He Can Fall (She Can... #4.5)(4)

Wood and glass dominated the modern, rustic lobby. Furniture was simple and sleek. A white-haired man stood behind a slim mahogany registration desk. Next to him, a little girl sat on a high stool. Around seven, she was about the same age as Sean’s youngest, and she was dressed for the cold weather in a heavy fleece pullover and leggings. Her Ugg-covered feet swung back and forth as she applied crayons to a coloring book. As Sean and Amanda crossed the lobby, the child looked up at them with wide, apprehensive eyes.

The man’s weathered face creased in a smile. He held a hand over a laptop on the desk surface. “Hi, Sean. How are you?”

Sean shook his hand and introduced Amanda.

Glenn clicked his mouse. “I’m testing my reservation system, so would you mind filling out a card?”

“Not at all.”

“Grandpa?” a small voice said.

The child peered around Glenn’s waist. He put an arm around her shoulders. “This is my granddaughter, Mia.”

“Hi, Mia.” Amanda smiled.

Mia turned her head into Glenn’s hip.

He tugged on one of the little girl’s long brown braids. “She’s shy.”

Sean filled out the registration card.

“Here are your keys.” Glenn handed them two white card keys. “Your room is up those stairs, all the way at the end of the hall. You have a great view of the lake. You’ll be well fed this weekend. I do breakfast solo, but my new husband-and-wife chef team is anxious to try out their recipes on you at lunch and dinner. Is nine o’clock all right for breakfast?”

“Nine is perfect. I’m in no rush to get out of bed,” Amanda said.

Glenn grinned. “I’ll be down here with coffee brewing by seven. If you wake up early, just dial nine, and I’ll bring up a pot.”

“Terrific.” Sean handed his wife a key. “After breakfast, I’ll start testing the system. By afternoon, I’ll be ready to go over everything with you.”

“Great. I’ll sleep better at night when it’s up and running.” Glenn looked down at his granddaughter. “Well, it’s already past Mia’s bedtime. I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Good night.” Sean nudged Amanda toward the steps.

In the second-floor hall, they passed a dozen closed doors before they stopped in front of room number six.

“You might be working this weekend, but I can’t wait to sleep in tomorrow.” Amanda put the key in the slot.

“Sleep? Who says I’m going to let you sleep?” Sean backed her into the room. He dropped the luggage at the foot of the acre-wide bed piled high with luxurious bedding. He had no interest in the rest of the decor, except to note a possible point of entry or exit: a pair of french doors that opened onto a snowy balcony. “We can sleep at home.”

“Not really,” Amanda laughed. “But don’t worry. I’ve packed a few little surprises.”

Sean’s body tightened. One of the things that kept his decade-long marriage fresh was that his wife liked to mix things up almost as much as he did.

Amanda lifted her suitcase onto the luggage rack. Sean stepped up behind her and pressed his body in close.

“I can’t wait anymore.” Sean bent over her neck. He plucked a few hairpins from her bun. Her hair tumbled down onto her shoulders. Then he nuzzled his way to her sweet spot.

She stifled a low moan and twisted out of his grasp. “Don’t get ahead. I’ve made plans.”

She went to the doors. Turning, she paused. “Why do you think Glenn insisted on such an elaborate security system?”

“Why wouldn’t he?” Sean flopped on the bed and put an arm behind his head. “Can’t be too safe.”

“There’s nothing out there for miles.” She closed the blinds.

“Crime isn’t limited to the city, you know.”

“I know, but it still seems odd.”

“Not to me.”

Amanda rolled her eyes. “You are the most paranoid man on the planet.”

“Not paranoid, prepared,” he corrected. “It’s my job to protect my family. I take that responsibility very seriously, and Glenn has his reasons for heightened security.”

Amanda swiveled her head to face him.

“Mia.” He answered her silent question. “Glenn was very up front when we first met to discuss his security needs. Glenn and his wife were estranged. He barely knew his daughter, but two years ago Social Services called to tell him his daughter had overdosed and left a child behind. Mia’s father is serving seven to ten for armed robbery. He’s up for parole this spring. Glenn has no idea if he’s interested in Mia, but he doesn’t want to take any chances.”

“I don’t blame him.” Amanda stopped rooting through her bag. “That poor little thing.”

“She’s fine. Glenn has raised her for the past two years, and she’s only seven. She probably doesn’t remember her parents that well.”

“Still…” Amanda’s mouth fell into a frown. “There’s no chance he’ll try to get custody?”

“Considering he used Mia as a lookout while he robbed a convenience store, I doubt that’ll be possible. Glenn isn’t worried about legal proceedings.”

“Oh no. Does he think Mia will be in danger?”