Page 58 of Never and Always
I rose too. “I’ll drop you back.”
She smiled at Dad. “It’s been a pleasure, Dale.”
“Same, Piper. Take care of yourself.”
It was a quiet drive back to the hotel, but it was a comfortable quiet. I pulled up at the front entrance, idling as I waited for Enzo to come out and escort her inside.
She turned in the seat. “I liked your Chicken Piccata.”
“I’m glad.”
“And I liked your dad, and his dog, too.”
“They both liked you back.”
She smiled. “Thanks for dinner, Murray.”
I cupped her cheek. “You’re very welcome, big city.”
Enzo appeared and opened her door. With a nod, she slid out. I waited until they were safely inside before I drove out.
Unsurprisingly, Dad was waiting for me when I returned. Bear had collapsed in front of the fire.
“I like her.”
I set my keys down. “I could tell.”
“She’s a keeper. Smart, beautiful, hard working.”
“Dad.” I tossed my jacket over the back of the couch. “You heard her, hell, you can tell with one look. She’s a city girl. A workaholic city girl.”
“You’re spending a lot of time with her.”
“I’m helping her out.” I ran a hand through my hair. “Her brother is in some trouble.”
My dad frowned. “What kind of trouble?”
“The kind where he gambles and owes money to someone happy to hurt Piper to get it back.”
“Jesus.” Anger suffused Dad’s face. “That girl works her butt off so her mom and grandmother can live a good, quiet life. And her own brother does this?”
“Yep.”
“You’ll keep that from touching her.”
“That’s the plan. She’s already been attacked.”
Dad’s face darkened. “You keep her safe, Everett.”
“I will, but Dad…when the hotel is done, she’ll move on. She won’t stay in Windward.”
“She won’t if she doesn’t have any reason to.”
“I remember you warning me off fancy city girls who come up to Windward to ski and break hearts.”
“No, I warned you off shallow, selfish women.” He rose. “Don’t be an idiot, son.” Then he whistled for Bear.
The dog bounded after Dad and followed him out the front door.
