He lifted their hands and she locked her small finger with his and waved their hands up and down in a handshake. "It's a deal."
Lying to herself, she repeated that she was an adult and one day she'd get over her crush on John. The thought didn't ring true, but there was nothing else to do without possibly putting her family in danger.
Chapter Fifteen
John's five o'clock shadow tickled his face as he started the car toward her family farm. He should have shaved this morning. He grimaced as he realized his Mercedes wouldn't like the dirt roads, but he kept that to himself. If he had his car in Atlanta, he'd have his shaving kit with him.
Alice sang along to the radio, and his heart grew lighter. Twenty-four hours with most women was torture, but Alice was unlike every other woman he'd met.
She wasn't needy and was generally happy.
The song changed and she adjusted herself in the seat. "My mother will want to hug me, and I'll grab a few personal things. Try not to speak to her if possible, but don't be rude. I won't leave you alone with her for too long."
Her big blue eyes implored him as he turned down a side street. He'd do what he could to ensure that her mother approved. "I can handle your mother."
She shrugged, but then bounced in the seat to the new song. "You have no idea what you're saying. We'll be fast."
Unlike most people he met, Alice clearly loved her family and worried about them. He drove along a paved road bearing a sign for her family farm. "I can bring down major criminals. Your mother won't be a problem."
"My mother is dramatic and over the top. Just remember her opinions have never been mine or Colt's."
He smiled. Colt had been the star of the high school football team. "Your brother was the quarterback of the team."
She nodded. "And you were a lineman. We were at your games. My mom, in time, will remember that about you. She isn't always a hater."
"Hater?" He faced her as his jaw ticked. Hate wasn't something easily brushed aside. His gaze narrowed. "How?"
She closed her eyes as if carefully choosing her words. "She resents your family. Told me to kick over your father's casket at the funeral."
A laugh escaped his lips and then he turned onto a dirt road toward her farm. "I'd have kissed you if you had."
Her cheeks turned red, as if she was embarrassed. "Stop. That's not helping."
He reached out with one hand and squeezed her arm. "Your mother will like me."
Her pretty mouth parted and she shook her head. "You're part of the House of Morgan."
"That's the stupid way we were taught to say family."
Alice sat up straight in the leather seat. "It's intimidating."
He clutched the wheel tighter. "Just imagine if your father drilled it in your head."
"That would have sucked."
John nodded at the white house with blue trim in the distance as the Mercedes bounced along the dirt road. Debris flew in the air behind them. "Doesn't matter. Is this your place?"
She scooted forward. "Yeah, this is the local base of the Collins Organic Farm. Our orange trees are up north."
He replayed all the houses of all the people he arrested in his mind as he sniffed the orange scented air. He had never arrested anyone on a farm. The few plantation style homes in the South he'd been on didn't grow anything. John parked the Mercedes behind a pickup truck. Alice frowned. "Colt's truck is gone."
They had been teammates but Colt had never been his friend. John remembered her brother as a good leader. He also remembered the brown-haired, brown-eyed intensity Colt had used to intimidate the other team. "Does this mean your brother is back from the Marines?"
She opened the car door and got out. "He was due back. Let's go see."
Alice eased as she spoke about Colt. Her family might like to know his intentions. John's plan became more tangible and palatable. He'd reassure them that he'd keep her safe. Clouds gathered in Alice's eyes. He reached over to touch her shoulder. "Alice, don't forget—you are going home with me as you promised."
She turned on her heel and didn't smile at him as she stepped onto her patio. Her hair blew in the warm breeze, making her even prettier as she called over her shoulder, "Let's go, John."
He followed the sway of her hips. "Other than my family, you're the only person who calls me that."
She blinked as if he'd said something stupid. "It's your name."
He caught her elbow to stop her. "Morgan is the label. Take my hand."
She let him lead her as her other hand fell to her side. "My mother—"
He squeezed her arm. "Is not your keeper anymore, Alice."
Her small hand slipped into his, and her face flushed. Without another word, she turned and guided him into her house. At the door she called out, "Mom, we're here."
Her hand stayed in his and she didn't let go. John gazed around the empty farmhouse, saw how spacious and warm the empty walls felt. Outlines remained where pictures had recently hung. The windows still held yellow curtains, though most of the house was packed into piles of boxes along the walls.
He had never been here to see what her home looked like before, but his mind noted the difference between a real home and a show house.
A moment later, an older lady with Alice's nose and profile walked in the room. She stopped and placed a hand on her hip. "We?"
Alice's face paled, but she eyed her mother. "Yeah, we. John brought me home."
Her mother's arms crossed. "You have the SUV."
John stepped forward. Alice looked weather-beaten. "She does, ma'am."
"I'm Mrs. Collins to you." Her mother shook her head. "Don't pretend to have manners. It's doubtful anyone in your family taught you any."
Manners ensured that his father made a business deal. He bowed but stayed next to Alice. "True."
"Mom, your name is Ellie, and that was so rude." Alice's voice shook.
Ellie Collins tapped her foot on the floor. "And don't pretend to agree with me."
Alice had been one hundred percent correct in her description of her feisty mom.
"Mom, where are both trucks?"
John turned toward her with a grateful smile. She'd changed the course of the conversation.
Her mother fisted her hands on her hips and looked out the picture window. "Your father will be here shortly. He went to the doctor. Colt took Clara north to check on the orange crops."
"Colt made it home?"
"Yes. He flew in yesterday, as he knew how worried we were about you."
"Was Clara glad to see him?"
"Of course."
Alice smiled, dropped his hand, and took a step forward. "Great. I'll just go pack a few things, so we can get going."
"We?" Her mother practically jumped in her way. "Pack? This is your home."
Alice walked around her. "Yeah. We're moving anyhow, so I'm staying with John for the next few days."
Her mother made the sign of the cross even though she was never religious. "Excuse me."
Alice's hands clenched and she met her mother's gaze head-on. "Did something happen to your hearing?"
She didn't need to get defensive. John coughed. "Mrs. Collins, I need to make sure Alice is safe."