Page 25 of Deadly Waves

“Remind everyone to count all of the members of their group several times a day,” James prodded. “It’s important.”

“It sounds boring, but I’ll do as you ask because you’re hot,” Tabitha said, grinning. “It’s too bad you’re married. I would love to take you for a spin.”

James was uncomfortable under the teenager’s heated stare. “I’m definitely married.”

“For now,” Tabitha said. “Won’t you get tired of her eventually and move on, though? That’s what my father did. Heck, he’s done it twice.”

“I’ll never do that,” James replied, swallowing his distaste. “I married for love and I’m only doing it once.”

“Yeah, you really don’t want to press him on the issue,” Grady said. “He doesn’t like questions about his future to revolve around anyone but Mandy.”

“That’s why he’s so … hot,” Tabitha said, her expression wistful. “Every woman wants a man to look at her the way he looks at that blonde. It’s … freaking amazing.”

James fought the urge to smile … and lost. “I am freaking amazing,” he agreed. “Just warn your friends about losing count of everyone in their group. Can you do that for us?”

“For a dance later.” Tabitha looked like the cat that swallowed a mouse after hours of stalking.

“I only dance with my wife,” James said, not missing a beat. “I’m sorry.”

“Ugh. You’re so boring for a hot guy.” Tabitha turned her attention to Grady. “What about you? You’re the only one not pledging yourself to one of those women for life. I noticed your girlfriend doesn’t have a ring. Does that mean you’ll dance with me?”

Grady was uncomfortable with the question. “That means I’ll wave at you over dinner,” he said. “As for the rest … looks can be deceiving.”

“Oh, whatever,” Tabitha said, waving them off. “If I can’t entice you two, well, you need to go. I’m going to have to settle for one of these morons to amuse me this afternoon. You’re going to scare them away with your muscles if you’re not careful.”

James chuckled as Grady scowled. “Just be careful,” he said. “Keep your eyes open.”

Tabitha mock saluted. “Yes, sir.”

James led Grady a few feet away so they could watch the crowd. “What do you think?” he asked after a beat. “Do you think someone was really hurt or are we overreacting?”

“I honestly have no idea,” Grady said, his mind busy as he glanced over his shoulder. “We should check on the girls.”

James snorted. “You’re the one who told me I was hovering,” he pointed out. “Why do you want to check on Sophie?”

“I just miss her.” Grady was defensive. “Is there something wrong with that?”

“No.” James looked his brother over with a thoughtful expression. “You brought the ring, didn’t you?”

“How did you know that?”

“It’s written all over your face,” James replied. “You’re clearly a man panicking about making a big proposal. I remember seeing your face in my mirror before I proposed to Mandy. I practiced like twenty times before I did it.”

“Did that make you feel better?”

“Worse.”

“So what good are you?”

James barked out a coarse laugh. “You’re a trip,” he said, shaking his head. “I’m here if you need bolstering, though. I can’t wait until Sophie is officially part of the family. As a reward, I will allow you to check on her.”

“Oh, puh-leez,” Grady scoffed. “You’re allowing me to check on Sophie because that means you can see Mandy without looking like a stalker.”

James’ demeanor shifted from happy to annoyed. “Don’t make me thump you.”

“Well, at least you’re getting back to normal,” Grady said. “The old James would’ve threatened to thump me hours ago, though. You need to work on your timing.”

“I’m pacing myself.”