For now
, Land cut him some slack. “Landon Kane,” he introduced himself.
“Alyn Jayne.” She shook his hand.
Land glanced at the pug. “Who's the watchdog?”
“His name's Quigley.”
“Nice chariot.” Landon stepped up on the curb, then bent to scratch the dog's ears. He worked his fingers down his spine. The pug twitched. Smaller jolts than earlier, yet every spasm was significant. This time his right foot stiffened.
Landon's brow creased. “I didn't hurt him, did I?” he asked.
“Twitches are good,” Alyn assured him. She leaned down and tucked Quiggie's paw back in the stirrup. She gave Land the condensed version of her dog's accident, surgery, and recovery. She finished with, “Halo's been patient with Quiggie. It was a long trip south.”
Land kept a straight face when he said, “Halo has the patience of a saint. Plenty of restraint, too.”
Landon had Halo's back. He let Alyn believe what she would. Yet both men knew Halo was restless as hell. His attention span was short. Movement kept him sane. Control slipped through his grasp before he could close his fist. Alyn brought a new calm to his life. He'd managed the trip without losing it.
Landon gave Alyn the once-over. “Are you his contest winner?” he asked, obviously wondering where she fit into Halo's life.
“Not me, but my brother, Danny,” she clarified. “He's eight. My mother and I are chaperones. I know little about baseball.”
Land shot Halo a knowing grin. “A family affair.”
A fact Halo couldn't deny. The Jaynes had slid into his life and somehow fit. Like human puzzle pieces. Now was not the time to explain the situation. He moved on.
“Grab a bag and make yourself useful.” Halo's command was more an order than a request. There were six suitcases lined up on the curb.
“Do I look like a bellboy?”
“A career option when you're done with baseball.”
Halo hefted three, Landon carried two, which left one for Alyn. The smallest and lightest of the six. Halo nodded for her to precede them up the narrow stone walkway. She took Quigley by the leash and stepped carefully, kicking several stones aside that might have slowed the wheels on his cart.
“She seems nice,” Land commented, as he watched her walk away. “I'd like to know her better.”
How much better? Halo wondered. He'd never taken offense when he and Land showed interest in the same woman. Alyn, however, was different. He had no claim on her. Still, he didn't want his best friend dating her. He didn't want the competition.
Landon brushed past him then, hitting Halo with a suitcase. High on his thigh. Close to his balls. No apology from Land. His teammate was too busy eyeing Alyn's cute butt.
Halo set his back teeth. Counted to ten. Then twenty. He growled his annoyance. Warned Landon off. Land chuckled. Goading and irritating. A total asshole.
Two could play the game, Halo decided. He quickly slowed his buddy down by stepping on the left heel of his Reebok. A brand he endorsed. Landon lurched, nearly dropped the luggage he carried as he walked out of his athletic shoe.
Land only laughed harder when Halo knocked by him. Catching him behind his knee. Landon set down his suitcases and adjusted his shoe, finding great humor in the moment.
* * *
Alyn Jayne glanced over her shoulder, and contemplated their actions.
What was with those two?
She noticed Landon kept smiling. Halo's scowl could've cut steel. They were at odds. For some unknown reason. Surely they weren't serious. Just men being boys. Their clash didn't involve or affect her. She ignored them. Let them hash it out.
She set her suitcase at the base of the stairs, then lifted Quigley in his wheelchair and carefully climbed the steps to the verandah. The dog and cart weighed little. She set him down gently. Went back for the case.
Dusk turned to darkness. The automatic outside lights came on. She found herself surrounded by tropical foliage and a wraparound porch. The sun-yellow two-story inn welcomed visitors. Halo joined her and held the door. She entered. Landon snuck in so close behind her, he might have been piggybacking. Halo glared him back a step.
She'd been pleased to meet Landon. He was male model, movie star handsome. He would have his choice of women. But then so would Halo. Halo had the same good looks, only sharper, edgier. More dangerous. He could pull off sexy as easily as he could kick ass. She'd seen both sides of him at the game show.
The men crossed to the reception desk, set down the suitcases. Quigley scrambled after Halo. One wheel on his cart squeaked. It needed to be oiled. Her dog had developed hero worship for the man, just like Danny. Alyn wasn't as charmed.
She followed more slowly, absorbing the atmosphere. Relaxed and calming. Wide windows reflected the rising moon on blond hardwood floors. Pale aqua furniture, an abundance of blooming plants, freshly cut flowers, and brass accents completed the décor.
A large chalkboard near check-in listed a continental breakfast, afternoon happy hour by the pool, and all local activities. A complimentary rack of tourism pamphlets directed guests to local and state attractions. Danny would be beside himself, wanting to see Disney World and Busch Gardens. Not this trip, but perhaps another. Florida wasn't going anywhere.
Halo motioned her toward reception, and introduced her to Sharon Cates, the owner of the inn. “Your mother has the keys. Second floor, and you have two rooms with an adjoining door,” she told Alyn. “One room has a queen-size bed, the other a double and a single. Small bathrooms. Let me know if you need anything. More towels, extra blankets.”
Alyn nodded. Her mom would insist that Danny, his goldfish, and bunny stay with her. That left Alyn with Quigley. The arrangements were perfect.
Halo looked from the pile of luggage to the pug. “Priorities, Quigs,” he said. “Let's get you upstairs.” The dog barked and spun in a circle around Halo's feet. Halo leaned down, undid the straps, and drew the pug to his chest. He held the diapered Quiggie like a baby. “I'll carry you now, but only until you can take the steps yourself.”
Alyn watched the exchange. She swallowed hard. Her mother and brother treated Quigley as family. Halo, too. He cared. Her heart warmed. He scored points with her.
“That leaves me in charge of the luggage,” Landon discerned.
“Make two trips,” suggested Halo.
“I can help,” Alyn offered. She gathered the suitcase she'd been carrying, the one packed with Quiggie's dog bed, diapers, toys, and food, then reached for another.
“Not on your life.” Landon refused her help. “I work for beer. Halo's buying tonight.”
The men had plans, she realized. Perhaps a guys' night out. She didn't want to hold them up. She left Landon to the luggage. Quigs would need his cart, so she brought it with her. She crossed the lobby and took the wide staircase to the second floor.
She located their rooms easily. She spotted her mother first, reclining on a dark brown wicker lounger, relaxed and smiling. Halo and Danny sat on the floor, playing with Quigley.
Her brother looked up, said, “Halo wiggles his fingers and Quiggie scoots, chasing his hand.”
The man had big hands, Alyn noticed. Strong and long-fingered. Excited, playful, and panting, Quigs nipped at his fingertips. Not wanting to overstimulate the pug, Halo soon drew Quigley close. He began a slow massage along the dog's shoulders and down his back. Quiggie deflated, sighed. Alyn could only imagine how good that must feel.
Moments later, Landon announced from the door, “Bellhop.” He was loaded with luggage. The suitcases he couldn't carry, he scooted in the door with his foot.
“Landon Kane!” Danny instantly recognized the third baseman. He hopped up, grinning ear-to-ear. “I can't believe you're here.”
Land set down the cases, then ruffled the boy's hair. “Glad you could join us for spring training,” he said.
“Ten whole days,” Danny drew out, making it sound like a lifetime. “Has your winner arrived?”
“Not until tomorrow morning,” Landon told him.
“Is he a kid like me?”
“No, she's an older woman.”
“Mom's age or a grandma?”
“She's ninety.”
“That's almost a hundred if you count by tens,” Danny calculated.
“That it is,” Land agreed.
Danny dropped back on the floor beside Halo. “Alyn, look, Quigs is asleep,” he whispered.
The pug lay stretched on his belly, eyes closed, snoring softly, as Halo continued his gentle rubdown. Glancing up, he let his gaze meet hers. Her stomach went soft when he said, “Quigley's body is so relaxed, he feels like a bean bag.”
Peaceful was good. The body healed in sleep.
Not wanting to hold the men up any longer than was necessary, she reached for a suitcase, only to have Landon intercept her. “Which ones?” he asked.
She pointed to two blue American Touristers.
“Door cuts through to your room, sis,” her brother pointed out.
She went to take a look.
“Her bedroom,” she heard Landon say to Halo. Suitcases in hand, he followed her.
“On the bed,” she said to Land.
“Me or the suitcases?” He winked at her.
“What do you think?”
“He wasn't thinking,” came from Halo, entering right behind them. He'd scooped up the pug without waking him. If anything, Quigs slept deeper, his snores even louder.
Alyn unpacked the dog's suitcase. His bed and toys went in one corner of the room. She motioned for Halo to settle Quigley on the plush velour oval. The pug slept on.
Danny came in a moment later. He crossed to Halo, took his hand. “I'm hungry,” he said.
Halo had been their meal ticket the entire trip. He'd gone above and beyond, feeding them, paying for their hotels, purchasing tickets to the roadside amusements. No matter what the man said, Alyn didn't believe for a second their trip was completely free of cost for the winners.
She kept her voice light when she said, “They don't have much time. It may be just family tonight.”
Danny's face fell. “Halo's family.”
“Any chance you could adopt me, too?” came from Landon. “I'm up for supper.”
Her brother perked up. “Wow, two older brothers.”
Alyn agreed on one condition. “It's our turn to treat.”
“I have a dollar and eighty-five cents in my peanut butter jar,” Danny told them.
“I hope the jar is empty,” said Landon.
Danny grinned. “You're silly. Mommy put it in the dishwasher. I eat lots of peanut butter sandwiches. Alyn always adds grape jelly.”
“What's your stomach hungry for?” Land next asked.
“My heart's set on a hamburger.”
Halo gave the boy's hand a tug. “Let's check with your mom and head out.”
Martha yawned, passed on dinner. “I'm tired,” she admitted, still camped on the chair. “There's fruit and bottles of iced tea in the mini-fridge. Perfect for me.”
“You'll check on Quigley?” requested Alyn. “Feed him when he wakes up?”
Her mom nodded. “Leave the door open between our rooms so I can hear him.”
Alyn cracked it. Danny opened his suitcase; hurriedly found his peanut butter jar beneath his folded shirts. He twisted off the top, poured the nickels and dimes onto his palm, and then passed the change to Alyn.
“Big spender,” she said, accepting his donation.
Ready to leave, Danny hugged his mother. “Love you, Mommy.”
Martha kissed him on the cheek. “You, too, son.”
Gathering her paisley hobo bag, Alyn dropped Danny's money in a zippered inner slot, then slipped into the hallway. Landon came after her. He took her by the elbow as they descended the staircase. A considerate gesture, Alyn thought. His touch would excite most women. Just not her. No butterflies or accelerated heartbeat. No attraction whatsoever. She sidestepped once they reached the bottom. His hand fell away.
His smile was slow, knowing. “That's the way of it, huh?”
“Way of what?” He confused her.
He lowered his voice. “If you don't know now, you will soon enough.”
A riddle? Soon might never come. She shrugged off what he knew and what she didn't have a clue about.
Danny saved her from commenting further. He bounded down the stairs beside Halo. “Fill 'Er Up or Molly's Diner. Where should we eat?” Apparently, Halo had described the dinner options.
“You tell me.” She left the decision to him.
Danny scrunched his nose. “Fill 'Er Up is a repuâ” He searched for the word.
“Repurposed gas station,” Halo helped him out.
“The station is two blocks away. Walking distance. Molly's is on the boardwalk. Halo would have to drive. He's been driving for five days. We'll go there another time.”
He sounded so grown up, Alyn thought. His thoughtfulness left a lump in her throat. “Fine by me,” she agreed.
The night was cool and comfortable for a walk. Blossoming hibiscus and gardenia wafted on the salt air. Danny talked nonstop. The men didn't seem to mind. Danny was so excited he bounced when he walked. He quoted a few statistics as well as personal facts about the players. The guys were impressed.
Fifteen minutes later, they arrived at Fill 'Er Up. The former gas station was on a corner. “It used to be a Texaco,” Halo told her. The two aisles of gas pumps were rewired as outside lights now. The parking lot was packed.
Alyn looked around. The diner drew steady foot traffic from the beach, and was near a residential neighborhood. The owners had kept the character and tradition of three overhead garage doors, which were open to the night. Tile floors, aluminum fixtures, and square metal tables made up the casual décor.