Page 181 of Contentious

“Yes, she is.”

“I’m glad you’ve come to realize that.”

“Honestly, I figured she had to be if Jules was crazy about her.”

“He’s no fool.”

“No, he isn’t. I’ll open the garage door for Isla.”

She arrived a short time later and came in through the door to the kitchen, pulling a suitcase and carrying a cooler bag.

“You’re the best,” Cresley said when she greeted her. “I so appreciate everything you’ve done for us.”

“I wish none of it was necessary, but I’m happy to help, and I’m sorry about the latest crap. I hope you’re hanging in there.”

“I’m keeping my distance and letting the experts earn their keep.”

“That sounds like a good plan. I’ve got two more bags in the car. Be right back.”

Cresley followed her outside to help with the bags and was surprised to see a news vehicle parked on the street in front of the house. She turned right around and went back inside. “Reporters out there.”

“Crap,” Carson said. “Well, they can’t get through the gates without the code, so you’re safe here.”

“Until the drones show up.”

“We’ll sit outside and wave to them so everyone will know we don’t care what’s being said.”

“I hate feeling trapped like this. I can’t go to my house because of them, and now your house will be surrounded, too. It’s insanity.”

Isla brought the other two bags inside. “I assume you saw the news truck. That wasn’t there when I arrived.”

“I did, which is why I came back in. Thank you for bringing our stuff. Ty will be happy to have his toys.”

“How are you feeling today, Carson?” Isla asked.

“Better, thanks.”

“Glad to hear it. Well, I’d better get back to relieve Mrs. Ventura with the kiddos.”

“Do you want to bring them over to swim this afternoon?” Carson asked.

“Oh, they’d love that, but we don’t want to intrude.”

“You’re not,” he said. “I’m sure Ty would love to have some kids to play with. Right, Cres?”

“He would. Please. Bring them over, Isla, and your Mrs. Ventura, too, if she’d like to swim.”

“I’m trying to picture her in a bathing suit,” Isla said with a laugh. “We’ll come by after lunch. Thanks for the invite.”

“Our pleasure,” Carson said. “Thank you for all your help with everything. It’s very much appreciated.”

“I’m glad I could do something. Julian has been so upset, not that he’d want me to tell you that.”

“Believe me, I know. He’s been hovering like a mother hen.”

“I dare you to say that to him,” she said with a laugh. “And if I could be there when you do, that’d be even better.”

Carson laughed. “I’ll save it for when you’re around.”