Page 27 of The Pilot

And it was a testament to the kid’s huge heart that he could say anything good about his grandfather, considering how the old man treated him sometimes. But Kash had mentioned in passing how hard it was for his granddad to live by himself. And how much he missed his wife. Had also commented about how smart he was and how fast he could read. Things Linc wasn’t sure made him grandfather of the year, but he wasn’t going to contradict Kash.

The man was lonely though, as Kash pointed out. That was easy to see. He’d liked that his daughter and grandson moved back to Maine, but at the same time, he’d obviously gotten used to having his own space. And they’d definitely been a disruption. Victor also didn’t know what to do with Kash, who was a quirky kid, not into the same things Victor was, and that seemed to frustrate them both.

Having Harper and Kash move out would hopefully be a boon for all their relationships. It gave them space from each other, but still allowed them to enjoy having family nearby, which would maybe bring them closer as a result.

“I know he’s not,” Chad said with a shrug, responding to Linc’s comment about their neighbor not being their enemy. “If not for him, we might not be here today. Happy, carefree, enjoying the holiday.”

His brother was exactly right. The truth was, the Young family was indebted to Victor Rogers. They might not like it, but it didn’t change facts. Their mom seemed thrilled that he was coming over, saying earlier that if he didn’t show up by the time the food was ready, she’d march her happy butt over there to drag him to the house by his ear if she had to.

None of her sons would allow that to happen, but they’d make sure the man appeared somehow or another.

In the meantime, Zach was hard at work behind them, and even though everyone had offered to help, he’d done nothing but scowl and tell them all to get the hell out of his kitchen. The amazing smells had Linc’s belly growling, and he couldn’t wait to see what Zach was cooking up . . . besides the traditional turkey, of course.

Their mom had made a ton of appetizers, which everyone had been nibbling on all afternoon, and homemade rolls that she was forced to put away, since over half of them had been consumed within thirty minutes of her putting them out. Her rolls were Thanksgiving, at least for Linc. He couldn’t remember a holiday without them. They were so damn good. No one made bread like their mom.

There were also veggies and homemade sour cream dip, pretzels, smashed brussels sprouts, chicken sausages in a blanket, jalapeño poppers, arancini—which were basically crispy rice balls with a ton of cheese—and of course, deviled eggs.

Everyone was in good spirits. Except for maybe Zach, who was busy muttering to himself in the kitchen and threatening to gut anyone who dared invade his space. But he’d be fine once the food was on the table and he could concentrate on Marit once more.

Hearing more laughter from the deck, Linc looked through the window and saw Harper laughing at something that was said. She looked more relaxed than he’d seen her in quite a while. And he couldn’t take his gaze off her lips. Lips he’d touched with his own.

Their light kiss hadn’t been nearly enough. It was a taste of what could be. And Linc was almost shocked to realize how much he wanted to not only taste Harper Bates, but devour her. He didn’t understand why. She wasn’t his type. But then again, the women in his past who he’d thought were his type had all ended up being disasters.

Never in a million years would Linc have thought he’d actually be attracted to his childhood tormentor. That he’d look forward to the moment when Kash was dropped off by the bus. That he wouldn’t enjoy being by himself anymore.

That last thought was still one of the most difficult to wrap his mind around. Linc had always been content to keep his own company. He spent a lot of time in his own head when he was in the cockpit of a jet. Never had a lot of close friends in the Air Force. He did his job, did it well, then usually went back to his room on whatever ship he was on to read when he was done.

But now? Barely a few days in and he felt restless when Harper was at work and Kash was at school. Found it harder and harder to concentrate on projects around the house.

Hearing Kash open the door and yell out “I’m home!” immediately made his restlessness settle.

It was fun to think of new ways to stimulate Kash’s young mind. To introduce him to new things, but also to simply sit and read a book while Kash was on the opposite side of the couch.

While the boy reminded Linc of himself in many ways, Kash also reminded him of Zach, the baby of the family. He was a mama’s boy, and Kash was just as devoted to Harper as Zach was to their own mother.

It was a beautiful thing, and also kind of sad. Sad because the protectiveness Kash had inside him for his mom, and others, was most likely a direct result of the hardships they’d lived through in New York. He was an old soul, having seen too much bad in the world at a young age.

But those experiences also made him very sensitive to others. Aware of his surroundings. More perceptive.

A knock on the door tore Linc’s thoughts from Harper and Kash. Putting his beer down on a coaster on a small table in the living room, he and Chad both headed for the door at the same time.

Chad reached it first, opening it to a scowling Victor Rogers.

“Wasn’t sure if you’d have anything decent to drink, so I brought over a couple six-packs of Rock Harbor Brewing Company’s craft beers. I personally like the Storm Surge IPA the best, but will also drink the Spruce Head Stout.”

It was a nice gesture delivered in an assholey way. Typical Victor. But Linc was starting to understand the man. He wasn’t good at saying thank you, or even being very friendly, but deep down—very, very deep down—it was obvious he wanted to be included.

“Thanks. Love our locally brewed beer,” Chad said, clearly amused, gesturing for him to enter.

Victor glared at Linc on his way by but didn’t say a word.

He was aware he wasn’t on the top of Rogers’s list of favorite people at the moment. He’d taken his daughter and grandson away from him . . . sort of. Even though their relationship was hopefully getting better as a result, he still saw Linc’s offer to let them live with him as interference.

“The women are on the deck, if you want to say hello,” Chad said.

“Why are they out there? It’s too cold for any rational person to sit outside in November in Maine” was Victor’s response.

Linc internally sighed. It was going to be a long afternoon if their neighbor didn’t lighten up.