Carol Ross - Keeping Her Close

Jay waved off the thanks. “I have an old Coast Guard buddy who works for Dahlia. I’ve heard the pay is outstanding.”

Mia let out a quiet sigh.

Kyle nodded at Jay. “It is.”

“What’s outstanding pay?” Lanie, Jay’s sixteen-year-old sister, strolled into the room.

“Kyle’s new job with Dahlia International.” This came from Levi who, enviably, had finished his omelet and moved on to a bowl of fruit.

“What is that, like a florist?” Laney gave Kyle a doubtful frown. “Retiring from the military is one thing. Taking up flower arranging is altogether another. That’s a total waste of your soldiering skills, Uncle Kyle.”

Kyle laughed. Soon after meeting him, Laney had started calling him “Uncle Kyle,” declaring that she’d always wanted a “cool uncle.” Kyle had no idea how he’d passed the cool test with these teens, but he already adored them both.

Levi chuckled and answered, “Dahlia International is not a florist, Lanes. It’s the fourth largest military security and intelligence contractor in the world. Kyle will be working security detail.”

In the short time, Kyle had been in Pacific Cove he’d been continually amazed by Levi’s maturity and intellect. Studious, thoughtful, responsible, he reminded Kyle of Mia when they were growing up. He even wanted to be a veterinarian.

Hands on hips, Laney gave Kyle the stare-down. “So that means you’ll still be in combat-type situations, right?”

Kyle tried not to smile. Laney, on the other hand, was more like him: confident, adventurous, athletic, but also fearless in a way that might border on reckless if not kept in check. She’d quizzed him relentlessly about his life as a SEAL. No matter how much he downplayed combat and tried not to glamorize it, Laney remained fascinated. Just like he’d been by his dad and all things military.

“Not as much,” he answered carefully.

“I still wish you’d teach me how to handle a firearm. Jay’s not comfortable doing it.”

Mia’s frown deepened. Laney’s interest in military life, and with him, seemed to irritate Mia.

Laney often talked about joining the military or law enforcement, with the FBI or CIA as her ultimate goal. Kyle thought with the years of life experience college would bring, she’d be an excellent candidate for the profession.

“That’s because a professional instructor would be best. There are classes you can take.”

“Yes! A class is a great idea.”

Mia went wide-eyed and pinned a glare on Kyle.

Yep, it was entirely possible he’d worn out his welcome. The timing seemed right to get out of Mia’s hair, not to mention that it would be nice to have his own space at Harper’s, even if it was only temporary.

“Hey, Annie Oakley,” Nora said, stepping out of the kitchen and grinning at Laney. “You want pepitas in your omelet?”

And ham. Unlimited access to bacon and ham would also be a bonus.

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