“So did a lot of other people,” he remarked. “Besides, Barbara isn’t my type.”

“Who is?”

He was quiet. “There was one, long ago. She did something that destroyed my faith in her. I married on the rebound, to show her I didn’t give a damn about her.” There was a hollow laugh. “And that backfired really well. Years of hell until my wife finally drugged herself to death, and then I lived with the guilt because she drugged herself to death.”

“Love is overrated,” she pointed out.

He burst out laughing. “And how would you know that?”

She sighed. “I guess I wouldn’t. I’ve never been in love. Well, except with that dreamy guy in that movie I love,” she added.

“A fairy tale. Just your style, kid. Why don’t you take a good look at that tall, dark, handsome guy you work for?”

“Banks?” she exclaimed. “Are you nuts? I’d rather date a frog!”

“How odd that he said the same thing about you.”

She fumed silently.

“Stings, doesn’t it?” he asked.

“Only burns, just a little,” she retorted.

“I’ll see what I can find out about rentals and get back to you as soon as I can.”

“I guess I could sneak back into my office after hours with Tad and bunk down there,” she laughed.

“You’d be found out. Banks doesn’t miss much. It’s what makes him good at his job.”

“I suppose. Well, thanks. I appreciate all you’ve done for Tad and me.”

“I don’t do anything I don’t want to. You know that. I never had a kid sister until you came along.”

She smiled. “That’s nice. I never had a big brother until you came along.” She didn’t claim Morris as a big brother, despite the fact that he was her stepbrother.

“You’ve done a great job with Tad,” he said abruptly. “He’s a good kid.”

“I think so, too. I’ve done my best. We don’t have a lot, but he’s never wanted for love and attention.”

“Or discipline,” he added with a chuckle. “Taking away his only video game for a week for fighting at school was sheer genius.”

“You’re only saying that because it was your idea,” she pointed out.

“I have ego issues,” he said. “Marquez’s wife keeps upstaging me on the shooting range.”

“Only by one point,” she said. “And I think Gwen really tries to miss. Honest.”

He sighed. “She’s a sweet woman. I had a brief crush on her before Marquez waltzed off with her. I like blondes,” he chuckled.

“That’s because you’re blond, too,” she suggested.

“Who knows? Wear that ratty jacket to work tomorrow. It’s going to be cold. Very cold. What are you and Tad planning to do for Thanksgiving?” he added.

Her blood froze. Morris would probably be out by then.