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“The doc? Yeah,I got that.” He glanced over at her in concern.
“You could havetold her that we’re involved. Why didn’t you?”
“She’s adoctor, and she likes you.” She glanced over with a smile. “Idon’t want you to put your life on hold for me.”
“I never toldyou I was ready to get out there.”
“Where are wegoing?”
“To ShellShack. Remember Brian?”
“Of course. Youwere cops together. I remember he got shot and almost died.”
“Hence thedecision to get the hell out and do something that wouldn’t puthim in the line of fire.”
“So heopened a restaurant?”
“It’s notthe same as the fancy deal you’re managing, but it’srustic and has its charm. They also serve the best conch soup I’veever tasted.” He swung off the main road and made it onto anarrow dirt road.
“It’s outof the way. How does anyone find the place?”
Caleb grinned. “Wordof mouth. It’s mostly used by cops. You’d be surprised atthe amount of traffic coming and going.”
He pulled into theparking lot of what was indeed a shack, complete with a thatch roof,a balcony surrounding the building, and chairs placed randomlyoutside. Even though it was cold, several men were lounging around,slurping soup and shooting the breeze.
They received curiouslooks and waves as they made their way inside.
“My friend!”Brian, a towering six foot four inches of pure muscle, steppedforward, a soiled green apron tied around his waist. “When Iheard you were back, I wondered when you’d drag your tired assout to see me.”
He grinned atChantelle and pulled her in for a hug. “You brought thebeautiful Chantelle! Darling, you brighten up the place.” Hisdark brown eyes twinkled. “Let me escort you to a table. Wehave some rather delicious soup and bottles of beer.”
“Soup for bothof us and the beer for me. Good to see you, Bri.” Caleb clappedhim on the shoulder.
“Evenbetter to see you.” He gazed at Chantelle as she looked around.“I’ve seen you featured in the magazines managing somefancy restaurants. This place isn’t up to that kind ofstandard.”
“I happen tothink it’s quite charming and cozy. Something smellsdelicious.”
He beamed at her. “Iwon’t keep you waiting. Grub is coming right up.”
Caleb seated her andpushed in her chair before taking his seat. “I’m not madeof glass.”
“What does thatmean?”
“It meansyou’re treating me as if I’m about to break.” Shetold him wryly. “I’m fine.”
“I know that.”
“Do you?”
He shrugged ashoulder. “You’re my best friend, and you’re upset.What am I supposed to do?”
“Just know thatI’m going to be fine. It’s going to take some gettingused to.”
“In themeantime, I’m here. So shut up and accept that fact.” Hesmiled at the busty woman who came forward with their meal. “Hey,Gertrude. When are you going to leave that man of yours and come hookup with me?”
She rolled her eyesat him. “When hell freezes over. I happen to be in love withthe guy, and you’re way too pretty for me.”
“Ahh.”Grabbing her hand as she put down the tray, he kissed it lavishly.
