Page 62 of Trap ’N’ Trace

“Pleased to meet you,” Addie said. “Are your eyes really purple?”

Kat smiled at the wonder in the child’s eyes. “Yes, they are.”

“Wowww.” When Addie stepped closer, Kat knelt to let her get a better look. The girl stared for a good five seconds. “They’re so pretty. Mommy, can I have purple eyes, too?”

Lily stopped stirring and laughed. “No, baby. You have to be born with them.”

Kat touched Addie’s cheek. “I think your eyes are beautiful just the way they are.”

“Say ‘thank you,’” Dayne said.

“Thank you, Miss Vandenburg.”

“Son, can I get you a beer?” Bill asked Dayne.

“No thanks, Dad.”

“Come sit by me, Katrina.” Renee patted the chair next to her. “We’re looking at old photo albums.” Dayne groaned. “Dayne doesn’t like it when we walk down memory lane. Sweetheart, you were such a handsome boy.” His mother lovingly stroked her fingers down a photo of Dayne in a football uniform.

“Were?” Dayne’s face twisted with mock disappointment.

He wasn’t kidding. Contrary to what she’d assumed, he really did have a sense of humor, after all.

When Renee turned another page in the album, Bill headed to the refrigerator and pulled out a beer.

“I think I’ll take that beer after all, Dad.” Dayne grimaced like a little boy about to be embarrassed by his mother.

“Figured that.” He popped the cap off then handed the bottle to Dayne. “It’s River Horse Ale. Your favorite.”

“Thanks.” He took a long slug.

“Did you know a hippo spends ninety percent of its life underwater?” Jimmy asked Kat.

She shook her head, smiling. “I didn’t know that.” Jimmy really was adorable. Both Lily’s children were.

“Jimmy wants to be a veterinarian when he grows up,” Lily said. “His father always took him to the zoo. That’s where he fell in love with animals.”

“Why don’t you and Addie take the dogs into the backyard to play?” Dayne suggested.

“Okay!” Jimmy shouted, delight written all over his face. “C’mon, Angus. C’mon, Remy.” He ran to the kitchen door and flung it open.

Remy and Angus charged outside, with Jimmy two steps behind.

“Wait for me!” Addie scrambled after her brother.

“Don’t be too long,” Lily called after them, still stirring. “Dinner’s soon and you have to wash your hands before coming to the table.”

“Did Dayne tell you he was an All-American running back?” Renee flipped the page to more photos of Dayne in his football uniform.

“No, he didn’t.” She gave him an exaggerated smile, and as she turned back to Dayne’s mother, caught the narrowing of his eyes. This could be fun. Since he’d given her no choice about being here in the first place, she intended to make the most of it. Especially if it involved anything that made him uncomfortable. Right back at ya, Mr. Federal Agent man. Payback was a bitch.

“Well, he told us an awful lot about you.” Renee winked at her son. “Like where you live, what you were like, and all about the Canine Haven.”

“Mom.” The word came out on a strangled growl. “I told you all that so you’d understand where she comes from.”

Where I come from? What did that mean? Oh, right. Wealth. She shot him an icy glare.

He tipped the bottle back and it took all her willpower to stop staring at the strong column of his throat as he swallowed.