by Quinn Avery
PLZ don’t freak. I need u on my side.
I tossed my phone between my legs in the sand and blocked the intense sunlight spilling over Grayson’s shoulder as he approached. My pulse raced when he plopped down into the sand at my side and draped his arms over his bent knees.
“You remind me of my last girlfriend,” he began, eyes fixed on the waves rolling in. “Bexley was brave, and smart. A bit stubborn. Often ready with a smart comeback.” His mouth crooked with a slight smile. “Easy on the eyes.”
So far, his reaction wasn’t as bad as I had been expecting. “Easy on the eyes” was lightyears better than the usual “cute” or “adorable”, and he was comparing me to the not-so-horrifying ex. Stomach fluttering, I mirrored his pose, bumping my elbow against his. “Let me guess. You broke up with her because she kept important secrets from you?”
“No.” He shifted his sunglasses to the top of his head and turned to me, squinting against the harsh rays of the mid-morning light. “We didn’t make it as a couple because she was always placing herself in dangerous situations. I couldn’t tell you how many times she almost got killed in her quest to become a private investigator.”
“I’m sorry if I’ve stirred up bad memories.” All at once I understood why he’d been so protective when learning I worked late and walked home alone, and his persistence on my being able to defend myself. “I only want justice for whoever’s remains I found in that parking lot. I promise you I don’t have any aspirations to be a private investigator.”
“But you and Bexley share a natural curiosity that drives you to make reckless decisions.” His features hardened. “You didn’t know what you were walking into back there, Zoey. If Ron Finkle is the one sending you threats, those threats could escalate with time. Especially now that he knows you’ve made him as your potential stalker. If he did something to Ginny, he’ll be desperate to keep the truth buried.”
“I know that now. Believe me, I learned my lesson by going there alone. I won’t do it again. I’m not as brave as you think.” I set my hand on his shoulder. “I’m sorry, Grayson. I wish I would’ve told you everything right away instead of making the stupid decision to confront Ron.”
“Me too.” He held my gaze for a moment, jaw flexing, before he turned back to face the Gulf. “Wanna know what I hate most about all of this?”
Afraid I’d upset him even more with the wrong answer, I remained quiet.
“I enjoyed the hell outta that kiss,” he confessed.
A sharp breath passed over my lips. The disclosure was most unexpected as I was sure the kiss had irritated him. Maybe even to the point of being revolted. “Does that mean you no longer see me as someone’s kid sister?”
He huffed with a short laugh. “I told myself that needed to be my role with you. I thought you were too young and, at times, a little naive. I figured it was the safest way to prevent something from developing between us. But I was into you from the start, and I’ve learned over time you’re not so green behind the ears. I decided you were just…nervous around me. Truth is, I’ve been wanting to kiss you for days.”
“Wow. I did not see any of this coming. I mean you’re spot on about the talking thing—must be those detective skills at play. But everything else…” I waited for his gaze to meet mine, hopeful it meant he would kiss me again, but he wouldn’t look away from the water. “Why haven’t you made a move?”
“Because I’m not ready to jump back into a relationship—especially now that I know you’re a lot like Bexley. I won’t stand by a second time to watch someone I care about repeatedly put themselves in harm’s way, no matter how hard I beg them to stop.” He squeezed my knee and finally turned back to me with a slack expression. “And you’re not the kind of person I could have a mere fling with, then walk away from once it was over.”
His words and the disappointment in his alluring eyes made me want to kiss him again. I really liked him, and I wished our relationship had taken a different turn. But it sounded as if his experience with his last girlfriend had really done him in, and I only knew a tiny fraction of what he had been through. What could I possibly say to change his mind?
Tears stung behind my eyelids when I nodded. “I shouldn’t have pushed you that way. Like I said, I wasn’t thinking at the time. I was just incredibly relieved to see you.” I nudged him with my knee. “You can be awfully somber at times, but I have a lot of fun with you. You make me laugh. And not many people take me so seriously. I wouldn’t have dreamed of kissing you if I knew it’d cost our friendship.”
“Zoey, I’m still your friend. What happened won’t stop me from helping you find Ginny. But I’m going to need you to think carefully before you do anything that might put your life in danger.” He clambered to his feet and extended his hand. One of his cute smiles finally brought light back into his lovely brown eyes. “Let’s go tell the chief everything you just told me. I have a feeling he’ll want to bring Ron in for questioning.”
Twelve
Hours later, as I waited alone in Grayson’s truck outside the police station, I nibbled on my already chipped fingernails. I had made colossal mistakes in my quest to find Ginny, and would give anything to take them back. Now I was forced to face the consequences of my mistakes—one that involved Ron Finkle being interviewed without me present.
I’d made an even bigger mistake in angering the dark-haired detective emerging from the police station. My fantasy of licking his tattooed skin had evaporated right before my very eyes, all because of my deceptive ways. The idea that I could’ve possibly had him if I had been honest made my stomach dip and swell.
“Well?” I demanded, springing out of the truck. “What did he say? Did he admit to harassing me?”
Grayson slipped his sunglasses back over his eyes. “Get back in the vehicle. I promised the chief we’d be long gone by the time he releases Ron Finkle.”
Mouth agape, my eyes bulged. “He’s releasing him? Did the chief look at his injury underneath the gauze? Ron looked rattled when he found me standing in his building, Grayson! I know it was him!”
“Get in, Zoey,” he repeated with a bite to his words. “I’ll explain everything on our way to pick up Lucky.”
Forcing a sharp breath, I complied. We were a block away when he glanced in my direction. “Ron’s injuries were inconclusive. They could’ve been from a dog’s teeth, or they could’ve been from a nail in a fence as he claimed. And he has a credible alibi—he was playing poker with a group of friends. The chief is going to check up on it.”
My hands fisted in my lap. “Did he ask Ron about that sports car parked outside the rental agency?”
“It’s Ron’s,” he confirmed. At the stop sign, he turned to me. “But you told the chief you didn’t know a make, model, or color of the car you saw parked outside my house.”
I scolded myself for not paying better attention to Todd the Terrible’s obsession with different makes of sports cars. “Did he check to see if Ron had sent a message to my number?”
“He did. Ron was more than willing to hand his phone over for inspection. The chief was unable to find any incriminating message.”
“He could’ve deleted it.”
“All these things could be coincidental, Zoey.” He shook his head while turning a corner. “Ron’s injury, a dark colored sports car, even the pen. You said it yourself that the pen could’ve been picked up by anyone.”
“Did he admit to knowing Ginny?”
“No. The chief blindsided him with her name in the middle of questioning. Ron seemed genuinely unaffected.”
“Could the chief give him a lie detector test?”
“We don’t have enough probable cause.” Grayson veered into the animal hospital’s parking lot. “I’m not convinced Ron is the one threatening you.”
“Who else could it be?”
“I don’t know.” He killed the engine and twisted in his seat, resting his hand behind my head. “But there’s some good news to come out of this. Ginny has made her way onto Chi
ef Shaw’s radar. Because of your statement, he opened an active case involving the threats you’ve been given regarding her.” His lips curved with a deep grin. “He’s going to launch an official search for Ginny.”
We ordered Polly’s Pizza for dinner and dined on Grayson’s patio overlooking the tranquil gulf while Lucky begged for scraps. Neither of us had the heart to say no to the dog’s massive brown eyes, sparkling with adoration for his new owners. We were both overwhelmed with relief when the vet informed us that Lucky was in the clear, and only needed to take it easy so as not to disturb any more stitches.
The splendor of the Florida sunset exploded across the sky in brilliant hues of pink and gold, and the clear light bulbs strung above our heads flickered to life. It was far too romantic of a setting for a couple of friends. What a waste of a good view, I huffed to myself.
“What happens now?” I asked while licking marinara sauce from my fingers.
“You shouldn’t be alone.” Grayson tossed a piece of pepperoni at Lucky. “I think it’s best if you stay here until we know more about Ginny and your stalker.”
Remembering the uncomfortable sensations that came with sleeping in his bed and the morning after, I shifted in the chair. “I’m sure Molly will be around. She has the weekend off, too.”
He gave me a pointed look. “I thought you said she had an active social life.”
“She does. If she goes out, I’ll lock the door and keep the stun gun you gave me within reach.” Grayson didn’t look convinced, so I added, “Annnnnd I promise not to do anything stupid that would not meet your approval.”
“It’s still a better idea to stay here with me. If it really was Ron sending those—”
“I don’t want to stay here,” I blurted, holding the palms of my hands up between us. “I’m sorry, but it was super awkward sleeping in your bed. Between your scent being everywhere, including on your shirt…it was a little overwhelming.” Heat rushed into my cheeks. “Especially now that I know…you know…those things you said…about wanting to kiss me…etcetera.”
He appeared to be indifferent with my confession, dark gaze locked with mine, lips pressed tightly together. Change your mind about me, I silently pleaded with a look. For a heart-stopping moment, it seemed as if he was ready to give in. His eyes softened, and his lips parted. Perhaps for a kiss or a revelation. Then the spell broke with the buzzing of his cell phone on the glass table next to the pizza box.
“I’ll be right back,” he said dismissively, plucking his phone off the table and slipping inside the house.
Lucky whined and set his chin on my lap. I scratched behind his ear, watching seagulls play along the shore as the sun sunk behind the horizon. “I know, buddy. I feel the exact same way.”
My own phone began to buzz in my pocket.
I answered to hear Molly say, “What’s happenin’, hot stuff?”
“I’m still at Grayson’s. It’s been a crazy day, but at least we were able to bring Lucky home.”
“How is our little fighter?”
I scratched behind his ear, giggling when he thumped a hind leg against the stone. “He’s back to his old self.”
“And your hottie detective?”
“He’s not mine,” I clarified, glancing over my shoulder to ensure Grayson was still inside. “This afternoon he made it clear that nothing will ever happen between us. I need to get outta here.”
“Then my timing couldn’t be more on point. Get your cute little butt back to our place. We’re getting dressed up and goin’ out to show off your dance moves with Beckett—and Teenie! Smith said Stormbringer is on their way to play at the bar. I guess they had a cancelation somewhere else after they were all geared up to go.”
“Hallelujah!” Stormbringer was a legendary 80s cover band from the area that drew in massive crowds. “I’ll be there in ten!”
I ended the call and kissed the dog on his head. “Momma’s goin’ out!” Lucky barked happily. I grabbed the half-empty pizza box and gathered the rest of our garbage, then crept back inside with the dog on my heels. Grayson was still on the phone, listening intently to whoever was on the other end of the call.
As I finished tidying up, Grayson held up one hand, motioning for me to wait. “I appreciate the call, Ginger. This information could prove to be valuable. Yep…right…okay. I’ll be in touch.”
Excitement sparked my belly as he slipped his phone into his pocket. “Was that Ginny’s sister?”
“It was,” he confirmed. “She verified that Anton Wells, Elizabeth Wells’s father and Ginny’s maternal grandfather, lived in Destin before he passed from heart failure. Ginny was his only grandchild. They remained close even though all ties had been severed between Ginny and Elizabeth. The grandfather insisted they keep their meetings a secret so as not to upset his daughter. Ginger said Ginny was always convinced she’d inherit everything from her grandfather, including the house.” A tired look passed over his expression as he ran a hand through his hair. “Once Ginger heard Anton had died, she hired a private investigator to look into the status of his estate. She learned everything he owned had, in fact, been left to Ginny. Elizabeth had contested the will and lost. Everything was auctioned off within two months of Anton’s death for over thirty mil. No one has been able to find Ginny since. The PI told Ginger all of her bank accounts had been emptied.”
I whistled. “That’s a fat stack. It would’ve made it easy for Ginny to disappear. I’ll bet Elizabeth was piiiised. Where’s mommy dearest now?”
“The PI located her on a manifesto for a flight headed to one of the Philippine Islands around the time of the estate sale, but her trail went cold from there.”
“Did you get the address of the grandfather’s property?”
“Ginger didn’t remember the exact address, but she was able to tell me the street and the general area. She said she had only been there once in college to drop Ginny off.”
“Did Ginger say who owns the property now?”
“She didn’t know, but we could find out through public tax records. I’ll make a few calls on Monday.”
In other words, it was another dead end. At least for the time being.
“Let me know what you find out,” I said, slinging my handbag over my head. I glanced at the dog, already curled in his kennel outside of Grayson’s room, sound asleep. “Don’t forget to keep an eye on his wound, and give him his pills in the morning.”
When I took a step toward the front door, Grayson stepped in my way. “Where are you going?”
“To hang out with my friends.” My heart sped with the close proximity of his lips to mine. I took a step back and folded my arms. “Not that I need your permission, Dad, but we’re going dancing. Can you deal with it?”
“Do you really think that’s a good idea?” When I narrowed my eyes with defiance, he dropped his head back with a quiet groan. “Come on, Zo. I have every reason to be worried about you.”
“If you’re really that worried, then I guess you’ll have to come dancing with us. And I mean you have to get on the dance floor, and move your feet to the music.”
His eyebrows shot upward. “Seriously?”
“Those are the conditions.” With an exaggerated shrug, I stepped around him and continued my exit.
“Where?” he called after her.
“Beach Bummers.” I waved a hand over my head as I reached for the door handle.
“Fine!” He quickly moved in behind me, nudging me aside to open the door. I heard the jingle of keys in his other hand. “But I’m giving you a ride.”
Following him back to the truck, I felt a zing of satisfaction. Just because he wasn’t ready for a relationship with me didn’t mean I couldn’t show off my dancing skills and give him a taste of what he was missing.
Thirteen
After several hours of dancing barefoot in the sand at Beach Bummers, exhaustion made its way down to my bones. The band had played half an hour after the island’s midnight noise curfew as over half of the
locals were in attendance. Because several of the band members were old friends with Smith, they’d invited him to join them on stage to sing a few songs.
Grayson danced along with our gang a handful of times, once during a slow song with Teenie. He impressed every last one of us with his genuine attempt to keep up. He’d gone well beyond the standard middle-aged man’s moves of grinding against a partner, or pumping their fists in the air while gyrating their hips. He’d even dipped and twirled me around a few times with impeccable timing. I felt a spark of jealousy when I realized one of his exes had probably taught him those moves.
Once the band began to pack their instruments, Beckett, Molly, Grayson, and I claimed stools at the bar. Grayson had escorted Teenie home an hour prior on the Gorilla Bus. Although many of the patrons left immediately after the band’s last song, my friends and I typically stayed until well after last call. A few times we had even stayed long enough to watch the sunrise.
As Grayson guzzled a glass of water, I shamelessly watched his tattoo stretch over his broad forearm. I couldn’t help but notice the way his soft black button-down, short-sleeved with a tan bamboo print, accentuated his smooth pectoral muscles when he’d danced.
“They were awesome,” he declared, setting his empty glass on the bar top. “I haven’t danced like that in years.”
With a glossy-eyed grin, Beckett glanced up from his fresh blueberry mule. “Better take it easy on the H2O, Sinatra. Wouldn’t want you getting too crazy.”
The fact that Grayson had stuck to water all night sent a ripple of irritation through me. I knew from experience he wasn’t a teetotaler. “He’s abstaining because he thinks he has to babysit me. He doesn’t see me as an intelligent, capable woman with a college degree.” I waved a finger in front of me. “Oh no. He sees me as a curious little monkey that makes horrible decisions. He thinks it’ll one day get me murdered like that poor lady I found by the dumpster. But you guys wanna know what I think?” With a half-drunken, half-bitter snort, I held my margarita up in the air. “Carpe diem, bitches!”
