“You’re a terrible child.” But Paige was smiling now, unable to help herself.
“Invite him over. If you want to. He seems nice. And it would be fun to see how he does when he’s outnumbered.”
Paige laughed. “He was MI6. I’m sure he’d do just fine.”
“He was MI6?” Randi’s eyes went wide. “Seriously?”
Paige nodded. “Seriously.”
“If you don’t invite him over, I’m going to run down the beach after him and do it myself.”
Paige took her phone out. “I’ll text him. He might be busy.”
Randi lay back down. “Bet he’s not.”
Paige frowned at her daughter but immediately went back to typing.Sorry, that was weird and there was no reason for it to be that way. Would you like to come to dinner at my place tonight? Seven? Randi and I would both love for you to join us.
It took a few minutes for him to respond, making Paige wonder if he was giving her the silent treatment. Thankfully, he was not. I’d be delighted.
Be forewarned, Paige added.I expect my daughter to ask you a lot of questions.
Fortunately, Graham replied,I’ve had RTI training.
RTI?
Resistance to Interrogation. I’m sure I’ll be fine.
Paige laughed softly.Graham really was something special.
Chapter Twelve
Blaise’s nerves were back. She ignored them as she got dressed, opting for something not quite as casual as the first time she’d gone to Brick’s for dinner. Tonight, she picked out a simple sundress in an emerald green leaf print.
It was Dolce & Gabbana and hugged her curves on top while the skirt flared out. Brick wouldn’t care who’d made it, but she hoped he’d at least appreciate that she’d dressed up to meet his son.
She took a last look in the mirror, gave herself a nod of approval, then collected her bowl of roasted vegetables and the pan of brownies she’d made. As much as she would have liked to bring Beau, she wasn’t sure what Brick’s son would think of that. Also, if the dinner didn’t go well, having to come home to let Beau out was a great excuse to leave early.
She said goodbye to Beau and headed through the backyard to Brick’s.
There were more lights on in his house than was typical, a sure sign that he had company. He’d usually be on his porch right now, staring off at the water, as inscrutable as ever.
She paused for a moment after closing the gate behind her. Should she go through the front door or just come in the back like she had before? Would his son think it was odd if she came in the back? Too familiar, somehow?
Exhaling, she shook her head. She was overthinking this. She was coming from the backyard. It would be silly to walk all the way around to the front.
She went through his porch and knocked on the sliding door.
A man who looked like a younger, wider version of Brick appeared and let her in. He had the same thousand-yard stare and gruff expression.
She smiled all the same. “You must be Holland.”
He nodded. “And you’re Blaise.”
“That’s right.” She kept both hands on the food containers, but could have tucked them against her side with one if he’d offered his hand to shake. He didn’t. “Smells good in here.” It did, too. The pork chops filled the house with a delicious aroma.
“Blaise.”
A little wash of relief went through her as Brick came into the kitchen from the living room. “Hi, Brick. How are you?”
