“Something happened,” Cooper confirmed.
Hannah’s attention was still on Lindsey. “Why don’t you want to know me?” She felt inexplicably hurt and she couldn’t explain it.
“Because you stole my boyfriend,” Lindsey replied, a cheeky grin appearing. “I’m crushed beyond belief. I mean ... you broke my heart by stealing my man.”
Hannah pressed her lips together, amused despite the serious nature of the situation. “Oh.”
On the sidewalk next to Hannah, Cooper shifted from one foot to the other, uncomfortable. “I wasn’t her boyfriend.”
“Lindsey only wishes,” Boone supplied. “She’s become ... obsessed ... ever since she first met him.”
“I was thirteen,” Lindsey explained, using her hip to wedge herself between Hannah and Cooper and snaking her arm through Hannah’s so she could lead her to the house. “Dad brought him home because they were working on some case together ... and it was tragic how fast I fell in love with him. Alas, he never looked at me the same way. Apparently he was saving it all for you.”
Boone flicked his daughter’s ear as the teenager moved past him, mischief practically stamped across her forehead. “What girl your age says ‘alas’? I mean ... can’t you act normal? You’re embarrassing.”
Lindsey’s eyes lit up at the admonishment. “We have that in common since you embarrass me every single day when you drop me off at school.”
“It’s a father’s job to embarrass his offspring,” Boone argued as he followed his daughter into the house, holding the door open so Cooper could bring up the rear. “Kids aren’t supposed to embarrass their parents.”
“Get with the program,” Lindsey trilled. “It’s a brave new world, Daddy-o. You’re going to have to get used to it. I’m a strong woman and I don’t follow trends.”
“I know.” Boone rolled his eyes, making Hannah smile. He reminded her of her father, who also claimed embarrassment over her antics when she was the same age. “You set trends. I’ve got it.”
“And don’t you forget it.” Lindsey winked at her father and then dragged Hannah to the kitchen. “Come on. I’ll get you some tea. You look pale. Then you can tell me all about Cooper and how he looks naked. I’ve seen him with his shirt off when he’s been over here helping Dad with yard work, but I’m betting you’ve seen more ... and it’s probably glorious.”
Hannah’s cheeks colored with mortification. “I ... .”
“Leave her alone, Lindsey,” Boone admonished, although not without a fond smile. “She’s not telling you anything about her time with Cooper.”
“You don’t know,” Lindsey fired back. “She might want to tell me. Right?” Her gaze was imploring and Hannah felt like she should throw her a bone.
“He snores when he’s really tired and occasionally jerks his feet like a dog having a dream about a bone,” Hannah offered.
“Ha!” Lindsey clapped her hands, delighted. “That’s not exactly what I’m looking for, but I’ll take it.” She slid her eyes to Cooper. “I can’t believe you snore. That’s so ... disappointing.”
Cooper rolled his eyes. He was used to Lindsey’s gregarious nature and was unfazed by her attitude. “You’ll live.” He put his hand to Hannah’s back and directed her toward the table. “I know this is going to go over like a lead balloon, but it’s probably best if you go upstairs and do your homework or something. Hannah and I need to talk to your father. Alone.”
If Lindsey was bothered by Cooper’s pointed declaration, she didn’t show it. “I’m good.”
“No, you’re not,” Boone countered. “I happen to know you have an English paper due tomorrow and you’re only halfway done.”
Lindsey’s lower lip jutted out. “But ... we have guests.”
“And you’ll see them again.” Boone was firm. “You need to do your homework. I’m guessing that if Cooper and Hannah felt the need to stop here at this time of day that this is a work visit, which means you don’t have a place in this particular conversation.”
Hannah didn’t miss the momentary flash of hurt in Lindsey’s eyes and she felt the need to reach out to the girl. “I’m sorry,” she offered ruefully. “It’s just one of those things that has to be kept secret.”
“It’s not your fault,” Lindsey replied breezily, recovering quickly. “I bet if it was just you, I would already know. You look like a giver. These two, though ... .” She flicked her finger between her father and Cooper, offering each a dark look. “I’m not going to forget this. I hope you know that.”
“We’ve been duly informed,” Boone reassured her. “Now ... go.”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah.” Lindsey offered up a small wave for Hannah’s benefit before blowing a hilarious kiss in Cooper’s direction. She stomped her feet as she disappeared down the hallway toward her room.
“So, something weird happened at the lake restaurant,” Cooper started.
Boone held up a finger to silence him. “One second.” He cocked his head, listening, and then sighed. “Stop eavesdropping, Lindsey, and get your behind in that room. If I catch you listening, I’m taking your phone away for a week.”
Hannah’s eyebrows hopped when she heard a distinctly teenage protest. “Ugh. You’re zero fun.”
The next sound that filled the house was a slamming door. Still not satisfied, Boone moved so he could see the hallway in question and then bobbed his head. “Sorry. I guarantee I don’t want her hearing this, though. She’ll spread it all around town if she gets the chance.”
Hannah was amused despite herself. “I like her. She’s ... fun.”
“Of course you like her. She’s like you.” Boone smiled to let Hannah know he was kidding and then focused on Cooper. “This must be bad for you to come to the house like this. I’m almost terrified to ask but ... what is it?”
Cooper was clinical when he told the story, laying everything out in intricate detail. When he was finished, Boone was utterly flabbergasted ... and animated.
“What the ... ?” He let loose
