Read Online Inseverable: A Carolina Beach Novel by Cecy Robson - Free Book Online

looked your way all those times you joined him on his run. At least not around us.” She makes a funny noise so I know she’s moving something. “Did he say anything to you after the fight broke up?”
    “Only that he had to help clean up.”
    “And nothing happened?” she asks. “Nothing?”
    I flop back down on the bed. “You know if it did I’d be telling everyone who’d listen.”
    “True―Hold on. Sean, could you take this for me . . . Thanks, hon. Trin? You still there?”
    “I am.”
    “So what are you thinking?” she asks.
    I adjust the phone against me. “I don’t know. I’m hoping it’s a good sign. Last night, things sort of changed between us. Callahan didn’t have to come charging when that idiot shoved his tongue in my ear. I could handle myself—and you, and Hale, and everyone were already moving in. But not only did he swoop in and get involved, he was majorly pissed.”
    “You’re not kidding. When I looked up to check on you, he was clear across the other end of the bar. I don’t think I had the chance to blink and he was suddenly there, ready to pound that shithead to dust for getting too close to you.”
    Becks was right. Callahan had been watching out for me, something I hadn’t been expecting. And that rage he met that guy with? That there was a wolf set to pounce on his prey.
    “Did you know he fought his way through the crowd to find you?” she says, pulling me out of the memory of him leaping over the bar.
    “What? No .”
    She laughs. “Hale was trying to rip me off that slutty girl―you know the one wearing those awful orange shorts?—and when he finally did I saw Ninja Turtle go all Transformer looking for you.”
    As her best friend, I semi-interpret this to mean Callahan got mad and raced to find me. “And you didn’t tell me this why ?” I press.
    She waits. “I sort of forgot seeing how Hale was giving me the eye. I think my catfight with that tramp got him all hot or something―”
    “Becks!”
    “Hey. I’m sorry. Hale was . . . well, you know how cute he is—anyway that’s why I’m telling you now!”
    I scrunch my eyes closed. “So you think I may have a shot?”
    “You may not have lassoed him, but you sure did snag his attention.” She sighs. “Just be careful. If I didn’t think he was dangerous before, that all changed when he grabbed that monster of a man by the throat like he was nothing. Trin, he knows how to fight. . .” Her voice trails. “And judging by how he handled that asshole, he knows how to do a lot more than knock someone on his ass.”
    I’m not stupid. And I’m not as naïve as people think. But there’s something about Callahan that tells me there’s a lot more to him than brute strength.
    My voice softens. “Callahan wouldn’t hurt me,” I tell her. “I’m sure of it. But even if I’m dead wrong, you know I’d never allow anyone to mistreat me.”
    “Trin, I hear what you’re saying, and I am listening,” Becca says quietly. “But there are ways a man can hurt you that have nothing to do with his hands.”
     
     
     
    Sunday comes. Two days after the brawl at Your Mother’s. My hair is brushed to a sheen and I’m wearing my best―well, dark blue bikini top and jean shorts that is. I show up an hour earlier than usual to set up, even though I’m off today, too.
    I finish prepping, adjust the schedule per requests, clean up the office, and then spend the next twenty minutes twiddling my thumbs. There’re only so many things you can do with that whistle.
    Mason does a double-take when he sees me and finds everything done, the muscles along his stocky build bulging from his early morning workout. Unlike Sean, he tends to be more staid. Well, except around me.
    “You working today, Trin?” he asks.
    “Darlin’,” I reply. “I’m what you might call a responsible team captain. Even when I’m not working, I’m working. My heart and soul are part of this crew and this here beach. If you bleed, I