“Not surprised, just... I guess I wasn’t expecting you to be so sympathetic.”

“I moved away from home when I was fourteen to go to high school. I know how difficult it can be. City kids also tend to be mean to those coming in from small towns, bully them. If I can make things easier for her, I will.”

I couldn’t imagine anyone bullying Carter. His commanding presence demanded respect, but maybe things hadn’t always been that way. In any case, the man was endearing. I sympathized with him. A teenage party wasn’t for the faint of heart.

“How many of your friends are going to be there?”

“Zero.”

“You’re kidding.”

“I figured I’ll take the opportunity to get to know April’s classmates, mingle with them....”

This poor, clueless man. He had no idea what he was getting into. I felt it was my duty to ease him into it.

“Fair warning: they might not want to mingle with you. The word old might also come up. Don’t take it personally.”

“I’m beginning to think you’re right. April already dropped hints that she hopes I won’t stick around too much.”

I felt completely disarmed because I was fairly certain not many got to see this side of him: a little unsure, a lot out of his depth. As if knowing this was the right moment to strike (he probably did know; he was a great lawyer after all), he said, “Join me.”

“Hmm?”

“Come with me.”

“To a party full of fifteen-year-olds? Sounds terrifying.”

“It will be, which is why I’m hoping you won’t be heartless enough to turn me down.”

A day out on the ocean? Why should I say no? Okay, so I could think of one or two reasons but chose to ignore them.

“What would the world say if they knew you’re so afraid of a bunch of teenagers?” I teased.

“Probably the same thing they’d say about you if they knew about your reading habits.”

The air between us seemed to thicken. We were sitting so close now that I could feel the warmth of his body. I didn’t want to pull away, even though his proximity was making me even more hot and bothered than any sexy scene had lately.

Oh, to hell with everything. I wanted fun, to have an adventure. And here was a man who looked like a Greek god offering me exactly that.

“Okay.”

“That’s a yes?”

“Yes. It’s always great to have company when you’re chaperoning.”

“We won’t be chaperoning, Val. The boat has a nice separate deck where we can lie in the sun.”

His meaning was clear: we’d be alone. His eyes twinkled.

“Should I bring anything?”

“A bikini and a towel. I’ve got everything else covered. I’ll take excellent care of you, Val.”

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Eleven

Carter