Page 57

He stared at her. Rissa rarely forgot anything involving her social life, and she always kept him apprised of where she'd be. Growing up as the sheriff's daughter, she knew the drill.

“My stuff’s already in the truck,” she added, opening the driver’s door.

Of course it was.

“So you remembered to pack an overnight bag but forgot to tell me you weren’t coming home.”

She shrugged. “Apparently.”

Amanda made a sound beside him that might have been a smothered laugh.

Grady glared at her, then turned back to his daughter. “Anything else you forgot to mention?”

“Nope. That should cover it.” She tossed her keys from one hand to the other. “Besides, I figured you wouldn’t mind having the house to yourself tonight.”

Jesus Christ.

“Rissa.”

“What?” Her expression remained perfectly innocent. “You’re always saying you never get the house to yourself.”

He had never said any such damn thing, and the little brat knew it. Worse, the glance she'd given Amanda made it clear why she'd suddenly decided today to care about his lack of privacy.

Beside him, Amanda turned away, but her shaking shoulders confirmed she was enjoying every second of his discomfort.

“You're having way too much fun with this,” he muttered.

She took a moment to compose herself before facing him again. “I have no idea what you're talking about.”

Liar.

His daughter had apparently decided he needed help with his love life, and Amanda seemed perfectly content to let her. He wasn't sure which one was more dangerous.

Rissa’s phone chimed, cutting off whatever response he might have made. She pulled it out and glanced at the screen. “Kelly Ann and Claire are ready for me to pick them up, so I’m going to head out.”

Years of being both her father and the county sheriff had made the next words automatic. “Text me when you get to Hailey’s, and if your plans change, let me know.”

“I will.” She slipped her phone into her pocket, then caught his look. “And I’ll keep my phone charged.”

At least he'd taught her something.

He pointed a finger at her. “And don't think I don't know what you're doing.”

For once, Rissa had the good sense not to pretend ignorance. The grin that appeared on her face told him she wasn't remotely sorry, though. She stepped forward and kissed his cheek. “Love you.”

“Yeah, yeah. Love you too.”

Then she hugged Amanda. “Thanks for coming today.”

“Thanks for inviting me.”

Something passed between them when they pulled apart—a smile that had Grady wondering exactly when his daughter and Amanda had become co-conspirators.

Wonderful. He was outnumbered.

Rissa climbed into her truck, and they waited until she pulled out of the parking area before heading toward his SUV.

“I apologize for my child.”