Page 121 of Lowering His Guard

Dad grunts. “And you still broke up with him.”

“Because he’s going to change his mind. He’s going to regret being with me,” I burst out.

Dad barks out a laugh and I glare at him. He’s laughing? Now?

“Sorry.” He holds up a hand until he manages to stop laughing. “Does Brock look like a man who changes his mind? Who regrets his actions?”

Mom stands. “It’s time to go.”

“What? Time to go? Where are we going? The restaurant is opening in fifteen minutes.” It’s why I chose this time. I knew there was a cut-off to end our conversation.

“Stop stalling.” Mom marches toward the door. I stare after her with my mouth hanging open.

“Come on, lucky charm.” Dad pulls out my chair and I have no choice but to follow them.

We walk outside but we don’t stop there. Mom and Dad start walking toward the boardwalk. I’m too curious not to follow. What do they have planned?

I can’t believe I’m strolling through Smuggler’s Rest with my parents after admitting how I’m defective to them. Only they don’t think I’m defective. They’re not disappointed in me.

Maybe they’re right. Maybe I’m not defective. Maybe I’m not a disappointment.

We switch directions at the entrance to the boardwalk and head toward the harbor instead.

“Are we picking up today’s order?”

The fish and seafood at Wok the Plank is always fresh. Mom has a standing order with the local fishermen to bring her the best of what they catch.

No one answers me. We continue until we reach the old fish cannery.

“What are we doing here?” I ask as I scan the area. “Does Mayor Lana want to start tours here? I don’t think tourists are interested in how the owner smuggled moonshine.”

The door opens and Brock steps out.

“What is going on?”

I retreat but Dad pushes me forward. “Listen to him. We’ll be right here when you’re finished.”

I don’t move but Dad nudges me again. I inch forward until I’m two feet in front of Brock. “What’s going on? Why are you at the old fish cannery? Why am I here?”

“I want to show you something. May I?”

He had to ask? He couldn’t be all grumpy and demanding? I can ignore grumpy and demanding. I can also lie to myself, apparently.

“Fine.” I start toward the cannery but he stops me.

“Not there.” He motions toward the empty lot next to the building.

I wish I could walk away. Being around Brock and not being able to touch him hurts. My heart aches, and my eyes itch. But I can’t say no to this man. I love him.

He leads me to the empty lot next door. I frown at all the sticks in the ground.

“Did someone buy this lot? It’s been vacant for years. No one wants to live next to a cannery.” My nose wrinkles. “It stinks.”

“Not a cannery anymore. Gonna be a gym.”

“A gym? Who’s building a gym?”

“I am.”