Page 71 of Lowering His Guard

“What’s your plan?”

“Easy. You knock on the front door and ask for directions. Everyone on Smuggler’s Hideaway knows the Seals are staying on the island for the summer. When he realizes there’s a giant at his door, he’ll figure you’re a player and be starstruck.”

He rolls his eyes, but I continue.

“While you’re charming the owner, I’ll sneak in the back door, steal Plank, plant my calling card, and return to your SUV. You meet me there. Easy peasy. Mermaid squeezy.”

“Too simple.”

“Do you have a better idea?”

He merely stares at me.

“My idea wins.” I shove him toward the house. I’d have better luck pushing a wall over. “Go. See you later.”

He hesitates for a moment before leaning over and pressing his lips to mine in a brief, hard kiss. “Do not get hurt, pint-sized.”

He stalks off and I’m frozen by surprise from the kiss. When he disappears, I shake my head to clear the cobwebs his brief kiss created. Imagine the chaos he could create if he took his time kissing my lips and other places.

The flickering flame of hope grows. I ignore it. I have things to do.

I tiptoe through the backyard of the house until I’m at the door. I peek inside. Yes! Plank is right there. Sitting in a cage on the table.

The doorbell rings and I place my hand on the door handle. I wait until I hear the front door open before pushing the door open and stepping inside. Plank glances my way but he doesn’t shout. I’m sure he will, but not yet.

“I’m a little lost,” Brock says at the front door in a loud voice.

Don’t oversell it, Brock. Be natural.

“You’re Brock Porter!”

Yes! The owner knows who he is. Let the starstruck begin!

I tiptoe to the table. The parrot is quiet until I grab the cage.

“Stop! Police!”

I take off. I sprint out the door through the backyard. Once I hit the path, I race toward where Brock’s vehicle is waiting. My flip-flops clip clop on the path, but I don’t slow down.

“Stop! Police!” Plank continues to shout as I run.

I ignore him. I can’t stop now. No one’s managed to steal him for years. My bragging rights will be legendary. I will be legendary.

“Wait!”

Shit. Plank doesn’t shout wait. Someone’s chasing me.

I glance back over my shoulder. Brock is racing after me. “Wait!”

Wait. Why would I wait? We need to—

I stub my toe on a branch, lose my balance, and fly through the air. I close my eyes. I don’t want to watch the ground coming nearer and nearer before I hit it.

But I don’t hit the ground. Brock cradles me in his arms and rolls to cushion my fall.

I land on top of him on the sand. He sets Plank’s cage on the ground next to us. I didn’t even realize he’d grabbed the cage.

“Are you okay, pint-sized?” He brushes the hair out of my eyes.