Parker clambered down with a typical teenager's awkward grace - he looked all gangly, but there was muscle starting to form and an agility most adults couldn't regain. "So do you really like her, or are you just trying to get in her pants? Because no matter what they say, Aunt Laney isn't like that."

Zach had to smother a smile at the kid's clear protectiveness. Damn if he didn't like him better for it. "I like her - a lot. And I know she's not...easy. Beyond that, I want to ...