Page 27 of Lowering His Guard

“Technically not alone. There was plenty of wildlife around.”

I don’t want to imagine the pint-sized surfer all alone in the Pacific. Was she injured from her wipeout? How did she survive?

“No more surfing in the Pacific alone,” I order.

She barks out a laugh. “You’re cute.”

No one has ever called me cute before. Not even as a baby. I was nearly ten pounds at birth. There was nothing cute about me.

“Not cute.”

“Ah. Lean over so I can pinch your cheeks.”

“You want me to…” I trail off with a shake of my head. “How am I cute when you can’t even reach me?”

“I could if I wanted to.”

Jace laughs. “You’re tiny. Even I’m a half a foot taller than you.”

She narrows her eyes at him. “You are no longer my favorite student.”

He grins. “Ah, I’m your favorite.”

She wags a finger at him. “Not anymore.”

My stomach rumbles again. “Come on.” May claps her hands. “We need to go feed the alien in your dad’s stomach before it attempts to escape. If you enjoy Chinese food, I know the perfect place. But I might be biased.” She winks.

I herd everyone toward my SUV. I open May’s door and lift her up into the seat. She needs the help. But I enjoy it, too. She weighs nothing in my hands. I could easily pick her up and press her against the nearest wall and…

I force those thoughts away. I absolutely should not want this woman who thinks shoes are optional. They’re not.

May directs me to the town of Smuggler’s Rest. “Pull in here,” she says when we arrive at a restaurant.

“Wok the Plank. Cool name,” Jace says.

“Wait until you taste the food. It’ll calm the alien in Brock’s stomach.”

She’s adorable. I don’t care about her making fun of me. But still, I grumble, “Not an alien.”

She pats my thigh. “It’s okay. You don’t have to be embarrassed with me.”

I enjoy the feel of her hand on me for a moment before opening my door and getting out. By the time I reach the passenger side, May has her door open.

“Cowabunga!” she shouts before jumping. I rush to catch her.

She pushes on my shoulders. “Dude, I had it.”

“Sure, you did, pint-sized.”

I allow myself a moment to enjoy the feel of her in my arms. She’s small but she’s not soft. She has delicate curves and strong muscles. Unexpected. This tiny woman is strong.

She taps my shoulder. “You gonna let me down anytime soon, big guy?”

Shit. I’m frozen in the parking lot of the restaurant. I clear my throat and set her on her feet.

“Thanks, dude.” She charges toward the door. “Let’s eat!”

Jace races past her. “I win!”