So Sensitive (Hard to Get 1)

“Dad, this is Wade Harrison. He’s a private investigator. He’s been helping me with a problem I’ve been ha

ving.”

Her father pointed a finger at Wade, his gaze narrowing. “What do you need a private investigator for? Are you in some sort of trouble, Gracie?”

Wade snorted and crossed his arms over his chest. “What was your first clue? The car accident that landed her in the hospital or the fact that someone broke into her place and destroyed nearly everything?”

Her dad stepped forward. His wobbling gait didn’t escape her notice. “I don’t think I care for your tone.”

“I don’t much give a shit. Right now, al that matters is your daughter’s safety. Or are you too drunk to give a damn?”

“You son of a bitch!” Before she could intervene again, her father launched himself at Wade, arms flailing. Of course, Wade was bigger, stronger, and sober. Her father didn’t stand a chance. Wade caught one flying fist in his hand, then slung her father around and pul ed both his arms behind his back. Her father cursed, spittle dribbling down his chin. Wade held firm. “Calm down, Mr. Baron. The police wil be here any minute. Do you real y want them to see you like this?”

That seemed to do the trick. After her father stopped struggling, Wade released him. He stumbled but caught himself and turned around. His bloodshot eyes shot daggers at them both, but he stayed silent. Ah, self-preservation. It was the only thing that ever registered with Quinn Baron. Gracie knew she shouldn’t care one way or the other. Her father had always been a selfish man. Stil , her heart broke a little bit every time she had to witness him in such a state.

As if sensing her inner turmoil, Wade reached down and took her uninjured hand in his and gave a gentle squeeze. “You did cal the police like I asked, right, Mr. Baron?”

“I haven’t had the chance, damn it.” He waved a hand in the air. “I’ve been a little preoccupied trying to make sense of this mess.”

Wade cursed under his breath as he pul ed out his cel phone. Gracie knew her father was lying. More likely he’d forgotten to place the cal entirely. After Wade reported the break-in and shoved his phone back onto his hip, Gracie spoke up. “Dad, do you real y want to be around to answer questions when the police get here?”

Her father shot her a look of disapproval. “You’l mind your tongue with me, girl. I won’t be taking any of your sass.”

Gracie sighed. She’d get nowhere with him, not until he sobered. That was the only time he was even remotely reasonable. Unfortunately those moments were pretty few. “Look, it’s been a real y trying few days. How about I cal you a cab? Tomorrow I can fil you in on everything that’s been going on. Okay?”

“Fine.” His gaze darted to Wade, then back to her. “There is one other thing.”

Here it comes. “What is it?”

“They’ve threatened to shut off the electricity again,” he grumbled. “I don’t seem to have enough in the bank to cover the bil .”

Gracie wasn’t sure she had the money to cover it, but to get him out of there, she said, “I’l take care of it.”

“Gracie,” Wade said, his voice a warning in itself.

She knew what he was about to say. He didn’t like it that her father used her. Truth be told, she wasn’t al that crazy about it either. But there was stil a thread there, that family connection. Quinn Baron was the only family she had, and she simply couldn’t ignore him. Even if it were the best thing for the both of them.

“It’s okay, Wade. Just let it go for now. The police wil be here, and I just don’t have it in me to worry about electric bil s at the moment.”

Wade stayed silent, though she could tel he wanted to protest. Instead he flipped open his cel phone again and cal ed for a cab for her father. In that moment Gracie knew the truth. She was fal ing for Wade Harrison, PI and al -around good guy. It was both scary and exhilarating.

When she heard sirens off in the distance, she put thoughts of her dad, of love, and of family obligations out of her mind. She looked toward the kitchen. “How bad is it?”

Her father shook his head. “It’s not like in here. The bedroom is the worst. Just a few things broken in the kitchen. There’s something you’l want to see, though.”

She fol owed him, noticing for the first time the way her father slumped. As if in pain? She sighed. The drinking was kil ing him. How could he not see that? Probably the same reason he couldn’t see that it had al but kil ed her love for him. He would have to actual y give a damn first.

With Wade close behind, a hand on her shoulder for support, Gracie walked into the kitchen. Right in the center of her round oak table sat a single black rose in a black vase. She shivered at the sight. There was a card attached, but she couldn’t bring herself to move closer to the ominous thing. Wrapping her arms around herself, she stared at it as if it would reach out and take hold of her. When would it end? How far was he wil ing to go?

Gracie didn’t think she wanted to know the answer.

Wade tugged Gracie around until she faced him. Damn, she was as white as a sheet. “Come here, baby,” he murmured, coaxing her closer.

When her arms snaked around his waist, he could feel her trembling. “He’s just a man. We’l catch him, angel. I promise you.”

Gracie looked up at him, then turned and stared at the table where the flower stil sat like a bad omen.

“Come on. You need to sit down.”