She's Got a Way by Maggie McGinnis Page A

causing trouble again—the kind that’ll make them test their limits and work together.”
    â€œYou sound like an advertisement for military school or something.” She shook her head. “And also, you might be a glutton for punishment, if you think that approach has a chance of flying with this crew.”
    Luke shrugged. “Give me one day. Trust me for today, and if it doesn’t work, we’ll reconvene tonight and you can officially un-trust me.”
    â€œOne question—less than a week ago, you made no bones about the fact that you had a project list a mile long, and no interest in having us bother you. And now you’re sitting here offering to … well, I’m not sure yet what you’re offering, but it’s something. Why?”
    He nodded. “Good question. And I don’t even know how to answer it.”
    â€œIs it because you think I’m so inept that someone’s going to actually get hurt? Because the fish hook wasn’t my fault. Oliver said those poles are ancient. And the poison ivy … well, I guess that one could probably be blamed on me, but really, it was just discomfort, not real pain or anything.”
    She knew she was babbling, and she also knew her goal waking up this morning was to get help, so really, she should be feeling grateful that he was offering first, but instead, her initial reaction was to feel defensive.
    Was she really this bad at accepting help?
    â€œI’m not offering to bail you out because I fear for the lives of your students, no.” Luke smiled. “I’m just offering because—well, maybe because it’s what I do. And honestly, I’m only offering you one day. After that, they’re all yours.”
    Gabi stared at the water. One day. “Do you truly have any experience with kids like this?”
    â€œI’ve got experience with a lot of kids, Gabi.”
    She heard the tone in his voice before she saw his jaw tighten, and she felt guilty. He was offering help, and she needed help. She just hated that she did.
    She closed her eyes tightly. “One day?”
    Some of the tightness left his jaw, and she saw the traces of a smile return. “One day.”
    Just then, Gabi heard the girls grumbling their way toward the beach, complaining about the heat and the cold and their hair and the food … until she lost track of all the things that were already wrong with the morning. It was barely dawn, for God’s sake.
    She glanced over at Luke, who had his eyebrows raised, an amused expression on his face as he looked at her. It pretty much hit her from head to toe and everywhere in between. She shook her head and picked up her mug, lifting it toward his in a mock cheers.
    â€œLuke? They’re all yours.”

 
    Chapter 10
    Luke stood up, and Gabi did the same. Madison and Waverly immediately sat down in the chairs they’d vacated, but Luke pointed at them, hooking his thumb.
    â€œSorry, ladies. Sitting’s for later. And from here on out, these chairs are adults-only.”
    Madison rolled her eyes and sighed before she stood up, but Waverly just popped up like she’d been hooked with a crochet needle.
    â€œAll right.” Luke reached into his back pocket for a piece of paper, unfolding it as he looked at each of them. “Today we launch Operation Echo.”
    Silence greeted him. Since they hadn’t gotten beyond “one day,” Gabi had no idea what he was talking about. Obviously the girls didn’t, either.
    â€œI’ve got a list of the projects that need doing, and I’ve gone ahead and prioritized them, but I wouldn’t mind some input before we get started on them.”
    Madison crossed her arms. “Gabi? What is he talking about? Are you, like, renting us out or something? Because of one little skunk? Seriously?”
    Luke shook his head. “No rent. She gave you guys to me for free.”
    A sharp intake of