Page 78 of Fly's Path

“You’re going to look so sexy with some gray around your temples.”

“Woman, answer the question.”

“You’re way too stressed about a party.”

“Keeping you safe is my reason for living. Now give me all the details so that I can start making some calls and finding men with guns that I trust to protect you and your silly friends.”

Fair. We were silly then, and we were definitely silly today at lunch.

“You don’t need to do that…Well, you sort of do, but I’ll make the calls. We’re inviting all your friends to join the party as well.”

Maverick has friends?

“Payne can’t come. He’s busy trying to find Immie.”

“That man is almost as stubborn as you are. She isn’t lost. She just needed some space.”

“And he needs to know where she is every second of the day to make sure she’s safe.”

That’s beyond sweet…and just a tiny bit stalkerish.

Dahlia rolls her eyes. “She’s checked in several times. Immie is just fine. She had some things to take care of, and then she’ll be back. He needs to understand that.”

Maverick shakes his head. “Neither you nor she will win this one, Dahl. Payne protects what’s his. Just like I protect what’s mine. Which is why I need you to tell me if any of you plan on sneaking out of Winnie’s house during this party.”

“I’m insulted that you would think we would sneak.”

Why sneak when we can just walk out? Though that probably isn’t the answer he’s looking for.

“When you and your friends get together, trouble just kind of happens.”

We actually work kind of hard at it, but I don’t think he wants to hear that.

Instead of getting any more involved in their conversation, I pull out my phone to see how Fly responded to my message earlier.

Fly

Dark or milk chocolate.

Sheri

Milk, and I’m surprised there was no laughter.

Fly

There’s nothing funny about building strong bones while you get your chocolate fix. With or without cookies?

Sheri

Well, if there are cookies…

Fly

Aren’t there always cookies?

For people who own mansions, there probably always are.

Sheri