much drew him. Macey, though, she had been more than just a pretty face. She’d not made any attempt to conform. She didn’t wear makeup or worry about her clothes. She wore comfortable leggings, slim-fitting cowled sweaters in winter, T-shirts and jeans in spring and summer.
Even now, she remained natural, fresh-faced, her hair kept simple, usually brushed and pulled into a tail. Her clothes unassuming and not meant to draw attention to her curves. She remained smart. A woman of many talents—who still wasn’t interested in him.
He shouldn’t care. It was for the best. He came with his own baggage. Yet, his ego felt bruised.
Stressed, he exercised, in this case, he went for a swim. On his tenth lap—stroke, stroke, stroke, breathe—he saw little legs dangling in the water. He slowed and bobbed, recognizing Mae sitting on the edge.
“Coming for a swim?” he asked despite noting that she wore a summer dress.
She shook her head.
“Do you know how?”
A disdainful snort was his reply.
“The water is nice.”
“I’m not in the mood.”
A somber child, she appeared more serious than usual. “What’s wrong?”
For a moment, he thought she wouldn’t say. When she spoke, her words took him by surprise.
“Our house burned down.”
“Oh, shit.” He heaved himself out of the water and sat down beside the girl, dunking his feet beside her. “What happened? How do you know?”
“I saw it online.”
Shit, the child had found out by accident. “That sucks.”
Her head ducked. “Yeah. It happened after lunch today.”
Later than he would have expected given how the cleanup crew had set fire to his dojo immediately.
“I’m sorry,” he said while he scrambled for a proper reply. He obviously couldn’t tell the child that the house had been burned to keep her safe.
“Why are you sorry? You didn’t burn it.”
“No. However, I know how horrible it is to lose everything you have.” It’d happened to him a few times. Seven years clean was all well and good. The years before that, he’d made a mess of things, numerous times.
Mae cocked her head. “I guess you do know. The article said they think it might be a serial arsonist given your studio burned, too. And our school.”
“Your school?” It surprised him that the cleanup crew had gone that far.
“Only the junior high wing.”
“I’m sure they have a plan in place for their students while they conduct repairs.”
“Maybe. Doesn’t matter since we’re not going back.”
“What makes you say that?” he asked, cautious to not reveal anything.
“Mother packed her memory box. She usually leaves it locked up and hidden under the floor in her office.”
What could he say? He knew Macey wouldn’t appreciate him butting in with her daughter. Hard to believe Mae was supposed to be only ten years old. She had a maturity and an astuteness to her that meant he couldn’t lie.
“I can’t speak to your mother’s plans, but I can assure you that she only wants what is best for you.”
“Are we in danger?” Again, a direct question that saw through the subterfuge.
“What makes you think that?” he hedged.
“Three fires are more than a coincidence.”
“Not really. Studies have shown that arsonists have a tendency to escalate.”
“And just happen to hit three places that have one thing in common? My family?” The girl proved much too bright as she connected those dots. “We’re running from something.”
Would he lose his man card if he bellowed for Macey? He wanted to respect her wishes. Didn’t want to meddle, but her daughter seemed determined.
“It’s not my place to tell.”
Which in and of itself was an admission.
Mae smiled. “You don’t have kids.”
“No.”
“Why?” She kicked her feet in the water, light enough to agitate the surface.
The question out of the blue startled. “Because I never got married.”
“Do you have a girlfriend?”
“I’ve had a few girlfriends, but none that stuck around.”
“Why?”
He shrugged. “Guess I’m not an easy guy to be with.” It didn’t help that the nightmares woke them and frightened.
“Neither is Mom. She never dates.”
“It’s probably on account she’s so busy with you and your sister, plus her work.”
Mae shook her head. “It’s because of our father.”
“Oh. What makes you say that?” he asked, aiming for casual. What had Macey told the children about their dad?
“I know it’s because of him because she never talks about him. Has no pictures, not even a wedding one. She says they got lost, misplaced by some movers. And if we ask about him, she shuts us right down.” Mae slashed her hand.
“It’s likely a difficult subject for her.” He cast a glance over his