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"I'm sorry we're late." He turned to D.J. with a smile, beckoning her once again. |
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Something, perhaps the way the beautiful vision ignored her, made D.J. step forward and clasp McCall's fingers as though she had every right to touch him. He gave her a startled glance but didn't pull away. He drew her up next to him for an introduction. "D.J., this is Cindy, the owner of the castle. I teach a safety and awareness class for the preschoolers on Tuesday mornings, with a little karate thrown in." |
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McCall smiled at her skepticism. Cindy jumped in and answered her question. "Christian has a black belt. He's been studying since he was young." |
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McCall went on with the introductions. "Cindy, I'd like you to meet Officer Halloran of the Lake-view Police Department." |
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Cindy turned to D.J. with more interest, though her gaze kept coming back to rest on D.J.'s hand enveloped in McCall's. |
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"She's helping me with the research for my next book, and I asked her to come along today. I thought the children might like to meet an honest-to-goodness policewoman." |
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"How thoughtful of you," Cindy cooed. "They'll be thrilled." She opened the door and motioned for D.J. and McCall to follow her. |
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As soon as the woman turned away, D.J. pulled her fingers out of McCall's grasp. He ignored her and walked inside, leaving D.J. no choice but to join him or be left alone on the doorstep. With a longing glance back at the motorcycle, which didn't look |
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