Page 11 of Deadly Forever

4

Four

“I’m goingto eat so much lobster you’re going to swear I taste like butter sauce tonight, sugar.”

Grady was in a romantic mood as he slung an arm around Sophie’s shoulders and tugged her closer.

After hours of questioning by the sheriff’s department, Lt. Hicks cut the Hardys loose so they could enjoy what was left of their day. Since he promised seafood before finding the women, James held up his end of the deal – even though his heart wasn’t really in it.

James forced a smile for his family’s benefit as he watched them interact, keeping his emotions in check as he admired the way his brothers and friend soothed the women in their lives.

Everyone was different.

Ally needed a calm influence, so Jake whispered the occasional word of encouragement in her ear and rubbed her back as they waited for the hostess to return with a table for them.

Emma remained nervous even though the ordeal was over – and from what he could tell she saw very little in the way of action because everyone kept her sheltered in the dressing room. She wanted to head straight home to see her baby, but Finn forced her to have dinner with everyone else because he thought it would be good for her. Besides that, Avery Hardy was with his grandparents Louis and Rose Hardy and they would pitch a fit if their time with their only grandchild was cut short.

Sophie had a fiery personality and she was more miffed than anything else. She had a bloodthirsty demeanor when the mood struck, and she was merely irked that she wasn’t involved in the final takedown. She preferred a jocular mood to being doted on, so Grady gave her exactly what she needed.

And as for Mandy? James smiled when he felt her hands slip around his waist. She rested her cheek on his back and hugged him from behind. She was far more interested in making sure James was okay after shooting a teenager than worrying about herself. She had an amazing capacity for recovery and James admired her for it.

“What are you doing, baby?”

“Holding you,” Mandy replied.

“Why?”

“I didn’t know I needed a reason.”

James heaved out an exaggerated sigh. “You don’t need a reason,” he said after a beat, tugging on her arm so he could draw her around his body and pull her flush against his chest. She seemed annoyed with the action, but James ignored her irritated expression. “You never need a reason to hug me.”

“I wanted to hold you,” Mandy clarified. “You always hold me when I’m upset.”

James stilled, momentarily transfixed by her sea-blue eyes. “Why do you think I’m upset?”

“Because you are.” The answer was simple, but there was no way James was going to leave it at that.

“Baby, I’m fine,” James argued. “I have you. I’m better than fine.”

Mandy didn’t look convinced and James could tell he had a long night in front of him if he expected to wipe the dubious look off her face.

“Why do you think I’m upset?” James repeated, running his index finger down her soft cheek. “I’m not thrilled with what happened, don’t get me wrong, but it’s not as if you could’ve known gunmen were going to head into the mall. I don’t blame you for what happened.”

Mandy stilled, surprised. “I’m not worried that you’re upset with me,” she said. “I’m worried that you’re upset with yourself.”

“Why would I be upset with myself? I got to you as fast as I could.”

“That’s not what I mean,” Mandy shot back, frustrated. “You’re upset because … he was so young. I saw the look on your face when Hicks removed the mask. You were upset. There’s no reason to deny it.”

“I’m not denying it,” James clarified. “I wasn’t upset, though. I was … surprised. There’s a difference.”

“You seemed more than surprised.”

“I guess that’s fair,” James conceded. “I didn’t expect to see a teenager under that mask. I can admit that. I wouldn’t have changed anything I did to keep you safe, though. I still would’ve shot him even knowing that he was a teenager. He was raising his gun in your direction.”

“I know that.” Mandy’s voice was small. “James, I love you. I never doubt that you put my interests above all else. You’ve done that since the moment we hooked up.”

“Except for that one time,” James clarified, hoping to point Mandy’s attention in a different direction. “You remember when I snuck out of your apartment after the first time we were together, right? I’m pretty sure that wasn’t in your best interests.”