Page 112 of Lowering His Guard

I nod. “Exactly. But you’d never get away with a sub on Smuggler’s Hideaway not knowing you have a test. Small town. Small island. Big mouths.”

“Smuggler’s Hideaway is cool. I wish we lived here.”

“Me too.”

I don’t think he realizes how serious I’m being. How I wish with my whole heart that Brock and Jace lived on the island with me. Maybe not in my tiny house, though. Not enough privacy for sexy times with Brock if Jace is sleeping on the other side of the wall.

“Come on.” Jace urges me forward. “Dad’s waiting for us at the fence.”

I want to fly down the stairs to see Brock. But there are too many people in my way. I start to slip through them – being small has its advantages – but I don’t want to leave Jace behind.

We finally reach Brock. His hair is matted with sweat, and his face is red from exertion. But his blue eyes are sparkling with joy, and his smile stretches across his face.

I’ve never seen him this happy before. It takes my breath away. I want him to be this happy all the time. Maybe he shouldn’t retire if football makes him this happy.

My stomach sours. If he’s still playing on the Seals, I’d hardly see him. We’d do our best to see each other as often as we could. But soon enough the relationship would fade. And I’d be left all alone.

Which is what’s going to happen when he knows I can’t give him a family anyway.

Knock it off, May. Now is not the time for me to be all Debbie Downer.

“Congrats on the win, giant!”

Jace holds up his fist. “Congrats, Dad.”

“This calls for a celebration,” I announce. “Burgers, fries, the best IPA you’ve ever drunk.” I frown at Jace. “Except for you. No beer for you.”

He shrugs. “No worries. I’m going to hang out with my friend anyway.” He points to one of the surfers in my class.

Brock clears his throat.

“Sorry, Dad. Is it okay if I hang out with my friend?”

“Who’s driving?”

Jace rolls his eyes. “His dad. He’s with his entire family.”

“Text me the phone number of your friend and his dad.”

“Dad,” Jace whines.

“You know the rules.”

“Fine. I can go?”

Brock nods and Jace hurries away shouting good-bye.

“What about you? You want to celebrate with me?” I waggle my eyebrows at Brock.

He chuckles. “Let me shower and get changed. I’ll be out in fifteen minutes.”

“I can meet you at Five Fathoms.”

He frowns. “I’ll drive behind you.”

“I’ve driven this route about a gazillion times.”

“Don’t care. You’re mine to protect.”