“It’s in your eyes. You’ve been checking me out too.” His lips curved. “Go on a date with me. See where it goes.” A challenge flashed in his eyes. “If you don’t, I’ll keep bugging you until you say yes.”
“You’re older than me by sixteen years. Don’t you want a woman closer to your age?”
“I go by feelings.” He lifted a shoulder. “Besides, being older means I have a lot to teach you.” A wicked smile stretched across his handsome face. “Is there anything you’d like to learn? To know?”
I want to know what it’s like to kiss you.
But I was too embarrassed to say that out loud, especially when my grandfather was just around the corner, probably eavesdropping.
As though Kain understood, he leaned in and whispered, “I’ve imagined doing so many things to you. Very inappropriate things that would have your grandfather kicking me out right now if he knew.” His warm breath caressed my skin, and tingles rushed through me. “Give me the chance to show you.”
Gathering myself, I touched his cheek. “Why areyoustill single?”
“Like I told your grandfather, I’m waiting for the right woman. I’ve never wanted anyone as much as I want you.”
His honesty warmed me, and I didn’t know what to say. Some people might not be concerned about the big age gap between us, but I was. Kain was an experienced man. Would heget bored talking to someone like me who hadn’t seen as much life as he had? Would he move on after one date?
Give him one date. You have nothing to lose.
Accompanying him at the event would allow me to get to know him.
Before I could reply, Grandpa walked into the room, groaning. I knew from his facial expression that he’d been eavesdropping.
“My back is sore from all the cooking.” He stretched to the side. “I heard something about a banquet? In case you’re thinking about inviting me, I won’t be able to make it. I’ve got a bingo game going on with Emilio. You kids go and have fun.”
“It’s not until next week, Grandpa.”
“Oh.” He looked up at the ceiling, pretending he’d forgotten something. But I knew the wheels in his head were spinning fast. Looking back at me, he said, “Maybe you can take one of his self-defense lessons and come home to show me. You’re home all week.” He turned to Kain. “Do you have time to squeeze my granddaughter in?”
“I always have time for Eva.”
“I’ll give you my bingo winnings as a thank you.”
Oh my God.
“No need for that,” Kain said, probably suppressing a laugh. “Thank you for lunch.”
I looked at Kain, and an amused glance passed between us—Grandpa had just set me up on a date at the gym. My grandfather was such a troublemaker.
“Thank you for the cupcakes, Kain. I’ll be having one tonight.” Grandpa went back to the kitchen, leaving me alone with Kain again.
“I can’t believe this,” I muttered.
“I can.” Kain looked down the hallway. “He’s a smart man. He knows what’s best for his granddaughter.”
“Is that so?”
“Meet me at the gym tomorrow, and you’ll find out.”
Chapter Seventeen
Eva
Before I headed to Kain’s gym, I sat down on the couch, facing my grandfather, who was watching his favorite TV show.
“Getting ready for your self-defense lesson?” he asked, beaming.
“You set me up on a date.”
