“I’m sure the kids will thank you once they catch up with their friends.”
He smiled. “Hey, I was a teenager once, too. I know the priority. Don’t worry about it.”
“I worry about them being polite and they should have thanked you.”
“They did. Anya thanked me when we went to get the hot dogs, and Leo did when we were talking stats before the game.”
“They did?”
He moved into her, slipping his arms around her waist. “Yeah, so quit worrying.”
“It’s my job to worry. I have to make sure I’m not raising assholes. There’s already too many of those out there.”
He swept his knuckles against her cheek, the action gentle and calming. “Yeah, I know. But Leo and Anya aren’t assholes. They’re awesome, so take the night off from being the anxious parent, okay?”
She sighed. “Okay.”
“Good.”
Anya came in from outside, her face buried in her phone as she was deep in conversation with a friend.
“Uh, hang on a sec, Leah.” She tucked the phone in her neck, went to the fridge and grabbed a bottled water, then made her way over to Kat and kissed her on the cheek. “Heading up to my room for the night. Oh, and thanks again for the game, Grant. I had fun.”
“Me, too. Good night, Anya.”
She waved her hand above her head as she disappeared up the stairs.
Grant looked at her. “See?”
Katrina exhaled. “I guess you’re right.”
“Of course I am. Now, how about some wine?”
“I’d rather have beer. It’s so hot tonight.”
“Works for me.” He went to the fridge and pulled out two cans of beer, handing one to her. “Now you can really relax, right?”
“Yes.” He was right. She had to let it go. At least for tonight, anyway.
She started to pull up a seat at the kitchen island, but he shook his head.
“Come with me.”
She expected him to take her upstairs, but he surprised her when he led her out back.
“Stop here, first. It’s summer, and I don’t want you bitten up by mosquitos.”
She arched a brow. “Where, exactly, are we going?”
“You’ll see.”
He pulled a bottle out of one of the cabinets. “This stuff doesn’t stink, but it’ll keep the bugs from biting.”
“Good to know.” She stood still while he sprayed the exposed parts of her body, then did his own. He took her hand and they walked outside.
She thought they were going to sit by the pool, but he surprised her by walking around it and heading toward the wooded area behind it.
“Kind of dark back there at night.”
He squeezed her hand. “Yeah, but I know where I’m going.”
“You do? And where might that be? Don’t forget I read crime thrillers.”
He laughed. “Trust me.”
“Oh, sure. That’s what every serial killer says. Right before he chops the poor victim up in small pieces.”
“Damn. And I forgot my knife. I’m doing this all wrong.”
She slid a glare at him, though it was ineffective in the darkness. “So not funny.”
Then he gave her an evil laugh, and she was even less amused. She tried to pull her hand away, but he put his arm around her. “I promise I have only good intentions—mostly.”
She didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. But since she was already in the woods with him, she supposed she’d go along for the ride—or walk.
Besides, she was alone in the dark with a very attractive man.
Somehow she got the idea he had more in mind than just a walk.
That she was very interested in. And like her favorite books, she couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next.
TWENTY-THREE
GRANT DIDN’T INTEND ON SCARING KATRINA, BUT HE could tell she took every step cautiously, as if she didn’t quite trust his intentions. He didn’t know whether to laugh or be insulted by that.
So he took his time leading her into the woods to the cabin by the pond.
“This is where you bring your victims, right?” she asked.
He turned to face her, unsure if she was really that scared. But then he caught the upturned corners of her mouth. Relief washed over him. For some reason it was important that she trust him.
“This is where I bring you. Only you. And sometimes where I go fishing. It was a big highlight of the property when I bought it.”
He led her along the path. He knew it well enough he could see it in the dark, but he still took his time, pointing out fallen limbs and rocks so Katrina wouldn’t trip over anything. When they got through to the clearing, he led her to the edge of the pond. There was just a sliver of moon tonight, enough for her to see the water.
“It’s beautiful here,” she said, her voice lowered to a whisper.
“Yeah. It’s a nice peaceful place to get away on my own and do some thinking.”
She tilted her head as she looked at him. “Do you have a lot to think about?”