AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Lila’s cheeks blazed, going nearly as red as her hair. “I cannot believe this.”
“I mean it.” Connie wasn’t swayed. “My roof, my rules. It’s always been that way. If you want to get up to any shenanigans, you’ll have to do it elsewhere.”
Travis slid his arm around Lila’s waist. “We understand, Connie.”
“I’m fully aware my views are archaic,” the older woman actually giggled, “but I’m too old to change now.”
“No worries. Lila and I are experts in discretion,” Travis assured her. “Lila’s important to me.” There was a solid truth. “I only want what’s best for her and what makes her happy.” Another truth. Assuming she was innocent, this was his chance to explore the attraction he’d been ignoring on the yacht.
“Travis!” Lila’s fiery gaze bounced between him and her grandmother. “The two of you are ridiculous.”
“Don’t flap at me,” Connie said with a chuckle. “You’re a short walk from your suite.” She hugged Lila, then held her at arm’s length. “Do not come anywhere near the bakery tomorrow.”
“But, Gram.”
“I mean it, sweetheart. Take some time with your young man. Enjoy yourselves. Your granddad and I learned early on to make time for each other away from the business. Now it’s your turn.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Lila embraced her grandmother once more. “Call me if you need anything.”
“I won’t.”
“Humor me.”
“Fine.” Connie rolled her eyes. “I’ll call if I need you. Let’s plan on dinner tomorrow. We’ll go to Lila’s favorite place. They always have room for us.”
Lila groaned, but Travis thanked her.
“And Lila?”
“Ma’am?”
“Your suite is on the delivery list for strudel tomorrow.”
“Seriously?” Travis had heard Juliet going on and on about Lila’s incomparable strudel and the family recipe, but he’d never had it.
Connie wiggled her eyebrows. “Guess I’d better increase the order.”
And with that sly comment, she gave them a wave as she walked out.
“She’s a menace.” Lila glared at him. “You both are.”
“Well, you’re amazing.” He grinned at her, since they were still in public view. “Want to go upstairs and talk about it?”
Her gaze turned stormy, bordering on mutinous. “Is there an alternative?”
“No.”
She flashed her keycard. “Follow me.”
He would. Tonight and wherever she went until this case was resolved. And he was willing to follow her long after, though it wasn’t practical. They were on two separate paths and this curious interlude wouldn’t last. She was passionate about being home and he… wasn’t.
She needed stability and routine and family.
He valued stability and routine. Along with training, preparation, and new challenges.
As for family, he’d always known he wasn’t that kind of guy.
Chapter 6
