Hidden Hideaways Read Online Free Page A

prepared a plate filled with slices of French toast.
    “I still think it was a little over the top,” Suzie shook her head.
    “Suzie,” Mary said as she picked up the plate. “You have to admit, it must have felt wonderful to have a man come to your defense that way.”
    “Maybe just a little,” Suzie replied as she tried to hide her smile.
    “Paul is still nervous,” Mary added. “So, he went a little overboard, it didn't seem like Trent minded.”
    “I know, but I can fight my own battles,” Suzie pointed out. She carried the two cups of coffee instead of placing them on a tray. Mary picked up the fresh cream.
    “Yes, of course you can,” Mary agreed with a soft sigh. “But it is nice when you don't always have to fight them on your own.”
    Suzie smiled sympathetically. She knew that Mary had often had to battle through things on her own.
    “Maybe I'm being a little too sensitive,” she agreed. But she still felt very unsettled. Trent's presence had her on edge, but Paul's behavior had made her even more confused. As they walked back into the dining room they were greeted by uproarious laughter from the group of men. It seemed as if the disturbance from a few moments before had been forgotten. Suzie and Mary sat down at the table with the others, and joined into the conversation.
    “It isn't easy being a rookie,” Jason said, red-faced. “How was I supposed to know that he was a mime?”
    “The not talking didn't give you a hint?” Kirk joked lightly.
    “It seemed like non-compliance to me,” Jason chuckled.
    Suzie smiled at her young cousin. She knew he tried hard to be the best police officer he could be.
    “Did you restrain him in an invisible box?” she asked, drawing more laughter from the group.
    “Let's just say that he had a little difficulty once the handcuffs were on,” Jason laughed.
    “Well, luckily for me I have a seasoned officer to protect me from those pitfalls,” Kirk volunteered with a grin.
    “It's always good to have someone experienced to learn from,” Paul agreed and cast a short glance in Trent's direction.
    “True,” Trent offered, though he was busy preparing his coffee. He still seemed detached from the rest of the conversation.
    Jason and Kirk polished off their coffee and breakfast quickly.
    “Time to be on the lookout for those dangerous mimes,” Kirk quipped as he stood up from his chair.
    “Ha ha,” Jason retorted with a grin.
    “It was a pleasure to meet you, Kirk,” Suzie said. “I'm sure we'll be seeing plenty more of you.”
    “I hope so,” Kirk said. “That French toast was delicious. Thank you, both.”
    “Anytime,” Mary smiled.
    As Jason and Kirk left, Paul locked eyes with Suzie. “Do you have a moment before we set sail?” he asked.
    “Of course,” Suzie nodded.
    “I'll just take these to the kitchen,” Mary said as she began clearing the plates. Amazingly Trent stood up and began gathering the coffee cups. Once the two had disappeared into the kitchen, Paul walked over to Suzie's chair.
    “I'm sorry if I was a little out of bounds,” he said swiftly. “I just couldn't stand him talking to you that way.”
    “I understand,” Suzie smiled. “But you can't do that to all of our unruly patrons.”
    “I know,” he agreed. “Trent just has a way of pushing my buttons. I hope the trip goes smoothly.”
    Suzie was a little surprised by his comment. She wondered if he felt the same uneasiness about Trent that she did.
    “Just be careful, okay?” she asked as she looked into his eyes.
    “Always,” he replied and kissed her gently. “I'll be back soon,” he promised.
    After Trent and Paul left, Suzie walked back into the kitchen to wash the dishes.
    “Looks like Paul really knocked some sense into Trent,” Mary commented as she helped clean up.
    “I hope so,” Suzie said reluctantly. “I don't think they're a good match to work together.”
    “Two days trapped on a boat should cure that,” Mary laughed