Fourteen

Mick relaxed against the wall of the booth as he watched Nicole eat her salad. He’d already filled himself eating a roast beef sandwich and French fries, and drinking most of his Coke. His focus had been on the adorable woman sitting across from him. Most women he dated picked at their food like a bird on a diet, but not Nicole. She wasn’t afraid to show him how hungry she was, and she devoured her apple pecan salad. He was grateful she didn’t make a spectacle of herself, but even if she had, he would have joined in the fun.

After her last bite, she took a sip of her iced tea and rested against the booth wall just as he’d done. Satisfaction sparkled in her eyes. It was nice to see a woman enjoying her meal for once.

“Thanks for lunch,” she said.

“Thanks for agreeing to come with me.”

She nodded. “I think we need to finish our conversation.”

“So do I.” He sipped his Coke.

Nicole sighed. “Have you thought up any crazy ideas yet about how to stop your father?”

“Here’s the thing.” He sat