* * *
I can’t see,my wrists are tied, and my nephew’s driving is not for the faint of heart. I don’t remember this many turns around the lake.
“Will you just tell me where we’re going?”
“It’s a surprise.”
“Is this really necessary, the rope?” I wiggle my wrists in the air.
Connor laughs. “I think so.”
He speeds up as the car turns to the right. “Easy, tiger, I’m going to be sick.”
“Not in Dad’s car.”
My mouth gapes open. “We’re in the Jaguar? Does your dad know?” I sure as hell didn’t, considering I’ve been blindfolded since I locked the door to my store, and although it felt like a sports car, Ford never ever lets Connor drive it.
“This is for a good cause.” That’s a no, Ford has no clue his son stole the car.
I breathe to myself. “Please, can we drive a little smoother?”
“Relax, we’re here,” he informs me as he begins to slow the car.
I have no idea where we are, I was too distracted by Connor’s driving.
The moment the car comes to a halt, I breathe out a sigh of relief. I was getting a little queasy, and I have zero patience for this mystery.
I hear Connor get out of the car, and a few seconds later, he opens my door to help me out.
“Goods delivered,” he calls out.
Connor guides me by my arm, and we take a few steps in the afternoon sun. It feels like we’re on a driveway.
“What the hell?” Declan yells in the distance, and he sounds horrified, but I can only hide a smile. I hear his voice, which means he’s here. He delivered a message, he saw Ford, he has Connor involved, these are all positive indications. “Why is your aunt tied up and blindfolded?”
Oh, this wasn’t part of the plan.
I hear the stomp of feet, and I think Declan is marching toward us.
“You said I could do it my way,” Connor protests.
My hands are yanked, and instantly I feel Declan’s familiar fingers fiddling with the knot. “I said you could come up with whatever story you needed to get your aunt here because you’re her soft spot.”
“I added a little interpretation,” he gripes. “Trust me, this is by far more memorable. Far less boring too,” Connor justifies.
The rope falls from my wrists, but all I feel is the warmth of Declan near, and my heart is on a rollercoaster. Fingers sneak under the blindfold and lift the dark fabric. My eyes take a moment to adjust to the light, and I’m greeted with eyes that possess me in the most delicious way possible.
“He went rogue on us. You okay?” Declan asks with concern as he assesses my body.
I blink a few times. “I’m fine.” I smile nervously. “Not sure what’s going on, though.” I look around to see that I’m at Declan’s house.
Declan glares to my nephew. “I’ll take over from here.”
“Sure. Want to keep the rope?” Connor asks casually.
Declan gives him a stunned look. “No, I don’t want to keep the rope,” he mocks. “One of these days you’re going to give one of us a heart attack.”
“Just keeping it real.” He flashes us a peace sign and heads back to the car.
