The Day He Kissed Her (Bad Boys of Crystal Lake 3)

“Here’s something for your burn. It should help.”

Liam took the tube and muttered, “Thanks,” which was good enough for now.

It took a bit of time to make it out of the downtown core—the place was already hopping with cottage folk—and as Mac gazed around, he realized just how much had changed. There were new light standards lining the sidewalks, large pots full of colorful flowers every ten feet or so. Facades on the storefronts had been changed so that everything looked new but also kind of old-school, which was part of the charm. It was a little like stepping back in time, except everything had a fresh twist to it.

It was a total revitalization, and he grudgingly thought that Hubber must be doing a decent job along with the local business association. And considering the state of Detroit and some of the communities closer to the city, it was a heck of an accomplishment.

On a whim, Mac hung a left at the last traffic light and headed back the way he’d come, taking the next right and following the treelined street until he came to a bridge.

Everything looked exactly as he remembered. Hell, even old man Lawrence’s Bait and Tackle looked the same—on the verge of being condemned. Mackenzie crossed the bridge and pulled over just before the bait and tackle. The oak trees on either side of the street were still massive, their branches nearly meeting each other overhead in a canopy of green that shaded the entire street.

Liam looked at him questioningly, and Mac pointed toward the dam, just past the old saw mill. “I used to jump off that thing.”

His nephew didn’t seem impressed. “Mom would kill me if I did something like that.”

Huh. The kid was right. And yet as young boys, Mac, the Edwards twins, and Cain would spend all day, every day down here, fishing, swimming, doing all sorts of stupid things that could have gotten them hurt.

They had disappeared inside the excitement and stupidity of their youth. How many nights had Jake and Jesse left for dinner, racing each other home on their bikes while Cain was good to linger until dark? Back then, his mom was always working and his father had been long gone.

How many nights had Mac spent out here waiting to go home until he knew his father would be passed out cold? Christ. Too many to count.

“Are we going to the site?” Liam asked, a funny look on his face.

Startled, he snapped out a “yep” and proceeded out to the site. Of course, his little detour cost him, and by the time he pulled into the dusty parking lot where the mobile office was set up, it was nearly ten. There were several vehicles parked haphazardly, and he ended up next to a beat-up and rusted Chevy.

He glanced at it in distaste. The thing was falling apart.

Jake was outside with O’Malley already and Mackenzie joined them. “Is that all you can afford, Edwards?”

Jake glanced back at the truck and grinned. “I’ll drive that thing until it dies.”

Mac snorted. “I think it’s already half-dead.”

He shook O’Malley’s hand and pointed to his nephew. “This is my sister’s son, Liam. He’s visiting for the summer and touring around with me this week.”

Liam offered his hand and stood a little straighter when the Irishman shook it vigorously.

“Do you like to golf, son?” His accent was thick but easy to understand.

Liam glanced at Mac and shrugged. “I’ve never tried it.”

“What?” O’Malley looked aghast, his eyes wide as he glanced at Mac.

“Hey, he’s not my kid.”

“That’s a sad thing to hear, son. A sad thing indeed. There’s nothing quite like getting out on a course first thing in the morning. Nothing. We’ll have to hit a driving range while I’m here, and I’ll show you how to hit a golf ball. Sound good?”

Liam dug his foot in the dirt. “I guess.”

Jesus. Could the kid be any less enthusiastic?

“We’re heading out to scout the best location for the course. You coming?” Jake asked.

Mac hadn’t talked to Jake since he’d shown up at the cottage and taken Lily home, and he was pretty sure that Jake hadn’t been too keen on finding her half-dressed.

Mac nodded. “Sounds like a plan.” O’Malley moved away, dragging Liam along with him, and he lowered his voice. “We good?”

Jake lifted his shoulders. “We’re good. It’s none of my business.”