"No," Allen said sternly, "it's above your height." His face broke into an easy smile as he stepped back from her jabbing finger. "I was making my point, not measuring for a carnival ride, Missy." He turned to continue back to the mansion. Grinning to himself, he added, "But if I was, you'd be too short to ride anything good."
• • •
Haley popped him lightly on the shoulder. "Dangit, Dyrus, you always manage to turn my statements back on me," she chided teasingly. She grabbed his hand then pulled him after her along the beach. "I've got enough love for myself to spare a tad for you, and we'll figure the rest out together," she said, smirking at him over her shoulder.