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“There’s nothing to tell. I ran into them at the store, and they invited me to dinner. I followed them to their place, we had dinner, watched a princess movie with Blakely, then Declan and I watched another movie, and I came home.”
“Is that what you kids are calling it these days?” She’s practically giddy at the idea of her granddaughter doing adult things with Declan.
“Adult things? Do tell.”
Shit. I said that out loud. “Nothing happened. We talked and got to know one another better. He started my car for me to warm it up before I left, which I thought was sweet. That was it.”
“I see getting details out of you is like pulling teeth. Did he kiss you? Did you hold hands? Are you going to see him again? I need to know all the things, Kennedy.”
“No, you don’t.”
“He’s the one,” she tells me.
“What are you yammering on about?”
“I told you I wasn’t going to tell you which Kincaid brother you were going to marry, but I changed my mind. It’s going to be Declan.”
“Grandma, I think you’re delirious from lack of sleep. Let me help you to your room.” I don’t know why she’s so hooked on me marrying again so soon, let alone one of the Kincaid brothers. Then again, I stopped trying to understand Grandma’s reasoning for things years ago. She definitely dances to the beat of her own drum.
“I have a bum leg. I’m not crippled. I can do just fine and I have that stupid scooter you insist I use. Besides, I’m not going to bed yet. I still need to pry the details out of you.”
“He gave me a hug. He talked about Blakely’s mom, and I told him about Lyle and the divorce. He kissed me on the cheek and suggested we get together again.”
“There it is.” She rubs her hands together. “Was that so hard?”
I just shake my head and smile. “I’m going to bed. Let me help you.”
“Oh, all right,” she concedes.
I help her up and with her scooter. I bring her phone and a bottle of water that I know she likes to keep on her nightstand. Once she’s settled in bed, I kiss her weathered cheek good night. I make sure the night-light in the bathroom is on, and when I walk by the outlet, her motion night-light comes on as well. I don’t want her to fall in the dark.
I make my way through the house, checking the door is locked and all the lights are off. Once I’m in my room, I strip out of my clothes. I’m in the middle of sliding the oversized T-shirt over my head when my phone beeps with a message.
Morgan: Happy New Year.
Me: Happy New Year. Just got home from an event at the manor.
Morgan: Any hot guys there?
She follows her message with a winking face emoji, and I smile.
Me: Several.
I smile when I think about my company for the evening.
Morgan: Did you get a midnight kiss?
Me: I did.
Morgan: I want details.
Me: I’ll call you tomorrow and we can catch up. Kiss Iris for me. Tell Mitch Happy New Year.
Morgan: Will do. Tell Maureen the same.
I toss my phone on the bed only for it to ring. I scramble to answer it before Grandma has a chance to hear it.
“Hello.”
“Kennedy.”
“Declan, hi, I’m so sorry I forgot to text you. Grandma was up when I got home, and we’ve been chatting. I just got her in bed. I made it safe and sound.” I rush to get the words out, blowing out a heavy breath.
“Why are you breathing so heavy?” he asks in his deep sexy voice.
“I was changing into my pajamas and scrambled to get to the phone.”
“Are you changed?”
I look down at my naked chest. “No. Hold on a second.” I drop the phone to the mattress and pull the T-shirt over my head. “I’m back.” I move to turn out the lamp and slide under the covers.
“Now, what are you doing?”
“Getting under the covers. My legs and feet are cold.”
“What are you sleeping in?”
Is it me or is his voice deeper? “An oversized T-shirt.” My reply is all breathy, and I’m sure I sound like an idiot, but he affects me in ways I’ve never experienced.
He makes this humming sound that sends my heart racing. “I should have made you stay with me.”
“What? Why? I’m fine.”
“Yeah, but I could have kept you warm.”
“Oh.” I don’t know what to say to that. Lyle never said those kinds of things to me. I’m out of my depth here.
“Next time.”
“I did agree to a next time,” I manage to reply without sounding like a phone sex operator.
“You did. Did you ask your grandma about tomorrow?”
“No, but I will. I’ll text you.”
“That works. Night, Kens.”
“Night, Declan.”
I wait for the call to end before pulling my phone from my ear. I feel giddy and excited at the possibilities of what the future might hold. I hate to admit this, but Declan is a big part of that. He makes me feel wanted and sexy. It’s been a damn long time since I’ve felt either of those things. Lyle wasn’t much for displays of affection. Declan is his complete opposite, and I have a feeling he’s exactly what I need during my stay in Willow River.
