Heartthrob (The Bennett Brothers 3)

d of shit is everyday news.”

“Not three prominent cancer centers getting infiltrated in the same day.”

“Claire’s working tonight. Is she in danger?”

“Not that I know of. DEA is sending in people to poke around now.”

“If you even suspect trouble, I want to know.”

“That’s why we’re having a meeting tomorrow. There will be more information on how to proceed.”

“You’re not making me feel good here, Andrews,” I growl, anxiety spiking.

“I’m not feeling too good myself considering the stakes. Some fucked up nut job is stealing from cancer centers, and I have over one hundred people on my staff who work in Oncology and Hematology.”

“I’ll be there by six in the morning. Let me know if you need me before then.” I hang up and feel the heat on my back. When I turn, Mitch is close.

“What’s happened?”

I give him a brief explanation and watch his expression grow hard. “Is Claire in danger?”

“Unlikely. Code red with our hospital means uniformed officers are at every entrance and roaming each floor. With DEA onsite, the protection and manpower are heavier than ever.”

“Are you going to tell Claire?”

“Yes, the news is about to break, and the story will be public.”

He glances over his shoulder to the kitchen, where Kelly is at the oven. “Can you do me a favor? It’s a big night for Kelly. She’s been thrilled about this for days. Do you think we can get through dinner and pretend things are as they were before you got the call? I don’t want to ruin her excitement.”

“Absolutely, not a problem.” I don’t hesitate, knowing I’d feel the same way.

“Appreciate it. Now, I think you got where I was coming from earlier when I told you it had taken long enough.”

“Caught your meaning loud and clear.”

“Gotta say, I’m torn between envying you and pitying you.”

“Want to explain?”

“A part of me envies the journey you are about to embark on with Claire. She’s her mother’s daughter through and through. The best day of my life was the day I met her.”

“Where does the pity come in?”

“She’s her mother’s daughter through and through, which means you’ve got a lifetime of staying on your toes. Get ready.”

“That’s a challenge I accepted a long time ago.”

“I can’t speak to experience with having sons, considering Claire is my only child, but I suspect Shaw would agree with me. Having a daughter is a different kind of love. Even though Claire has been grown a long time, she will always be that little baby they placed in my arms. I promised to love, protect, and cherish her the best I could.”

“Now, you’re not alone.”

“I expect you to take care of her, give her the world.”

“Consider it done.”

He stares at me for a moment, silence in the air, but his eyes say it all. He is giving me his blessing.

An unexpected warmth sweeps through me. I hadn’t realized how much his approval meant until now.