son to the two men. She crossed her arms and gripped her elbows. She’d overheard them and her expression was unreadable. Shane nodded at Alex and moved to stand beside April.
"Kevin's good with the underdog," Shane told her quietly.
"Always has been." April's voice was soft. "He helped out Laurie Andrews when she was going through that horrible trial.”
Shane and his brothers had protected the sweet little girl as she’d testified against her abuser. “Yeah, I remember. Laurie told us that she’d lost some friends in her class, but Kevin started sitting next to her at lunch and played with her on the playground.”
“Well, at least when he wasn’t in recess detention.” April rolled her eyes. “They’re still good friends.”
“I’m not at all surprised he’d do that for her.”
April nodded, her hands squeezing her elbows. “He knows what it feels like to be different. To not fit the mold."
Shane gave a small nod, eyes still on Kevin and the pup. “And instead of lashing out, he sympathizes and helps.”
“Eh, sometimes he lashes out. He’s a kid after all.” April shifted her weight.
“Well, I’ve seen him help more than harm. Kid didn’t get that kind of heart by accident.”
April’s cheeks pinkened up. “I hope you’re right,” she said under her breath. Then she couldn’t help herself. “Diane still asks about you sometimes.”
“Asks about me?”
“Yeah. If…you’re single.”
Shane stiffened. “Answer’s still the same, April. Her daughter’s a sweet girl, Diane’s a nice lady, and I have zero romantic interest in her.”
They stood together watching Kevin coax Benny through a simple sit-and-stay exercise. The puppy was actually listening, his tail wagging but his attention firmly on the boy.
"Shane?" April turned to face him, and he caught a whiff of her perfume—something light and clean that made him want to step closer. "Thank you. For this. For...everything. I know Kevin hiring you as a bodyguard is probably the most ridiculous thing you've ever heard, but?—"
"It's not ridiculous at all." Shane's voice came out rougher than he intended. "Not if it makes him feel safer. Not if it makesyoufeel safer."
The pink in April's cheeks darkened. “So, did you know bodyguards eat and drink free at Riversong?”
“Do they?” Shane’s eyebrow rose as he grinned.
“Yeah, new policy starting at lunchtime today.”
“Is that an invitation?”
“Mom! Shane! I got Benny to sit on command! Watch!” Kevin waved at them and they turned their attention back to the boy. He gave the command and for once, Benny actually listenedandobeyed.
“Great job, sweetie!” April clapped and started toward her son. Shane couldn’t help but admire the way her hips swayed. Just before she reached Kevin, April looked over her shoulder. With an almost carefree smile, she asked, “How does noon sound?”
“Perfect,” Shane answered. He brushed April’s shoulder before heading back to Alex.
Absolutely perfect.
NINE
