Page 91 of Lowering His Guard

“And she…” I trail off. This is none of my business. Jace is a cool kid, but he’s not my kid. I shouldn’t interfere.

“She what?” Brock asks.

I motion to Jace’s arm and he holds it out. “She scratched me.”

Brock growls. “She hurt you?”

He stands and whirls toward the resort. I jump to my feet to block him.

“Out of my way,” he grumbles.

“I’ll move if you promise you’re not going to commit violence.”

His nostrils flare and a muscle in his jaw pulses.

“Dad,” Jace calls and Brock stares at him. “Serenity didn’t hurt me. I don’t think she meant to hurt me. Besides, May got me away from her.”

“You did?” He growls at me.

I nod. I can’t lie. Despite knowing I overstepped and he’s mad at me.

“Thank you,” he mutters before he leans over and melds his mouth to mine. It’s a quick kiss. Over before I realize what’s happening.

Jace cheers. “I knew it!”

“I should…” I don’t know what I should do. I’m dazed and confused.

“Sit,” Brock orders and my butt hits the chair before I realize I’m moving. “We need to talk.”

Oh boy. The four words that cause dread in every person in a relationship. Except we’re not in a relationship. We had sex and then chaos erupted in the form of my parents, a mouthy parrot, and a bitchy ex-wife.

Jace’s chair scrapes as he pushes back and stands. “I’ll leave you two lovebirds alone.” He waggles his eyebrows.

Brock stops him. “You’re really okay?”

“I’m okay and if I’m not okay, we’ll discuss it, or you can send me to the therapist again. He had the best candy in his office.”

Brock squeezes his shoulder. “Proud of you, buddy.”

Jace’s face darkens. “Thanks. I’m gonna hang with the rest of the class.”

Class? Shit. I forgot all about how I’m supposed to be giving a surfing lesson this morning.

“I should probably restart the class,” I say as I stand.

“I need five minutes,” Brock says.

“No need. I hereby apologize for overstepping and yelling at your ex. I didn’t want Jace speaking to her. I—”

“Stop. There’s no need to apologize. You didn’t overstep. You took care of my kid. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome?” It sounds like a question because I’m confused. The Brock I know is protective of his kid and doesn’t want anyone interfering.

“Serenity’s gone. She won’t be coming back.”

“Good. Jace doesn’t need her in his life.”

“Agree, but I’m telling you. So you know my ex isn’t a problem.”