“Agreed.”
Chase took her hand and started to turn toward Cabo Wabo.After having her in his lap for the duration of the cab ride, holding her hand seemed natural.Her palm was warm and dry, and her fingers laced with his, delicate yet strong.He liked the way she felt at his side.He might even miss the woman once their wedding was annulled.
They had yet to take a step when a dark sedan raced toward them.
Chase yanked Alana’s hand and dragged her away from the street, shielding her body with his.
The vehicle jumped the curb, running over the sidewalk where they’d just been standing.Chase kept moving, his arm around Alana, hurrying her away from the street and the reckless driver.
The driver jerked the vehicle back onto the street and sped off.
Chase didn’t stop running until they were through the entrance of Cabo Wabo, his pulse pounding and short a few years of his life.That had been too near a miss.He’d almost lost his wife before having a chance to get to know her.
Chapter5
“Holy crap,”Alana gasped, her heart pounding hard against her ribs.“That was close.”
“Too close,” Chase said, his mouth set in a grim line, his gaze cast over his shoulder at the disappearing car.
Alana’s eyes widened.“You think he was aiming for us?”
“I don’t know.But it would pay to be more aware.”
One of his hands rested at the small of her back, the other held her hand in his.
Alana was all too aware of the strong hand gripping hers.The man could easily crush her fingers in his, but he didn’t.She should have let go and stepped away, but she couldn’t.She liked the way his grip felt…firm, like he could handle anything thrown his way.Like moving her out of harm’s way in a split second.
As soon as they entered the bar, a voice called out, “Flannigan!”
After being in the glaring sun and nearly run over, Alana had to blink several times before her vision adjusted to the dim lighting of the interior.An ample-breasted, older Hispanic woman hobbled toward Chase with a decided limp, her arms opened wide.
Chase didn’t have time to dodge her or move out of the way.Suddenly, he was engulfed in what appeared to be a bone-crushing hug.
“Mi amigo,” the woman cried.She spoke in rapid-fire Spanish, none of which Alana understood.
A younger woman followed.She appeared to be in her late teens or early twenties.“Mi madresaid she is very happy you returned today.She is very thankful you helped her yesterday when she fell outside on the street.No one else offered to help.Muchas gracias, SeñorFlannigan.”
The older woman spoke again, winked at Chase and nodded with a smile toward Alana.
Alana frowned, wishing she’d taken the time to learn more Spanish.
“Mi madresays you are a gentleman, and your lovely bride is very lucky to have such a handsome husband.”
Chase slipped his left arm around Alana and held out his right hand to the young woman.“What’s your name?”
“Teresa,” she responded.
“Thank you, Teresa.You speak English fluently.Thank you.”Chase gave the younger woman a smile that melted Alana’s knees and made her wish he’d directed it at her.
Based on how pink Teresa’s cheeks turned, she was equally affected.
“And your mother’s name?”Chase asked.
“Delores Hernandez,” the daughter said.
Chase took the older woman’s hand and squeezed it gently.“SeñoraHernandez, you have a beautiful daughter, and you are very welcome.De nada.”
Her daughter’s blush deepened, and she stammered a little as she translated, making the older woman’s smile stretch across her face.
